Contributed by Irin Tjahjana
A refreshing prequel to the X-Men film series (of which the last about the origins of Wolverine failed to impress), X-Men: First Class offers a compelling tale of genesis that awes the audience with its strong storyline, special effects, direction and the stellar cast of James McAvoy as Professor X and Michael Fassbender as Magneto, alongside Kevin Bacon, January Jones, Rose Bryne and Jennifer Lawrence.
The story chronicles the friendship of Charles Xavier and Erik Lensherr, the future Professor X and Magneto respectively, who, with their mutant friends, try to change the course of history during 1962’s Cuban missile crisis. The origins of Charles and Erik are told brilliantly, with the latter having an extremely poignant past such that the audience cannot help but sympathize with him. The stylistic, punchy narrative style of director Matthew Vaughn (Lock, Stock And Two Smoking Barrels) is utilized to great effect here as the audience is introduced to the histories of the other mutants as well.
Unexpected appearances by a particular mutant lends some good laughs, as does the use of wry humor and creative settings, which bring the audience closer to the characters’ realities. The pace is relentless; the human interest element affecting.
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