X-Men: Split Personality Disorder

Rating: 6/10 (3 June 2011)

X-men: First Class is a film that requires patience. The film has an almost laughably bad beginning, with a few giggles spread for the next hour, before a spectacular second half which saves this film and leaves you with many memorable moments. Yes, X-men: First Class is 'that' movie. The one you skip a large portion of it and then tell your friends how amazing it was. The first half all just in the back of your mind.
The film has a wonderful story, which is cheesy but shameless, and is all a tale of revenge. Character traits are very heavily held out, so development is a breeze. Unfortunately, none of them felt real. When holding such significant themes in (what is classed as) a mainstream film, this isn't a positive. One can make absurd characters realistic, but X-men hasn't achieved it. If it didn't want too, that'd be great. Unfortunately, the opposite is the truth.
Having said that, visually the film ranges from average to fantastic. The CGI work is mostly a work of art, enough to distract you from the occasional bad dialogue, but some of the make-up is looks dated, mostly in the character of Beast (who's awful lip-sync and comical aggression doesn't help).
Notably; I haven't seen the other X-men films, though I am aware of certain aspects due to pop-culture. Some of the fan service, such as the cameo's, is well done and enjoyable. The ending, is of course, predictable, however the journey (at least the second half of it) is entertaining enough and has a few twists and turns that it's not a matter of what will happen, just a matter of when, which will keep you on your toes. This is how a prequel should be handled.
The films pacing is very out of line, with some very important pieces flashing by, while filler is extensive and overly long. Over all though, filler is used sparingly, and most of the scenes hold significance to the story.
Having said all that, X-men first class is not the amazing film everyone was hoping for. It's worth seeing, definitely. A 6/10 is by no means bad, it just isn't ridiculously good. Yes, X-Men First Class is suffering from the unfortunate Split Personality disorder. Half of it's bad, and half of it's good. I, for one, will not be revisiting this film for a second viewing in the near future though. Maybe when it hits the $10 shelf, in a year, but no time prior.
Second Opinions (Ratings more tailored for your needs): - For X-men fanatics, an 8/10 - For those who want story, a lesser 5/10. (The story is good, it's just poorly executed for the most part). - For those who only care for action, 6/10. You could find much better!