Definitely the best X-Men movie.

Rating: 9/10 (10 June 2011)

First let me point out that I didn't have big expectations for this movie. So far the best comic book movies have been distributed by Marvel Studios, while this is still 20th century fox. When I learned Matthew Vaughn and Brian Singer were heading the project, i knew it would regain what X-Men 3 threw out.
The acting was what made the movie shine. The character development was what really made the film. It definitely made up for the mediocre special effects, which were only so I'm sure due to budget limitations. James McAvoy and Michael Fassabender (Prof. X and Magneto) gave fantastic performances as their characters. You could really feel for all the characters, they all had their importance. Even the teenagers gave great character portrayals.
The characters are all so much more likable in this installment. The professor, Magneto, and especially Mystique seemed so much more interesting. Something I found strange though was that they made many references to the past 3 movies, but there were things that broke the continuity. However, I feel that it is important that they broke the continuity, because it was also done so perfectly. There was also an old character reference that was done in the best possible way it could have been. What this movie should have been is the start of a reboot instead of a prequel, since it was so much better. But overall it's one of the best movies i've seen. Loved it.