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!