First Class Indeed

I was on a blog roll in May, and then... there wasn't anything for me to really write about! All that really came out after Thor was Pirates, and I opted to skip it (maybe I'll catch it in the $ theaters...or in redbox....or never.) I was just so bored and waiting for a good movie! Finally, this weekend I was delightfully surprised by the newest installment in the X-Men franchise: X-Men: First Class. When I was writing my expectations for the blockbusters in my blog a few weeks ago, I thought this one was gonna be hit or miss, and I didn't really have too high hopes for it. The last couple films in the franchise had been pretty mediocre. Entertaining, at times, but mediocre. I kinda figured this new prequel/reboot would be more of the same. Turns out, First Class is one of the biggest surprises of the summer (...even though we're not too far into that summer yet...)

Now, let's get one thing straight. First Class is far from perfect. In fact, some of the flaws that plagued the most recent films are here. Notably, some questionable CGI in places, and underdeveloped/annoying side mutant characters. I suppose they can't all be as cool as Magneto, Mystique or Professor X. But...butterfly girl, a poor man's cyclops, and nightcrawler 2.0? Eh. The movie makes up for those shortcomings though with its great action, story, and how well it fleshes out it's two lead characters.

It's funny, one of the reviews I read said it was the prequel everyone thought they didn't want. I kind of felt that way. Every piece of news I heard, I was kinda skeptical. When I heard about James McAvoy's casting as Professor X, I really didn't see how it would work. But somehow, it really did and he just shined in the role. But I think the best thing about First Class is Michael Fassbender as Magneto. He brought a lot of depth to the role and played his part wonderfully. The best scenes in the film always had him in them, and his brotherly chemistry with McAvoy was a real highlight. It made me want to rewatch all the older films, and get excited for more sequels.

Oh and one more thing to mention. Kevin Bacon! Haha it's been awhile since I saw him in anything and I kind of had a good chuckle seeing him here. Didn't know what to do with him as a villain, but he was fun and actually played the part very well. I do have more things to say about the film, but it'd be getting into spoiler territory or harping on continuity issues...so I think I'll just leave it at that. This is a fun movie, worth seeing, that brings the franchise back to where it should be!

Can't wait for the rest of the summer offerings! Up next: Super 8!

ETA: By request...I give this 8.5 hot Magnetos out of 10. I brand it: See it in theaters if you can...Opening Night good.
So I'll give it a number rating and I'll differentiate with: Opening Night good, matinee good, $ theater good, redbox good, dvr on t.v. five years from now good, and avoid at all costs.