Fans of action, Marvel comics, and the X-Men in general were both eager and afraid to see the premiere of this film in theaters. But X-Men: First Class was a big success, even if after the original trilogy of mutants, and the Wolverine spinoff, a prequel telling the origin of the main characters did not seem like a good idea at all. However, with the work of director Matthew Vaughn at the helm, the film ended up surprising and leaving a more than positive mark on the history of mutants’ passage on the big screen.
Back to the past
In the past, in the forties, a young man named Erik Lensherr goes through a tragic event to which one of the Nazi scientists takes him. Around the same time, young Charles Xavier meets a girl who can change shape, and who has the name Raven. Time jumps to the present of the film, the year 1962, and we see how Lensherr, now an adult, attacks a Nazi base looking for those who put him through the terror of his youth. Meanwhile, Charles Xavier publishes his thesis on mutations.
In another very different place, agent Moira MacTaggert finds herself involved in an event that will lead an important United States colonel to decide to initiate a nuclear threat in Turkey. All of this is organized by the same villain behind the shadows, the leader of a place known as the Hellfire Club, who will cause the paths of all the characters to end up meeting.
A new generation of mutants
It was thought that the leading actors chosen for X-Men: First Class would have a tough road ahead of them to make a good impression on the audience. Especially since the work done by Patrick Stewart as Charles Xavier and by Ian McKellen as Erik Lensherr / Magneto, was difficult to surpass. Once we watch the film, what we can assure is that the two actors chosen for the job, Michael Fassbender in the role of Erik Lensherr, and James McAvoy playing Charles Xavier, do a top-level job.
The two actors did not start from the idea of representing the style demonstrated by the veteran performers who previously played the same roles, but rather sought their own interpretation of the mutants. And they have achieved it in a more than remarkable way. It is difficult to say if either of them leaves a better taste in the mouth, since both manage to understand the philosophy of the characters, entering into their roles in a way that is believable until the last of the consequences. For lovers of Marvel comics, it’s an interpretation that exceeds expectations.
As a good ensemble film made up of a good assortment of characters, X-Men: First Class has a large number of actors and actresses to mention. The famous Kevin Bacon enters the role of the current villain, Sebastian Shaw, one of the characters who has haunted the members of the X-Men for decades in the comics. The actor gives a performance that also leaves a great feeling, standing out in the original version with a German accent in the first scenes that adds greater intensity to the character.
Other actors we will see will be January Jones as Emma Frost, who is not completely convincing in the characterization of such an important character in the world of Marvel, Rose Byrne as Moira MacTaggert, Jason Flemyng in the role of Azazel, and Álex González, who becomes the first mutant characterized by a Spaniard, although he does not exactly have many dialogues (if not any). The group of young X-Men are played by Nicholas Hoult as Beast, Caleb Landry Jones as Banshee, Lucas Till as Kaos, and Edi Gathegi as Darwin.
An outstanding movie
X-Men: First Class is a film that has everything to leave a very good impression on viewers, whether they are fans of mutants and Marvel or if they only know them by hearsay. The film has a plot that compiles all the ideas that work. It is not only an origin story, both of the first group of X-Men, and of the two key characters in the history of the franchise, but it also offers a most exciting story. There is a villain, there is the creation of a group of new heroes, there is a friendship, revenge, spectacular special effects, and all the excitement that is normally related to this type of comic book adaptations.
The best thing is that the film takes into account the continuity of the franchise, and even has the occasional cameo, and that it develops the characters in a believable and coherent way. Viewers have the opportunity to feel firsthand the particular relationship between the two main characters and appreciate how step by step their bond grows and changes as the story progresses. No less important, even with the plot changes that were expected with respect to the comics, a coherent and consistent plot is achieved, which becomes a great way to restart the interest and career of mutants on the big screen. On the other hand, and as expected, the artistic direction and special effects will allow us to participate in exciting scenes and confrontations that will make the spectators vibrate.
You have to watch it
X-Men: First Class was a pleasant surprise. The film, which has the handicap of not having the sacred cows of the mutant franchise, such as the presence of Wolverine and other notable heroes and villains, manages to become one of the best Marvel adaptations made in years. And the quality, fortunately for fans, continues to improve in these film productions. But without a doubt, one of the most outstanding aspects of the film is the great work carried out by the main actors and also some secondary ones, such as those responsible for playing Beast and Kaos.
