Just a blockbuster summer action movie, but what a blast!

Rating: 9/10 (5 July 2011)

For all people complaining about X-Men: First Class, one must not forget that, first and foremost, it's supposed to be a summer movie, not an art-house one. As Mr McAvoy says it himself, it's not supposed to change the world, it's supposed to be fun and entertaining. And for this, X-Men First Class completely achieves its goal.
I'll start with the quibbles: a few crappy lines, characters underused (Havok, Banshee, Darwin...), and some really bad CGI at times (Beast is particularly botched), and some hardcore fans will complain about (very minor) inconsistencies, etc ;but in comparison to the overall greatness of the movie, I can easily close my eyes.
The directing is nice, could have been a little more audacious, but fine nonetheless. The script is good, and the setting of the action in the sixties, intertwining mutants and history during the Cold War was a fantastic idea. It gave the opportunity to the set and costume designers to have fun to recreate a James Bond-alike atmosphere, and visuals that are just delicious.
The movie cleverly mimics X-Men opening scene, with the young Magneto i AUschwitz, and provides a great back story as well as some witty answers to some of the questions that arose from the first movies (it is important to note that this movies doesn't take the 3rd and 4th ones, which is great since they were both horrendous movies).
Now, discussing First Class without mentioning the cast is impossible, since this is really where the movie surpasses all the previous four.
Kevin Bacon as a villain is, unsurprisingly, an epic win. As usual, he is a master when it comes to portraying evil sly characters, and he was also great speaking German and Russian in this one (not pitch perfect, OF COURSE, but still, it was great to have him ACTUALLY say the lines and not being dubbed).
Jennifer Lawrence and Nicholas Hoult did a very good job in portraying teenage angst, insecurity and self-loath, they made their subplot really engaging.
But it is obviously the two leads, James McAvoy and Michael Fassbender that shine during the whole movie, they are just stellar, even if, considering the focus put on the characters, Fassbender is the one the steals most of the show. He is impeccable as Magneto, conveying his anger, sorrow, darkness and desire for revenge with sheer perfection. However, MvAvoy's part was a much subtler one, less showier, but all in nuances, and it's simply a delight to watch his dashing, rubbish-flirt, yet empathic version of the young Xavier. Therefore, when the two share the screen, it's just dynamite: their chemistry and talent irradiate and lift up the whole movie.
All in all: this is not a "great movie" on a philosophical point of view, but it's a real great moment of entertainment supported by an outstanding cast.