"X-Men First Class"

I finally talked Bill into going to see the latest "X-Men" movie Friday night:

I have always been an X-Men fan, especially since it has to do with both genetic mutations and the superhero complex.

First Class is an origin story of sorts, showing how Charles Xavier (a.k.a. "Professor X") and Erik Lensherr (a.k.a. "Magneto") came to be friends and then enemies.

This prequel integrated a fabulous cast of mutants, working for both good and evil purposes. Our favorite was Raven (a.k.a. "Mystique") who was adorable as a girl and then so vulnerable in her relationships with both Charles and Erik:

This movie spent a lot of time developing the characters and providing explanations for a lot of the future X-Men movie storylines. It was intelligent,  thrilling and deep in emotion, all at the same time! It was helpful to understand Hank McCoy (a.k.a. "Beast") and his role with the CIA:

 
The story takes place mostly in the early 1960's, where there is great tension between Russia and the United States regarding the Cuban missile crisis.

Kevin Bacon plays the energy-glutton, Sebastian Shaw, who is determined to start WWIII.  Shaw's megalomaniacal plan, hidden submarine lair and insidious charm - not to mention snazzy dress sense - would make him a perfect James Bond villain:

He surrounds himself with a slew of mutants with amazing powers, including the telepathic Emma Frost:

 

In my opinion, watching this movie is like reading a well-written and beautifully rendered comic and seeing all the threads from previous instalments falling into place.

 Oh, and watch out for two surprise cameos that are just the thing for those who are missing the earlier films - you will LOVE them!

What do I rate "X-Men First Class"? I give it a solid 9 on the Rodgers movie rating scale. I was THOROUGHLY entertained!