X-Men: First Class

Nazis, Mutants, and Spies, oh my!

It's the cold war meets the mutant wars as history and fantasy collide with 60's hip lingo and a James Bondish look. This X-Men prequel details the bonding of Erik (Magneto) and Charles (Professor X) and tests your knowledge of Marvel mutants as it twists comic book lore. In this version of meet the mutants, expect a surprise cameo. Even though alien had to leave at the film's climax with about 30 minutes to go, it still seemed to be the best of the four X-Men movies (five if you include the unimpressive "Wolverine: X-Men Origins").

Alien gives it 3 ½ "evolution in the atomic age" stars out of 4.


If you doubt my incomplete review, just check out these comments from some of Alien's junior critics-in-training:


This one gets my vote for best of the action blockbuster so far this year. As a prequel to the prior X-men movies, this charts the beginning of relationship between Charles Xavier and Erik Lensherr, before they were Professor X and Magneto, as they start to explore their powers and as they locate, develop and unite fellow mutants.
Both main leads, James McAvoy and Michael Fassbender are excellent in their parts capturing the tone and essence of the established older versions of Professor X and Magneto while making the rolls their own, bringing a new light and depth to the characters. That is not to say the older actors are not good. Kevin bacon is a just little bit hammy, which actually works and makes for a surprisingly good villain. And the supporting cast of X-Men are all very good, bringing interest, dimension and insight to their characters. Action, pacing, and cinematography – all spot on. Be sure to watch for the cameos!

Is it as good as the previous installments? Definitely better that X2 and X3-The Last Stand, and at least as good as the first.

Overall, I highly recommend X-MEN: FIRST CLASS for both fans of the series as well as those new to the franchise.

by A.G. aka XMAN


X-Men First Class has to be one of the best movies I've seen this year. Forget Thor, or whatever else you thought was good. This movie kicks the others to the curb. Good character development, more than descent visual effects, visually appealing fighting sequences and amazing scenes keep you engaged throughout the film. I will most definitely watch it again. Expect to read subtitles as there is dialogue in German, Russian, French and Spanish. Personally hearing the Russian language butchered isn't a favorite of mine, but they get an A for effort.

by M.R. aka Russian Persuader