Monday, June 13, 2011

X-Men First Class : back to the origins


The story traces the lives of Charler Xavier(James McAvoy) and Eric Lehnsherr(Micheal Fassbender) from their childhood to how they became the Professor X and Magneto, as we know them. They crosses each others’ path and begins a friendship which celebrates the mutual respect and caring for each other. Watching them, one really starts wondering, how the hell did they part ways? And for the same reason, it is quite a surprise when Eric, who has fought shoulder to shoulder with Xavier to defeat the evil Sebastian Shaw (Kevin Bacon) and his Hellfire Club, suddenly turns against Xavier. It is not the twist in the story – for we already know they parted ways – but the less convincing way in which it happens that surprised me. True, Eric had troubled childhood and had revenge in his mind. But he achieved this by killing Sebastian Shaw against Xavier’s wishes. Yes, he had arguments with Xavier on whether mankind will accept or fight mutants, but he had also a strong bond of friendship with him. It is this sudden change in him which I really did feel was the low point in the film. The same with Rave/Mystique who has had a sisterly relationship with Xavier right from their childhood, but her loyalty shifts suddenly, and without a strong motive. 


Apart from this, the story holds good. The characters are well developed and the actors seem to be the most suitable ones for their roles. The setting of the story in the cold war era brings with it the tension of an imminent nuclear war and the ensuing events provide a perfect backdrop for the story of good vs evil – with the fellow mutants. Micheal Fassbender steals the show with his acting and easily makes the film his. The mutants and their special abilities are cool to watch. The film has some funny scenes which is a welcome improvement from the previous ones. The guest appearance by Hugh Jackman was unnecessary. The film does show the other side of the story – how the mutants who are hated, and suffered at the hands of other humans for being different, develops a strong loathing for those who are different from them – the humans. It wonderfully portrays their pain – of being unaccepted, of being stared, of being ridiculed and the dilemma of whether to feel special, or to hide oneself. The film is a good watch for all those who love the X-Men franchise films with the superb computer graphics and well etched storyline. You would love it. And for those who haven’t watched the previous ones, this is a good starting point.

No comments:

Post a Comment