The O-town Scene

film review film review film review film review film review film review film review film review ‘X-Men: First Class’ gets an A Ever since I was a kid, I’ve loved everything X-Men _ the comic books, the cartoons, the action figures. Yeah, I was that kid. So when the first X-Men movie was released I was amped to see it. But, it and the three sequels haven’t lived up to my expectations. When I got word that there was going to be another X-Men movie, I had little faith that it was going to be any good. But, “X-Men: First Class” redeemed my faith in the franchise. This is not only the best X-Men films, it also stands out as an excellent superhero movie. This is in part because of the superb direction by Matthew Vaughn, whose previous credits include as producer of “Snatch”and “Lock Stock and Two Smoking Barrels.” Not only did the series get a new director, but it also has a younger cast playing the leads. Trading actors Halle Berry and Hugh Jackman for the likes of Jen- nifer Lawrence and January Jones was a great move letting a new generation take on the roles. This movie tells the origin story of Professor Charles Xavier, played by James McAvoy, and Erik Lehnsherr (aka Magneto), played by Michael Fassbender. We get to see how the two meet and become great friends and allies. Charles is a brilliant evolutionist looking to help better the world, and Magneto is a survivor of the Holocaust, looking to exact revenge on the Nazi responsible for the death of his mother. They are brought together to form a group of young mutants (individuals born with super- powers) under the protection of the U.S. government. With the help of FBI agent Moira MacTaggert (Rose Bryne, who’s latest role is “Bridesmaids” snob Helen), and mutant scientist Hank McCoy (Nicholas Hoult) they are trained to face enemies _ primar- ily Communist Russia and its puppet master behind the scenes, Sebastian Shaw (Kevin Bacon). Shaw is an age- less mutant with incredible power, and has a team of his own which includes the telepathic Emma Frost played by Jones. The conflict escales to a huge, Carib- bean battle between the two mutant- powered sides. The cast did an amazing job, the script was not con- trived, and the film had enough action and effects for it to be a blockbuster _ and in the midst of that, there was also great character development. Its Cold War setting gives the film a sense of realism and made the story even more compelling. Even comic book nerds should not be disappointed. Did they change things up? Yes. Changes are unavoid- able when it comes to superhero movies. Was Mys- tique (played by Lawrence) childhood friends with Professor X? No. Was MacTaggert an FBI agent? No. Contributed Wasn’t Banshee suppose to be Irish? Yes. But these changes did not take away from the overall enjoyment of watching this movie. But the changes were done with respect, and actually helped in the overall execution of the movie. Whether you show up dressed up as Wolverine quoting lines from “Uncanny X-Men,” or you are just the average moviegoer looking for a fun action flick, “X-Men: First Class” shouldn’t be missed. _ Peter Eklund Grade: A 10 O-Town Scene June 9, 2011

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