A cinematic experience tends to be very difficult to impress me. The storylines of most romantic comedies tend to be cliché and action packed movies can sometimes be extremely farfetched. However, if you are looking for a movie that boasts of consistent themes, strong emotions and an underlying historical context to fit a cotemporary appeal, X-Men First Classdelivers a dynamic dose of what a good movie should be.
Throughout this movie, mutant individuals are in search of self acceptance. They are unusual, out of this world "creatures" that are feared by those around them. They are attacked and even harassed by their very own, and are sought after as experiments beingtreated less than human. "The mutants are right through that door, take them and leave us normal people alone" - the discrimination that comes through the screen, can be overbearing, but X-Men First Class touches on some very important real life issues.
There are many relationships that can be appreciated in this movie, but none can surpass the bond that was shared between Charles Xavier and Magneto. The roles were played by actors James McAvoy and Michel Fassbender, and their on screen chemistry is enough to make anyone fall in love. With a strong friendship and formal intimacy, their conversations flowed with such care and consideration; it added greater meaning to their individual roles.
X-Men First Class is set behind the historical events of World War 2, with the only indication of the time period being a black and white television shown during the course of a very modern movie. The context is developed so well; X-Men First Class shows how each character has become what we know them as today. The finer details of how Charles Xavier eventually became paralysed from the waist down, was something directors refused to leave out. It is without a doubt that X-Men First Class has set the bar for this vacation's blockbusters. I can only hope that directors, actors and producers of Hollywood can stand against what truly is a great movie.
Shahad Ali
Senior Press Pass Correspondent
University of the West Indies
