First Class in every sense

Rating: 10/10 (3 June 2011)

X-Men First Class is spectacular in every way. It tells the story of how Charles Xavier and Erik Lensherr meet and begin a unique friendship. They form an alliance to attempt to stop a confrontation between the U.S. and the Soviet Union in a world teetering on the brink of nuclear war. The plot is very well written and executed, but it takes a back seat. The true gem of this movie is the character study between these two friends and future enemies. How their personalities and political views interact drive every element of the film. These are some of the most complex and well-written characters you'll ever see in a superhero or any film. James McAvoy and Michael Fassbender were excellent in the lead roles. The rest of the cast deserve very high marks as well, especially Jennifer Lawrence as Mystique, and Nicholas Hoult as Beast. The movie never crumbles under the weight of being a prequel and the feeling of inevitability that comes with it. It still manages to surprise and entertain, even though some of the story is known. It also fills in a few blanks as well. It is a film that takes itself and it's audience seriously, which is refreshing. An instant classic for the action genre as well as the superhero film genre. A can't miss for anyone who enjoys good filmmaking