Film Review: X-Men: First Class

X-Men: First Class is the second prequel in the popular Marvel series and delivers many features that Origins: Wolverine didn’t. Helmed by Kick-Ass director, Matthew Vaughn, First Class displays a combination of engaging characterisation, a swift story, decent effects and some imaginative historical interlacing.

Charismatic Erik Lehnsherr (played by Michael Fassbender) is hunting the ex-Nazi Sebastian Shaw (Kevin Bacon), to exact revenge for personal Auschwitz atrocities. After fortuitously crossing paths with Charles Xavier (James McAvoy), the pair team up and begin recruiting other young mutants to foil Shaw’s plans of nuclear armageddon.

The most organic element to this film by far was the relationship between Xavier and Lehnsherr. The performances by McAvoy and Fassbender are top notch and really do pay justice to the deep friendship that these now-foes originally had. However, an unintended effect of this meticulous development is that in comparison, most of the other characters come off as slightly shallow and one dimensional.

With an Origins film we expect backstories, and First Class definitely delivers. Many questions about how mutants met or where they came from are neatly explained. Unfortunately, the vast amount of this exposition does make the story feel rushed in places and the studio’s strict release timeline most likely accounts for Magneto’s curious switch to an Irish accent 20 minutes from the end.

Overall, First Class aptly returns the X-Men franchise to its recognisable roots of stylised characters and ceaseless action, with a smidgeon of moralistic commentary.

3 & 1/2 STARS