X-Men: First Class

The X-Men movie franchise has been a huge hit with audiences, introducing the non-comic reading public to what is considered to be the pinnacle in comic stories.  The movies we have had so far have to a great extent been Wolverine-centric, but the movies have an entire plethora of characters. all of which have their own back stories.  First Class gives us answers to some of the questions we may have asked, like how does Professor X end up in the wheelchair and what happened between him and Magneto to make friends into enemies.
The film has a number of connections to the movie series we have had so far.  Bryan Singer has a producer and writing credit on this film.  The opening sequence in the concentration camp is from the first X-Men movie and there is a certain cameo which I won't reveal if you haven't seen it yet, but you will love it.  Best line in the movie!
The movie is ably directed by Kick-Ass director Matthew Vaughn and stars James McAvoy (Wanted) as Charles Xavier and Michael Fassbender (Inglorious Basterds) as Erik Lehnsherr.  I love James McAvoy but I was surprised at Michael Fassbender.  As Mathew Vaughn has said, he embodies James Bond throughout this film!  It is like watching a Bond film from the 60's.  When Daniel Craig finishes his stint, I think Mr Fassbender could ably step into the role.
The thing I love about this film is the historical setting of this film with the world coming to the brink of atomic war between Russia and America and the Cuban blockade.  It not only fits this story exceptionally, it allows the whole climate of mutant fear to come to the fore.
I love that this also stars Aussie Rose Byrne, Oliver Platt and the ever reliable Kevin Bacon.  As an origin movie, it is difficult to be surprised considering we have four other movies in the franchise set after this one.  Having said that, I think they did a fantastic job with the story.  I hope they now do a Magneto movie staring both Michael Fassbender and Ian McKellan.  By the way, don't bother waiting till the end of the credits for a bonus, as there isn't one.  Ripped off! 8/10.