X-Men: First Class

“Mutation: it is the key to our evolution.” These words first came from actor Patrick Stewart in the blockbuster film from 20th Century Fox called “X-Men”. Created by Stan Lee nearly 50 years ago, the comic book franchise features an alternate reality where mutated humans live with extraordinary powers. However, unlike many other heroes in comics, this menagerie of characters were flawed and vulnerable, relying on teamwork for success. Now 11 years after the first film captivated audiences we get a prequel to see how it all started.

“X-Men: First Class” begins with reliving the agony of Erik as a boy as a Jewish prisoner during the Holocaust. His ability to bend perimeter gates intrigues one Sebastian Shaw, in a controlled performance of evil from Kevin Bacon (Hollow Man, Frost/Nixon). Meanwhile in a mansion in New York, a boy named Charles meets a girl names Raven. This wouldn’t mean much, except that she can shape-shift and he can read people’s minds.

Flash forward to 1962. Cold War tensions have the U.S. and the U.S.S.R. walking on nuclear eggshells. Shaw has plans to encourage atomic war between the humans, then reclaim the world for mutants alone. Contrary to these plans, Erik is dead set on killing Shaw for his own revenge. In failing to do so, he meets Charles and a covert C.I.A. project involving other mutants. Charles has other young allies in training, each with superpowers which need to be channeled and harnessed while dealing with teenage growing pains. When soldiers and agents aren’t enough to stop other, deadlier mutants, these young people will have to grow up soon in order to save the world.

Fans of the franchise need not worry about details; the characters are as accurate as the day they were first seen on illustrations. The very best part of the film is the inspired casting of the two lead roles: James McAvoy (The Last King of Scotland, Atonement) and Michael Fassbender (300, Inglourious Basterds) as Charles Xavier and Erik Lehnsherr. In comparing to the other movies, these younger actors portray the characters perfectly. McAvoy plays as wise beyond his years, while Fassbender is hot-blooded and fierce. In the supporting cast, Jennifer Lawrence (Winter’s Bone) is exceptional in reprising the role of Mystique and Nicholas Hoult (A Single Man) plays Beast with skill. Produced by Bryan Singer (The Usual Suspects, X-Men) and directed by Matthew Vaughn (Layer Cake, Kick-Ass), this reboot of the franchise is in very good hands.

Now the biggest flaw of the film is its trying to be too big. Climaxing at the Cuban Missile Crisis, the real-life struggles of history provide an interesting but farfetched backdrop to all the action. While the stories of mutant heroes and villains is done in great detail, characters like Havoc, Banshee, Angel, and even Emma Frost are reduced to extras. Otherwise, “X-Men: First Class” is a pretty good movie. Some younger audiences may have trouble following along, but anyone from teenagers and older will enjoy this thrill ride.