"X-Men: First Class" is undeniably one of the summer's most anticipated blockbuster movies, along side other names like, "Transformers 3", "The Hangover 2", "Thor" and "Green Lantern". That kind of hype is hard to live up to, many movies flop under the pressure.
While I was never looking forward to this movie, I always knew I'd go and see it. I love the "X-Men Origins: Wolverine" and enjoyed majority of the X-Men movies (personally, I hated the third). Maybe it was because I had no expectations of this movie, that caused me to love it so much after watching it.
It had many elements that allow people to connect with it. It had romance, friendship, bromance, betrayal, a need to belong and a loss suffered.
Besides having cool effects and action, X-Men had a wonderful story that tied the ends that we always wondered. There were many relationships that were explored and even though there was many new mutants that were not there in the original trilogy, it was enjoyable.
I think my favourite part of the movie was the bromance between Eric Lensherr and Charles Xavier. Michael Fassbender and James McAvoy were amazing in their respected parts. Fassbender brought enough darkness and humanity to Eric's character. You could understand why he became what he is because of where he came from - the suffering he had to deal with. McAvoy showed Professor X's intelligence and empathy. Despite his flirty beginnings, it wasn't awkward. The young Professor Xavier was not everything I imagined but James McAvoy managed to sell his version of Charles so convincingly that I even forgot my old expectation! I loved how you could see how their friendship grew and evolved. How Eric would depend on Charles and Charles would trust Eric to do the right thing. You couldn't help but cheer their friendship on! And it was soooo bitter when you watched Eric finally become Magneto and become the direct cause of Charles' wheelchair. I teared up when I watched their friendship dissolve. There was no violent outburst on either side, just a bitter fact that both had to shallow. They calmly walked their separate ways with heavy hearts.
We all wondered why Magneto and Professor X were enemies yet they never tried to kill each other despite having many opportunities too. Their history is so much more complex then we originally thought. I knew there was begrudging respect on either side but this version is so touching.
Also, I like how Raven was friends with Charles first. That was a twist I never saw coming, because we always see Mystic with Magneto. She technically chose Xavier over Magneto at the end - it was because of Xavier's acceptance that she went to Magneto. I can understand why Magneto. Despite everything Xavier has done for her, he could never do what Magneto did. Magneto kissed her in her blue form and that was an acceptance Charles could never do for her. I'd like to believe it is because he's been friends with her for so long that he can only see her as a sister. But like any woman, they wanted to be accepted for all of themselves - including the parts that they don't like either.
I did not enjoy the face-off between Angel and Banshee though. Their flying around battle gave me a headache and felt kind of pointless. Also, where was the 3D? This movie would have been an EXCELLENT choice for being shown in 3D. If "Avatar: Last Airbender" was in 3D, though it was only the title, why couldn't this movie?
Overall, it was an amazing movie and you would be missing out if you did not go and see it!
Rating: 4/5 stars
