From the moment I saw the first trailer for the new X-Men flick, all I could think was, ‘Oh man, that movie looks boring as hell’.  After all, while it is the fifth movie in the X-Men franchise (counting Origins: Wolverine), it is also a prequel– and we know how well those usually turn out. 

This movie also tries to do two things– first, reboot the franchise with a new cast playing our favorite mutant characters and at the same time, leave a little wiggle room to tie in with the other movies– or at least X-Men and X2: X-Men United.

So, it’s a reboot but it also fits in with the old movies– got it?

Bryan Singer, who directed the first two flicks is back to produce X-Men: First Class, which tells the story about how Charles Xavier (Professor X) meets a troubled fellow mutant named Erik Lehnsherr, the man who will go on to become Magneto.  Most of what is here works and works well.

The movie is full of great performances especially from James McAvoy as X and Michael Fassbender as Magneto.  Kevin Bacon made for a great villain who truly poses a threat to both sides of the mutant battle.  One major drawback is Emma Frost– am I the only one who thinks January Jones can’t act?

I do realize that any sequel is going to focus on Magneto but I really hope they start bringing in new villains as well.  This so far has been the surprise of the summer.

There is one amazing cameo in this movie that if you are a fan of past X films you will love.

7/10