X-Men First Class (2011)

8/10 [highly recommended]

Loved it! Solid script with fantastic lead peformances.

In 1962, the United States government enlists the help of Mutants with superhuman abilities to stop a malicious dictator who is determined to start world war III. (imdb)

The story of how X Men came to be. I liked the first X Men film and X Men 2 starring Hugh Jackman and Patrick Stewart but X3 and Origins that followed were disappointing. This prequel, however, redeemed my hope for the X Men franchise.

X Men First Class succeded beacause it didn't only rely on a star-studded cast and action on attempting to create an amazing film. First Class had many new faces, powerful script, with much emphasis character development (which I believe is what this film quite powerful).

Even though First Class didn't have a A-list cast, the choice of young cast are still amazing. James McAvoy and Michael Fassbender carried this film.

First Class not only brought to our attention some of the lesser known mutants (such as Darwin, Havoc, Banshee, Beast and Riptide) but it also put much focus on character development. We are told the story of how many mutant's history. The suffering and pain Magneto went through in his childhood to his friendship with Prof X. Mystique's struggles with her identity. Professor X's childhood and friendship with Mystique and Magneto. I would have liked it more if Prof X's life is given a bit more detail because we know much more of Magneto's past than we do of Prof X.

The action sequences and editing is thrilling but never over taking the script.

Overall, definitely a fantastic film that is worth watching! X Men First Class saved the X Men franchise, which should have stopped after Xmen 1&2.