I wasn't floored by any means, but it is unequivocally entertaining

Rating: 7/10 (11 March 2014)

(Credit Twentieth Century Fox) Before Charles Xavier and Erik Lensherr took the names Professor X and Magneto, they were two young men discovering their powers for the first time. Before they were archenemies, they were closest of friends, working together, with other Mutants (some familiar, some new), to stop the greatest threat the world has ever known. In the process, a rift between them opened, which began the eternal war between Magneto's Brotherhood and Professor X's X-MEN.
After two terrific movies, they hit a wall with X-Men: The Last Stand. The Wolverine films are fine entertainment as stand alone films, but a reboot of sorts was needed. They went the prequel route here. As far as entertainment is concerned? This movie delivers in that aspect; however. I thought it didn't delve nearly enough emotionally like it should have. I didn't care for some of the characters. Angel, Azazel, Emma Frost, etc. I know they tried to inject new life into the X-Men series by adding new characters, but they just felt there to me and rather disposable. Erik (Magneto) had a background story that had a lot of potential to be riveting, and it was to a certain extent. I just felt they didn't delve deeply enough like they should have. The friendship between Charles and Erik isn't anywhere near as potent as the film would like you to believe. They felt like strong acquaintances more than anything else. The action is where this film truly delivers. Those that love action won't be disappointed in the slightest. The finale is especially exciting. Performances are great, can't deny that. James McAvoy is uncannily good as a younger Charles Xavier. I don't know if Patrick Stewart saw this film or not, but he'd be impressed, I bet. Michael Fassbender is very good for the most part, but more angst would have been nice. I'm probably being a bit too finicky with this, but that's my only carp about his performance. Jennifer Lawrence is tremendous as Mystique/Raven. Kevin Bacon is effectively sinister as Sebastian. He is beaten rather weakly in all honesty tho. Hugh Jackman has a brief cameo that winds up pointless. It was rather illogical as well. January Jones is actually solid, but I didn't care for her part. Rose Byrne isn't given enough importance for my liking, even though her role is substantial. Hoult and the rest of the cast are fine.
Overall thoughts.
I was entertained, but not exactly impressed. It was a bit too shallow at times for my liking. That being said, it does fly by for a film that is over two hours long. It's definitely worth a look. I'm looking forward to the upcoming collaborative film, X-Men: Days of Future Past.
7/10