X-Men: First Class... First Class!

X-Men truly was first class. A prequel to the original 3 movies, the film tells of the origins of how the X-men were formed and how the rivalry between Charles 'Professor X' Xavier and Erik 'Magneto' Lensherr took form.

Going back to the 60's, we are introduced to what the 'first class' of X-Men who battle Sebastian Shaw and his group of mutants looking to create World War 3 in order to rule over humans.

The X-Men consisting of Professor X, Magneto, Mystique, Beast, Cyclops older brother Havok, and Beast are referred to as the 'First Class' of X-Men. Although this is not technically accurate as the true original members only contain Beast and the professor and members seen in the  first three movies. Despite that, the group is equally as impactful and helps helps bring in new characters that fans of the films may not be as familiar with.

The characters are all well rounded and have deep histories that are played out well across the course of the film, bringing with them, their own unique mutant powers. Erik's character especially exemplifies as we see him on a revenge mission to kill Sebastian Shaw, the man who killed his mother during World War 2 whilst his family were German prisoners. As he tracks down Shaw, he grows darker and more hell-bent on revenge, showing glimpses of the man he will become. Mystique, is another character who is fleshed out, no pun intended. Struggling with her appearance, we come to see her come to accept her blue skinned looks and who she is, and again move towards the person that she will become in the future. 

James McAvoy plays a very good young Charles Xavier and shows glimpses of Patrick Stewart's potrayal which makes it easy to see the comparions between the two. One question that had me intrigued would be how Professor X comes to be in a wheelchair. Theres been a few re-tellings of how he came to be wheelchair bound, with the more recent comic version being similar to the way it plays out in this film. And a sad one at that too.

Personally, Kevin Bacon playing Sebastian Shaw stole the show in my opinion. Playing a power hungry character, Shaws powers grow and make him unstopabble. The scenes in which he demonstrates and uses his powers make that much more terrifying and unpredictable. What's interesting about his character, besides his dominant persona, is that he unwittingly, or so it would seem, shapes Erik into the an even more dangerous and deadly persona, ultimately forcing the 'Magneto' out of him the world will come to fear.

There are loads of hints within the film that link to the prior films set later in the future, and even includes cameos from Rebecca Romjin who plays the older Mystique, and even a cameo from hugh Jackman's Wolverine as Charles and Erik attempt to recruit mutants. Sadly for die hard comic fans, no Stan Lee apperance this time.

Everything was on point from the characters to plotline. The film shows how mutants are first exposed to the world and instantly feared by the humans which plays a huge role into the develpment of the film. and it should. It's also the plot that shows how the mutants help each other accept themselves and help each others powers grow in strength. The special effects are also pretty amazing and the epic scene in which Erik lifts an entire submarine out of the sea easily highlights this.

All in all, the film met, and maybe even exceeded my expectations. Origin stories have never let me down so far and First Class hasn't broke that streak. And if the rumours of a triology are true, then I cant wait for them to hit the screens. As for a rating, 5 stars all the way!

The Rock vs John Cena : Old School vs New School

The Rock FINALLY made his return to a WWE ring, eight years after his final appearance. Returning in March to reveal that he would be hosting Wrestlemania 27, he also came back to confront the man seen as the face of the WWE. That man...John Cena. And the night after Wrestlemania, after costing Cena his championship match, The Rock agreed to face Cena in one more match  in the main event at next years Wrestlemania 28, setting the stage for what has for years been a fantasy match up. Much like The Rock took on Hulk Hogan in Toronto at Wrestlemania 18, two biggest faces from two different era's will face each other on on one and settle their differences once and for all. On Raw, their war of words would go back and forth including raps, confrontations, attacks, insults and parodies.

Amongst the most popular superstars in WWE history, both men represent two generations of wrestling fans who are looking forward to seeing both men clash. Both with similar career paths. Both men being multi-time champions, Hollywood stars, and two of the biggest names ever in the business.

On one hand, representing an older generation of fans and coming from the much edgier and rebellious 'attitude era', is The Rock. A former 9 time world champion and holding a whole range of prestigious title, The Rock has defeated some of the biggest and greatest names in the industry during his career including names such as Stone Cold Steve Austin, Hulk Hogan, Eddie Guerrero, Triple H, The Undertaker, Chris Jericho and is now looking to add John Cena to that list. Add to that the fact that he is now one the A-list names in Hollywood, he is without a doubt the 'most electrifying man' in entertainment.

On the other hand is John Cena. The current face of the WWE, and representing the much younger fan base and current generation, or his Cenation as he likes to call them. Currently a 10 time world champion, and what many consider to be the 'face' of the WWE, Cena is arguably the most popular superstar of this current era and generation. Similar to The Rock, he has starred in a few movies but not as successful. Despite that, Cena remains one the most dominant superstars amongst the current roster and is THE person to beat to get to the top.

So what will happen when the two finally face off...?


If the result goes in favour of the older star, then The Rock will confirm his place as the greater superstar. I, and many other older fans will will walk away from the match with a sense of fulfillment knowing that the representation of our generation defeated the newer school superstar.

Th Rock vs Hulk Hogan, Wrestlemania 18, 2002

However, if it's anything like the Hogan/Rock match in 2002 then we will see the younger superstar leave victorious and The Rock 'passing the torch' onto Cena, establishing him as the as the undisputed face.


Growing up during the attitude era and being a Rock fan since day one, I hope that Cena loses but this is the WWE and anything can happen as they say. Logic tells me that they will go down the route of 'passing on the torch', but previous Old school vs New school matches not always go down that route. Hulk Hogan vs Shawn Michaels comes to mind with Hogan beating the younger superstar.

Whatever the outcome, the match will have every wrestling fan watching, both young and old, and most likely steal the show.

BANE!

So the first official picture of Bane has been released for the upcoming Batman movie, The Dark Knight Rises. And all I can say is wow!

From the official picture released, Tom Hardy looks very impressive as the jacked up, muscle-bound man. Although things are being kept tight lipped, little things are being revealed bit by bit. And Bane is the first officially released picture relating to the film.

Traditionally, Bane wears more of a luchadore, Mexican wrestler styled mask, but from what is seen looks to be more like a muzzle covering his mouth. We can't really take away much from one single picture, especially as Bane has his back to the camera, but as we have come to know, Christopher Nolan's vision of Gotham City and it's characters are more realistic and Bane is not any different it would seem.

Bane, Batman and Robin (1997)

Joel Schumacher's infamous version in the 1997 film, Batman and Robin was a terrible portrayal. Honestly speaking, the entire film was pretty terrible but I remember when I was younger that I loved the film so much and never saw how truly bad it was. But Bane stood out, not because the way he looked, but because his character was made to be a person of just pure brute and not much brains. In fact, that's all he was so it will be very interesting to see what the 2012 version



Who is Bane!?
In the comics, Bane is famous for breaking uncovering Bruce Wayne's secret identity, breaking his back in battle and rendering him useless, forcing him to find a replacement Batman while he tries to heal. Because of this, Bane is one of Batman's most dangerous and lethal enemies. Tactically, he is a smart individual, who was able to break out Arkham Asylum inmates in order to test Batman and wear him down so that once he had reached Bane, Batman was exhausted physically and mentally.

After eliminating Batman, he set up up his own crime organisation in Gotham until he was defeated by Batman's more vicious and brutal replacement. Naturally a strong physical being, Bane has Venom that he has injected into his blood stream which increases his strength and durability, but also sends him into vicious rages whilst he is in battle which makes him that much more lethal.

Considering his origins, and how he is perceived in the comic books, Christopher Nolan's re-imaging will an intriguing aspect of the film which many are looking forwards to seeing.