X-Men: First Class

The X–Men series may not be the best super–hero franchise, but it’s one of the most interesting. It explores the psychology of being different, as mutants (the ones with super powers) debate their evolution and relationship to all things human. X–Men: First Class explores the genesis of the principle characters, placing them against a nuclear backdrop of the impending Cuban Missile Crisis of 1962. The story begins exactly as the original X–Men began, with Magneto (Michael Fassbender) as a young boy in Nazi Germany. While Magneto develops his powers under the guidance of evil Sebastian Shaw (Kevin Bacon), the future Dr. Xavier (James McAvoy) is meeting the future Mystique (Jennifer Lawrence) and exploring the ramifications of mutations. Enemies abound, as do some cool CGI effects.

ClearPlay In Action!

X–Men: First Class received a PG–13 rating because there are lots of scenes of intense violence, along with some sexual content. ClearPlay cuts scenes of partial nudity, women in underwear, some allusions to sex, and verbal references. About 30 instances of profanity are trimmed, and while some sci–fi violence remains, some gruesome events, such as a man’s hand being stabbed to a table, are removed. Parents will have to judge whether the violent implications that remain are appropriate for kids.

Is X–Men first-class, or simply second–rate?…

This prequel competes with the best of the X–Men series, trumping most of the other movies for effects, emotion, action, and the relationship of the characters. My only complaint is the trivializing of the Cuban Missile Crisis, implying it wouldn’t have happened without evil villains interceding. Still, it provides a good chance to discuss history with the family, while providing a fun ride along the way.

Marty Nabhan— Dr. ClearPlaysium

Rated PG-13 for intense sequences of action and violence, some sexual content including brief partial nudity and language;132 min; Directed By Matthew Vaughn