by I finally made it to see the latest entry in the X-Men franchise, First Class. While many feel the series had run out of steam after the disappointing third movie and the mess that was X-Men: Wolverine, this newest chapter should restore faith in the genre (and Bryan Singer).
This “prequel” to the X-Men series is a whirlwind of activity, storytelling, and action. Opening with a murder in a concentration camp told with German subtitles, it is the darkest and most violent of the series, but also the most intense. Interlocking the mutants’ history with the Cuban Missile Crisis did not always work, but it was an ambitious idea that created some real tension to anyone old enough to remember the very real fear of nuclear war.
While “purists” may be disappointed the original team is not the same as the books (due to the creative liberties the past movies have taken with characters and timelines), Havok and Banshee are presented so well that you don’t really miss Cyclops or Jean Grey.
One of the best aspects of the film is the intriguing dissection of the character Raven, or “Mystique.” Long a fan favorite, her inner turmoil is explored in depth, creating a three dimensional character from the most interesting of the mutant population. Erik and Raven were both presented as sympathetic characters, plagued by self-doubt and, ultimately, a resentment and rage fueled by their victimized pasts.
..?and now for the part of the blog geared at fellow comic book nerds:
As a fan of the books since I was a kid, I do have some issues with the movie.
We definitely could have done without the action stopping every few minutes to hear, “Oh, I know what your new code name can be!” We already KNOW who Magneto is; the movie did not need an awkward break in the flow so Raven can say, “We decided you should be called Magneto.” A minor point, but it got a little annoying.
Also, while Mystique was explored magnificently, the character of Emma Frost, future headmistress of Xavier’s school, is wasted. She is presented in the movie as a seductive, brainless go-go dancer instead of the manipulative and ambitious leader she is in the books.
Another character with potential was the Hellfire Club’s Sebastian Shaw. He is portrayed completely differently in the movie, and it seemed as if producers just threw Kevin Bacon into the role to have another “big name” actor in the movie. The result is another potentially intriguing character wasted.
Finally, this prequel, already intended by filmmakers to be the first in a “trilogy,” suffers the same fate as Star Wars: Episode III. In an attempt to “explain” how SO MANY events in the later years came about, First Class tries to cram WAY too many life-altering events into just a few days so they will all fit into the movie. It is too convenient that the X-Men go on their first mission, Magneto acquires both Raven AND Emma Frost, Professor X loses the use of his legs, he and Moira begin a relationship, Beast gets his fur, they all decide on their “code names,” etc. etc?..all within days. It comes off rushed and contrived, just as the rise of Darth Vader did in Episode III.
All in all, X-Men: First Class restores the series to its former glory, albeit with a few hiccups along the way. Whether you are a hardcore fan willing to overlook a few warts or a casual moviegoer looking for a great time, this movie is a great way to spend a couple of hours.
(And be sure to keep an eye out for two VERY cool cameos!)
