X-cellent prequel

Rating: 9/10 (15 June 2011)

Ladies and gentlemen, I present one of the best films you'll see all year. 'First Class' is, indeed, first class, and returns the X-Men name back to cinematic glory.
One of the key ingredients for this movie's success is the emotional resonance that the audience gleans from the characters. The screenwriters, producers, and director seem to fully connect with the X-Men mythos, and while this movie is not 100% true to the events in the comics, the emotional resonance is intact, and that's really what matters most.
Another key ingredient is the cast, which is practically devoid of A-list actors. These actors put their best foot forward, even at the risk of being typecast, which in my view, is very honourably. It goes to show how much respect the material is garnered.
As an example, Michael Fassbender has to be the most intense actor in recent memory. His performance in Inglourious Basterds only hints at the intensity that he displays in this film. His Erik is at times sympathetic, other times morally reprehensible, but we as an audience fully understand the reasons behind his actions, almost like we can put ourselves in his shoes if we experienced the same trauma he experienced. This creates as close to an Oscar-worthy performance as one can possibly hope to achieve. To not get a nomination would be a crime.
James McAvoy's excellent performance as the future Professor Xavier is the other side of the coin to Erik's intensity; he initially represents conformity to the homo sapien ideal rather than homo superior. He uses his gift as more of a means to pick up women rather than more noble and heroic pursuits. It's not until Moira McTaggert enters his life that he acts on those pursuits, even if he's initially compelled by the CIA to do so.
Xavier's initial meeting with Mr. Lehnsherr is a life-changing moment; he went from being pacifist to activist after knowing first-hand what Erik went through during the Holocaust. This, in turn, leads to an understanding between the two that develops into a deep friendship that will be tested later in the film.
The accompanying cast holds their own; Jennifer Lawrence as Raven makes a complete character metamorphesis from someone who's eager to please in order to conform, to someone who's fully comfortable with who she is. Conformity vs free-will is a component that is examined time and again throughout the film at pivotal moments to great effect.
I haven't even touched on the time period when the movie takes place, which has about as much to do with the plot as everything else. Another well thought-out component.
I highly recommend this film if you are into the X-Men, or just into really good movies. You will *not* be disappointed.