X - MEN - FIRST CLASS (REVIEW)
Rated
M - 132 mins
James McAvoy, Jennifer Lawrence, Michael Fassbender, Kevin Bacon,
Rose Byrne, January Jones, Zoe Kravitz
As the title suggests,
this is a prequel (not sequel), to the Marvel comics inspired X-Men series that
involves mutants with extraordinary powers who live among humans on earth.
Set
in the early 1960's, the unveiling of the X-Men saga is set around actual historic
global incidents of the time, including the Cuban missile crises and facets of
the Cold War. Before they became enemies, the first class is inadvertently led
by best friends Professor X and Magneto. Working together as a team with other
mutants to harness and come to terms with their formidable powers, alliances are
channelled that takes shape and bring forth an eternal war between the heroes
and villains of the X-Men universe.
Along the way an acute
rift begins that separates Magneto's brotherhood clan and Professor X's X-Men.
It is a fractured relationship that over time will have devastating results. For
aficionados of the previous films, there are plenty of character favourites introduced
when they were young, none more so than the evasive Raven Darkholme, or soon to
be better known as Mystique. Played by recent Oscar nominee for her outstanding
performance in the little seen 'Winters Tale, Jennifer Lawrence is at her best
when the blue skinned, yellow eyed mutant shows insecurity about her natural looks
that she can conceal with a human facade.
Before he inevitably
ends up in a wheelchair, Scottish actor James McAvoy is perfect as Professor X
running around like James Bond running proceedings and directing his unique compatriots.
Another good performance from Michael Fassbender (Inglorious Basterds) as Magneto
shows glimmers of evil before becoming an arch enemy, while Australian Rose Byrne
fits right in with both the retro fashions and over the top action sequences.
A
most powerful moment is the uplifting of a submarine out into the air from the
water. Frantic it may be, but the era is recreated with respect, something the
costume designer has addressed to perfection. Humour is a problem, the delivery
of many ordinary one-liners outnumber the few worthy quips of wit amid the battles.
However, a reboot of the X-Men franchise was needed after losing the essence of
what the characters represent in the previous instalment.
A
plethora of old school actors such as Kevin Bacon, Oliver Platt and James Remar
appear, while January Jones only has to walk on screen as notorious Emma Frost
to be the centre of attention. Also be ready for a rather vulgar but extremely
memorable 'hairy' cameo from an X -Men favourite.
This prequel
is an accomplished achievement, worthy high grade entertainment and a fine accompaniment
to the ongoing Marvel superhero universe including the up coming Captain America.
Shane
A. Bassett
