Review: ‘X-Men: First Class’ is a worthy prequel

Spicezee Bureau

The mutants are back and what a comeback! Yes Matthew Vaughn’s ‘X-Men: First Class’ is a slick, spectacular and high octane action thriller that will leave you asking for more. Starring James McAvoy and Michael Fassbender as Charles Xavier and Erik Lehnsherr, the film also stars Kevin Bacon, Rose Byrne and Jennifer Lawrence in major roles. ‘X-Men: First Class’ is a clever and well-thought-out sequel to the ‘X-Men’ franchise, which takes us down the memory lane and tells how the mutants came into being. The movie takes you back into the history where our mutants are at the center of the Cuban missile crisis. Even though James McAvoy and Michael Fassbender are no match to Patrick Stewart and Ian McKellen, the flick presents electrifying performances by the stellar cast. If McAvoy amazes you with his liveliness and unwavering nobility, Fassbender enthralls you with his wrath and pragmatism, which portend Stewart`s Professor X and McKellen`s Magneto avatar. The movie portrays Charles Xavier and Michael Fassbender`s boyhood in the 1940s, highlighting their different upbringing which ultimately turns them foes from friends. ‘X-Men: First Class’ traces Charles and Erik’s friendship in the early 1960’s when the two were a part of a CIA operation against Sebastian Shaw (Kevin Bacon), a mutant who dreamt of setting off a nuclear war to wipe out humanity. And here enter other mutants - CIA agent Moira MacTaggert (Rose Byrne), Beast (Nicholas Hoult), Havok (Lucas Till), Banshee (Caleb Landry Jones) and Angel (Zoe Kravitz), who ultimately change allegiances. A word on special effects, ‘X-Men: First Class’ offers spectacular visual effects and great design which enhances the cinematic experience. So grab your popcorn bucket and enjoy this spectacular superhero film! Ratings: Four cheers for this one!