Review of X-Men: First Class (2011) by Isadore H — 28 Jan 2016

Though the X-Men films had begun to take a downturn by the point of X-Men Origins: Wolverine (2009), my dedication to the series as a fan secured a guaranteed viewing for X-Men: First Class.

The X-Men films have continuously been an impressive array of superhero spectacles, but the last two entries have been problematic. X-Men: The Last Stand (2006) had too many characters for its own good while X-Men Origins: Wolverine offered too few and did little with them. X-Men: First Class manages to find a mediation where it has a strong balance between its number of key characters and supporting figures, while continuing the origin story style narrative that X-Men Origins: Wolverine attempted. Taking viewers back to the mysterious past that eluded them with the original X-Men trilogy (2000-2006), X-Men: First Class tackles a different generation of characters while providing the background to pre-established ones. This all unfolds against the backdrop of the Cuban Missile Crisis which makes clever use of real history and science fiction.

The screenplay in X-Men: First Class is extremely intelligent. Providing a strong background for the later narratives covered in the original X-Men Trilogy, X-Men: First Class uses an intriguing story as the front for an exploration of intelligent themes and characters. Exploring the background of discovering the existence of mutants, the film uses both concept and characters to the full extent. Originally intended to be a background story for Erik Lehnsherr and his transition into Magneto, Matthew Vaughn propels X-Men: First Class significantly higher and makes it an origin story for him, Charles Xavier and the creation of the X-Men themselves. The narrative is very clever in how it works these dynamics as the contrast between the powers of Charles Xavier and Erik Lehnsherr proves to be depicted brilliantly. Charles uses his abilities to manipulate the minds of his enemies to restrain them while Erik forcibly uses his magnetic telepathy to physically capture them. This is a physical manifestation of the contrasting desires of the characters in their path for a greater world, and it is explored both visually and within the script. This just goes to show that X-Men: First Class is both visual and insightful. Yet though the story focuses on the individual characters that make up the great franchise, it doesn't neglect the need for a big story to anchor its movement which is actually an impressive step-up from the preceding films since there is less melodrama this time around.

X-Men: First Class begins with some powerful drama to immediately set the mood and then it never drops the atmosphere. Though the story keeps moving at a fair pace to keep the atmosphere active, there is also enough time to comprehend everything being discussed. The script makes use of some extremely intelligent dialogue, using themes which challenge the viewer to consider multiple perspectives on the concept of mutation. It challenges viewers to consider whether mutation is a form of evolution or a mere deformity, and though the film promotes the former as the more positive path, it gives an open perspective on the latter as well. Frankly, considering that X-Men: First Class is the first X-Men film to not feature Wolverine in a role any more significant than a cameo, I must say that I never missed him for a second.

Since the film is a prequel to many stories which have already been told the sense of mystery is not too rich. Though there are many unpredictable plot turns in the story, any fan of the X-Men films knows where the story will end. And admittedly, by this point there is a lot of familiarity with all the themes being explored and so the film has to use spectacle to distract viewers from this by revealing all kinds of new mutants and their distinctive powers. Luckily enough, the director has a brilliant eye for imagery.

Matthew Vaughn has proven his talents as an accomplished director having helmed countless stylish production, progressively developing from low-budget productions such as Layer Cake (2004) to efforts of a significantly larger scale and budget along the lines of Stardust (2007). X-Men: First Class is clearly his largest challenge yet with a budget of around $150 million. But he never loses sight of importance, ensuring that there is style in every single shot and that the scenery is rich in colour. The production design and costumes are extremely convincing in building the intended universe, and the visual effects are very well detailed. All this merges together during the action scenes in which the versatile collection of superpowers are put on display with exhilarating combat scenes and disaster-scale explosions. The sound effects assist in intensifying all this, and the musical score keeps the experience rich with atmosphere.

With all these aforementioned powers on display, there is a large array of characters unleashing them. And the cast responsible for playing the parts are rich with exceptional dramatic talent. James McAvoy delivers one of his career finest performances in X-Men: First Class. Proving in a single role that he is both easily capable of leading a blockbuster with heroic charisma and stepping into an iconic role established by a legendary actor like Patrick Stewart, James McAvoy breezes past both challenges without problem. Challenged to deliver a more physical effort than Patrick Stewart, James McAvoy is seen using his powers with the flow of his entire body. And in terms of grasping the wisdom that makes Professor X iconic, James McAvoy puts a steady approach into developing an understanding of the surrounding world, the powers and the proteges that all characterize the role. James McAvoy grasps everything and does it with serious dedication to all the little emotional aspects of the character, grasping his dedication to the cause and his changing relationship with Erik Lehnsherr. James McAvoy takes the opportunity to provide a background for Charles Xavier and runs with it, putting in small aspects which hint at Patrick Stewart's performance while ensuring that his own vision for the character is pursued with his intrinstic acting charisma, effectively broadcasting an excellent performances which proves how the man can shine on many dramatic levels.

Michael Fassbender similiarly is in absolute top form. Though he is given the same responsibility as James McAvoy as he has to step into the shoes of a role established by Academy Award nominee Ian McKellen, Erik Lehnsherr is a far more complicated character due to his tangles with inner conflict and his desire for power. Magneto has been viewed as a villain with his own notion of best intentions, and X-Men: First Class manages to establish a background for this incredibly well and make him a more sympathetic character, a notion grasped by Michael Fassbender without neglecting the angry and tenacious power of the man. Michael Fassbender progressively lets his powers take over as the story progresses and you can see him gradually progressing to a calmer state as the story goes on, developing a comfort for the villainous nature of the character. His physical engagement with his superpowers is very rich in tension while his line delivery is incredibly wise yet also intimidating. Michael Fassbender manages to bring unprecedented dimensions to the role of Erik Lensherr and proves to develop into Magneto perfectly, ensuring that the original intentions of X-Men: First Class as a Magneto origin story are fulfilled. Michael Fassbender is truly the greatest member of the cast in X-Men: First Class.

Jennifer Lawrence does a brilliant job in the role of Raven Darkholme. Though Rebecca Romijn was superior in grasping the accomplished fighting skills and seductive nature of Mystique, Jennifer Lawrence does a superior job developing her as an actual character and not merely a gimmick. With Jennifer Lawrence being one of modern day's most notorious actresses, it is refreshing to see her working in an ensemble where she isn't elevated above the relevance of the surrounding characters as a gimmick. But this doesn't mean she fails to make an impact, it just means that she works so well with the rest of the cast that they really establish powerful teamwork. It allows her to play a more everyman role, and she develops the character slowly over the course of the film while building a rich chemistry with the many other actors. Though she engages with the adventure of the story with a passion for the journey, she also carries a sense of innocence with her which is gradually explored by the script and changed more as the drama builds up. Jennifer Lawrence makes a strong addition to the cast of X-Men: First Class, making her current high-profile legacy easy to forget.

Kevin Bacon delivers his finest performance in years. Though he has not highlighted a high profile film in a long time, Kevin Bacon proves he is as capable as ever of doing that in X-Men: First Class. His performance is one of tenacious villainy, one of endless sadism and hunger for power which he never steps out of. His cold stare hides nothing, it simply foreshadows the domination ambition which would later become transferred into Erik Lehnsherr and create Magneto. Kevin Bacon grasps his powers with an angry joy for them and keeps his line delivery rich in intensity, proving the perfect antagonist for the story.

Rose Byrne delivers a compelling and determined effort, and Nicholas Hoult captures the intelligence of Hank McCoy and the agression of Beast with instinct.

So though it features some familiar themes, X-Men: First Class takes the series to an all new standard with a brilliant balance between spectacle and characters, capturing the former with brilliant action and the latter with an intelligent script and rich cast.