Movie Review - X-Men First Class

X-Men First Class is a solid entry in to the comic book movie category. It runs a bit long (2 hours and 12 minutes) but a lot of the film is tied to character and story development. We get a deep view into how and why Xavier and Erik become Professor X and Magneto. And, into how their different view on humanity lead to the schism between them.

If you're looking for established storyline accuracy, you won't find it here. Some characters are the wrong age, Xavier and Magneto's friendship is much shorter and Hank McCoy designs, well, pretty much everything.

Kevin Bacon is really good as the villainous Sebastian Shaw. His first scene with the young Erik in a German concentration camp is chilling. His plan to start a nuclear war between the US and Soviet Union in 1962 is crazy yet comes across as plausible. Tying the story to the Cuban missile crisis was a nice touch.

James McAvoy as Charles Xavier and Jennifer Lawrence as Raven/Mystique stand out the most of the cast. He was well cast and I thought she was wonderful. Steven and I took turns squeeing at the smaller roles of some of our favorites: Glenn Morshower (who will always be Aaron from 24 to me), Oliver Platt, Ray Wise and Michael Ironside. There are a couple of quick cameos that I won't mention so the surprise isn't spoiled but they were fun.

The film wasn't perfect. Fassbinder's ever changing accent drove me crazy and the supporting villains aren't really developed at all. Ultimately, it was a fun way to spend our morning at the theater.