Variety
After undergoing some unfortunate mutations in recent years, a beleaguered Marvel movie property gets the smart, stylish prequel it deserves in X-Men: First Class.
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X-Men: First Class
Prequel to the X-Men trilogy (2000-2006), set in the 1960s amid Cold War paranoia, following the origins of the Marvel mutant mythology. Directed by Kick-Ass' Matthew Vaughn.
Best buds Charles Xavier (James McAvoy) and Erik Lensherr (Inglourious Basterd's Michael Fassbender) discover their mutant powers for the first time. Taking the names Professor X and Magneto respectively, the pair team up with other mutants (some familiar, some new) to battle against the world's greatest threat. In the process, an irreparable rift between the friends opens, which begins the eternal war between Magneto's Brotherhood and Professor X's X-Men.
Less2011Rating: M, Contains violence and offensive language.132 minsUSA
ActionScience Fiction
- Director:
- Matthew Vaughn ('Kick-Ass', 'Stardust', 'Layer Cake')
- Writer:
- Jane GoldmanJosh SchwartzAshley MillerZack StentzJamie MossBryan Singer
- Cast:
- James McAvoyMichael FassbenderJanuary JonesRose ByrneJennifer LawrenceKevin BaconNicholas HoultJason Flemyng
X-Men: First Class | Reviews
Total Film
A classy addition to the X-series that expertly establishes a hoard of characters, navigates a Cold War plot and squeezes a tear for a friendship failed. Dream-team casting and quality FX make this the summer blockbuster to beat.
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Empire Magazine
All you'd expect from an X-Men film (or spin-off, or prequel), but not all you'd hope for. It smacks of rush and compromise, but there's thankfully enough to make you feel optimistic about the series' future once more.
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Dominion Post
Any film that co-opts the Nazi purges, the Cuban missile crisis and the civil rights movement better have the smarts to do so intelligently.
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X-Men: First Class | Release Details
X-Men: First Class is available to stream in New Zealand now on Google Play and Apple TV and Disney+.