X-Men First Class: Best Super Hero Movie of 2011

Among the flurry of Super Hero movies released this year-each being produced in a similar fashion and becoming increasingly redundant because of it-stood out a film that raised the standard for the genre. X-Men First Class was a reminder that squeezing out another sequel in a formulaic and low quality manner isn’t the only way to make money; that an entertaining action film made with effort will always trump a safe bet approach towards making a quick buck.

The film starts with a disturbing scene of a young Erik being torn from his parents during the Holocaust; screaming for his family while dressed in rags and a number on his arm, the beginning sets the moral dilemma for which rest of the film tries to address-the struggle of understanding and responding to an act of great cruelty and intolerance.

The movie rewrites history as it reveals the Cuban Missile Crisis true significance, an attempt for villain Sebastian Shaw (Kevin Bacon) to wage war between mutants and humans. Director Mathew Vaughn, also known for the comic style of Kick-Ass, manages to keep the dramatic and darker scenes of the film from seeping over into the more humorous parts, and despite speeches of mutants never being accepted by humans running too long at times, the movie doesn’t force the issues on the audience.

Aside from the larger picture of humanity depicted by the film’s concepts, the movie remains an action movie. The action scenes are well executed and are enjoyable to watch, specifically the special effects in final battle. The comedic scenes contain clever dialogue that doesn’t seem forced, but natural while also keeping the audience’s attention.

Because the film is a prequel to the popular X-men franchise, a great deal of the movie alludes to what will become to pass and helps create an already existing interest for the plot. Indeed, the best dialogue occurs between future rivals Erik and Charles. The complex relationship between them not only makes the film shine because of their captivating performances, but because it presents both of their sides equally. There is no clear wrong side as they both make valid arguments from their unique experiences and personality.

Unfortunately, because the characters are developed with much more depth and the plot is directed with greater skill, the prequel actually dulls the other movies. Still, X-Men First class remains as a quality super hero movie that gives hope for the future of the comic book genre.


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