“… Alliances are formed that will shape the eternal war between the heroes and villains of the X-Men universe.”
This First Class film unveils the beginning of the X-Men saga, establishing the relationship between Professor X and Magneto, when the two were young men discovering their powers together. Before they were archenemies they were the closest of friends. It’s a spectacular take on how both of them made their way in this world following their early epiphanies. The character-driven story shows how they discover, harness, and come to terms with their formidable powers. In the series of films set later on in their lives, the characters have split permanently on this very issue - whether to make peace with humanity or continue to fight for mutant rights.
Called a "pre-boot", the film has tones of a James Bond-esque Cold War intrigue. Matthew Vaughn guides the film with a sure hand, allowing plenty of room for the dramatics to unfold without getting too dark or serious. Inevitably, not every character gets the same level of attention, but X-Men: First Class does at least ensure they all have a reason for being there. So what if Vaughn walked out of the The Last Stand. The Last Stand's loss, though, is ultimately First Class' gain.
*Some of my favourite Who Said To Whoms from the Movie*
Erik Lehnsherr: "If you're using half your concentration to look normal, then you're only half paying attention to whatever else you're doing. Just pointing out something that could save your life. You want society to accept you, but you can't even accept yourself."
This quote echoes much of Lehnsherr/Magneto's moral philosophy regarding mutants. He feels that they should not waste energy trying to blend in with humanity, but should celebrate their physical superiority.
Erik Lehnsherr: "Peace was never an option."
I am truly madly deeply in love with this chap!
I am truly madly deeply in love with this chap!
Professor Charles Xavier: "You know, I believe the true focus lies somewhere between rage and serenity."
The ever optimistic Professor X at his best.
The ever optimistic Professor X at his best.
*Why Magneto gets my Vote*
Erik Lehnsherr:"Let's just say I'm Frankenstein's monster and I'm looking for my creator."
And Snazziest Cameo Performance Award goes to…
Erik Lehnsherr: "Excuse me, I'm Erik Lehnsherr."
Professor Charles Xavier: "Charles Xavier."
Logan: "Go f*** yourself."
Professor Charles Xavier: "Charles Xavier."
Logan: "Go f*** yourself."
What winning charm!
Ohk, so we know that Bryan Singer uses mutants as an analogy for the persecution of homosexuals… blah blah blah… but did you imagine it being oh-so-obvious? Where are the days of subtlety? Lehnsherr and Xavier’s on-screen chemistry is sizzling hot! The romps are in your face! *Phew*
Xavier to MacTaggert: “I cannot leave him alone in there.” (In reference to a situation dearest Magneto could. and mostly did, handle without a flexing a muscle).
Xavier to Magneto: “You did this to me.” Awwww… This is lyk Prof X going all dopey and mushy over Magento’s rejection of him… !
Whatever said and done, the beating heart of the film, and when it's at its absolute best, is when Michael Fassbender and James McAvoy are on screen. Period.
*Moments in the movie to poke fun and throw popcorn at*
~The group of teens that start dishing out the iconic names for their mutant selves. Actually, that part is bearable… it’s just the “whatever-ness” attitude that leaves a sour taste in the mouth. The teens of that time were not really supposed to be the antsy MTV-filled ones they are now. So the egos don’t really match.
~The film has a lingerie budget far in excess of any blockbuster in recent memory. I mean, seriously, all the females in the movie seem to be naked or their in undies at one point or the other. Pray, why???
~Kevin Bacon. Your conventional megalomaniac is introduced right in the beginning of the movie and I do lyk the wealthy power broker quite a bit. I just didn’t buy how out-of-the-blue his mutant abilities were.
~ Emma Frost's crystalline form was another one of those things that just didn't look right.
*Psssst*
A word about Fassbender, he might not know it yet, but, he is, definitely, a James Bond in waiting.
Xavier to MacTaggert: “I cannot leave him alone in there.” (In reference to a situation dearest Magneto could. and mostly did, handle without a flexing a muscle).
Xavier to Magneto: “You did this to me.” Awwww… This is lyk Prof X going all dopey and mushy over Magento’s rejection of him… !
Whatever said and done, the beating heart of the film, and when it's at its absolute best, is when Michael Fassbender and James McAvoy are on screen. Period.
*Moments in the movie to poke fun and throw popcorn at*
~The group of teens that start dishing out the iconic names for their mutant selves. Actually, that part is bearable… it’s just the “whatever-ness” attitude that leaves a sour taste in the mouth. The teens of that time were not really supposed to be the antsy MTV-filled ones they are now. So the egos don’t really match.
~The film has a lingerie budget far in excess of any blockbuster in recent memory. I mean, seriously, all the females in the movie seem to be naked or their in undies at one point or the other. Pray, why???
~Kevin Bacon. Your conventional megalomaniac is introduced right in the beginning of the movie and I do lyk the wealthy power broker quite a bit. I just didn’t buy how out-of-the-blue his mutant abilities were.
~ Emma Frost's crystalline form was another one of those things that just didn't look right.
*Psssst*
A word about Fassbender, he might not know it yet, but, he is, definitely, a James Bond in waiting.
