X-men First Class - Another Universe away.

I must confess to start. I am a devoted Marvel fan, especially since Brian Michael Bendis and Ed Hickman started their careers at the superhero icon. It seems trivial to review issues and storylines in a blog, unless specifically designed for that purpose. I will endeavor not to cross that line, as it takes a retcon to be "in" on what the significance of the current events are.

Movies, however, I can and will review. First class starts with Erik Lenshurr, the future villain Magneto, as a child in a Nazi concentration camp. He unlocks his mastery of metal through the rage in watching his mother die before his eyes. Meanwhile, in New York, a young Charles Xavier is awoken in the night by the sounds of a break-in. When reaching the kitchen, he meets Raven Darkholme, a mutant with the ability to shape-shift. Charles invites her to stay as a friend, she need not steal her food. Years pass, Erik vows revenge on those who tortured and shamed him, Charles attends college and publishes a thesis statement on Mutation and its Effects upon Human Race's history. Xavier is confident and arrogant in his ability to read the minds of others. Raven likes him, but he views her in the abstract box of a companion - one who shares his odd genetic line, although she looks like a freak in her original form of blue skin and yellow eyes.

Sebastian Shaw, head of the gentleman's group The Hellfire Club, is also a mutant, but he has bigger plans than just fitting into society. He assembles a core of Emma Frost (a telepath with diamond skin), Azareal (a teleporter), and Riptide (Air manipulator). They manipulate the political conflict between Russia and America, wanting to bring about a nuclear war that would kill humans and strengthen mutant strains. Xavier and Lenshurr meet while attempting to stop Shaw, and agree to form a counter group to better achieve that end goal. They find Alex Summers (Havok, an energy wielder), Hank McCoy (Beast, brilliant and has hands for feet), Armando Munoz (Darwin, ability to adapt his physiology to survive), Angel Salvatore (Angel, she has proportional dragonfly wings [Digression - in the written Marvel Universe, her name is Tempest and she is nowhere near this timeline.]).

The strain in the movie grows between optimistic Xavier and embittered Magneto. One wants to preserve both humans and mutants, the other wants it to be all or nothing. Shaw is a great opponent for the films, as he absorbs all physical damage as energy and can channel it back to the sender. (The harder you fight him, the better he becomes). The setting of the movie around the Cold War is an interesting stroke, and the effects are impressive. I must say that my favorite part of the movie was Hugh Jackman's cameo appearance. As a Caveat to sensible viewers, Hellfire Club and the meeting of Angel both feature risque apparel in an otherwise periodly modest environment. Overall, a good standalone movie, yards above X-Men Origins: Wolverine, but Xavier's character came across as lucky and arrogant. He doesn't have to train throughout the movie, and yet his finale comes through in spades. I liked the acting of Erik, Raven, and Hank - they were relatable and had appropriate levels of sympathy for the decisions they make during the course of the film.

Monsters or heroes?
Are Villains born or just formed?
Be the better man...