FILM: X-Men First Class

Being different is a gift, many will tell you. But out of that many, some will also say that being different is wrong. Charles Xavier has always believed that differences weren’t just gifts, they are genetic mutations. Both a blessing and curse to those who possess the gene. But which side they fall upon is up to the beholder and the owner of the gene. Many try to hide it and some will use it for purposes to suit their own cause. But as the world becomes a place filled with wars and fears of wars, mutants must arise and choose a side.

The Story

We’ve all seen and loved the first four X-men films, and with X-men: Origins starting a whole new branch of MARVEL comic book to screen revolutions, X-men First Class takes you back to the beginning, when mutants are discovering themselves and each other. What I really loved about this film is the relationships within it. For those of you who have only seen the film adaptations and never read the comics or watched the cartoons, you will be amazed at the friendships within this film.

The X-men series have always mixed history and science into their films and this is no different. Touching on the Darwin’s theory of evolution and genetic modification, the film has the nostalgic elements of all superhero films, the element that divides them from us. That divide is made stronger by all the X-men films as they also take into account the personal attributes of each character within their own personal history. Resounding images from X-men, First Class revisits Erik Lehnserr’s (Michael Fassbender) past in the Jewish concentration camp. But to add flavour to the film, the writers show us how Erik becomes Magneto throughout his experience within those camps – adding their own story to the rumoured historical attributes of German experiments within the camps.

But history and science aside, this film takes you on the incredible journey that divides the X-men from The Brotherhood; from Charles and Erick to Professor X and Magneto; from friends to enemies; and from good to evil. But by the end of the film, you can’t help but think, there’s a sad lost on both sides.

Casting

It is a big cast, but I’ll focus on the main Mutants we all love and hate, methinks. So here we go…

James McAvoy If you don’t know who this actor is all I can say is, “Shame on you.” He’s from Becoming Jane, Atonement, Wanted and Gnomeo and Juliet. I was so excited to hear that McAvoy was to play Xavier for this film. (My minor crush set aside…) McAvoy is an incredible actor and played the role with great poise and care. Obviously playing the much younger Charles, McAvoy still retained the same calmly presence that Patrick Stewart does in playing Professor X. Understanding the soft comic attributes of the character as well as the wisdom behind the professor that we’ve all seen and loved, McAvoy never over plays or under plays the part. In doing so, he was able to allow the other cast members to perform to the best of their own abilities – and I will tell you, the acting in this movie is amazing!

Michael Fassbender A major television screen actor that you might know from Inglorious Bastards and 300 was a perfect fit for the roles of Erik/Magneto. With the composure of a man who can both be a potential threat or an ally, Fassbender takes the role in his stride. Acting alongside McAvoy, he is able to counter balance the goodness of Charles with the premeditated goals of Erik. What Fassbender was able to do was make you feel both sympathetic and angry towards Erik. There was never a time in which you didn’t feel just one or the other, your emotion hangs on the balance of, “I hate you but I understand you.”

Jennifer Lawrence A rising actress captures the role of shape-shifter Mystique. Understanding the reality of being both a female and a mutant, Lawrence takes into account the personal attributes of her character. Yes she is different, but unlike Charles, Raven’s appearance is what defines her, hence by changing herself, she hopes to define herself. Lawrence captures Raven’s insecurities well, but when time came for Raven to embrace her difference, it was great to see Lawrence go on that journey of acceptance with her character. She really made you believe that though she was always going to be hiding Raven with Charles, she wanted to be free-to-be Mystique with Erik.

Nicholas Hoult Best known for his role in Skins plays the young Hank McCoy a.k.a. Beast. Similar to Raven, Hank is unable to accept his beastly nature because he wants to fit in with society. Hoult does an excellent job in playing one of the most beloved characters in the comic book series. The ability to both be smart and powerful is incredible! But Hoult brings a human aspect into his character by understanding that even amongst the mutants he is casted out because he’s genetic mutation. Hoult’s body language and facial expressions is what wins audiences over even in the times when he opens his mouth and destroys his friendship with Raven.

Caleb Landry Jones Another rising actor plays the Ron Weasley-like role of Sean Cassidy, code name: Banshee. Sean is the friend who has the capability to do great things, if he only believes in himself. What Jones does is provide comic relief in a film that is heavily based on a serious plot against each other. He is able to give us a laugh after the scenes that have pulled a few heart strings. Jones’ lively character on screen allows audience to enjoy, even in the times when he does make a serious decision.

Lucas Till Coming a long way from the Hannah Montana Movie, Till has managed to score the role of beloved hero, Havok (Alex Summers). Till’s down to earth nature allows audiences tosee that even superheroes have jerky moments. Always picking on Hank, Alex seems to be the typical high school jock of the small pack. But what Till does really well is support his fellow actors. He, Jones and Edi Gathegi (Darwin) work together as the team’s three amigos.

Kevin Bacon plays the role Sabastian Shaw, who unfortunately does not have an epic Super Villain name. Nevertheless, Bacon delivers his best as he plays the super villain in this film. Being the major cause to who Erik has become, Bacon plays the multilingual ex-Nazi German doctor well. You really do hate him in this film and he plays the character really fantastically, not to mention hold every single accent and language that his character has been given to speak! Bacon matches Fassbender’s poise as they battle the screen to see which one of them will have the seat of super villain king forever.

Rose Byrne Another Aussie on the screen is brilliant, as we only get a small glimpse of Hugh Jackman in this film. She plays a CIA agent who is part of the whole revolution of the X-men. Byrne never overplays her character, she is a true friend to all the mutants throughout the entire film and when times for her to be questioned, she doesn’t overplay the confusion over the events. She did well in playing a character that comes along side the X-men, even if she didn’t have super powers.

The Special Effects

Tops to Marvel this time around! They disappointed me with Thor, but they’ve never disappointed me when it comes to the X-men. When it comes to Magneto you know you’re dealing with amazing SE’s. Submarines, missiles and military weapons at the hands of a person who doesn’t even need to touch the items – man that’s really awesome stuff! I don’t want to give too much away, but I am telling you the SE’s are flawless. You can’t have a film about superheroes and not have someone flying. Banshee serves this expectation well with his sonar flight and you can’t even see a fault in their string work. The coolest SE I would have to say is Shaw’s absorbing methods. Yes the energy and the bullets are all absorbed by him, but when he releases the energy – BOOOOOOM!!!! I don’t want to give too much awesomeness away by awful description so I’ll just let you watch it for yourself.

Overall thoughts…

The reason I’m not talking about costumes is simply because they don’t have any new ones that we haven’t seen before. So apologies if you wanted me to talk about them, but the suits are still the same, just a bit of yellow, and yes, Magneto still has his helmet. Anyways…

I loved this film for its story and the development of its characters. I’ve never fully understood X-men until now and for those of you who have ever felt the same (or have never seen the other X-men films) start with this film, then X-men Origins and then X-men 1-3. I have never wanted to sit through an entire superhero series until now. I have a feeling that the X-men DVD box set will be on my Christmas wish list this year – it’ll be on your too after you see this film!

Star Rating: 5 Stars

Next! On sL: TBA