For The Record

[ladysprite]

X Men: First Class is the X-Men movie I wanted to see when I was 15 years old and in the heart of my comic-book geekery and obsession. I just didn't realize it at the time.

This is not to imply that it isn't entirely and utterly awesome right here and now - to the contrary, it is exactly all that. I can't put my finger on exactly what about it that's better than the previous movies (okay, previous first and maybe second. X3... we don't talk about it. We just pretend it doesn't exist.), but it just has the right feel of overstatement, drama, whiz-bang, goofiness, and heroism that captures the feel of the comics, for better or for worse. While this didn't have the characters I grew up with, it had the story, and the heart.

Also, without spoilering anything, it has the grooviest nuclear reactor ever, and demonstrates a true understanding that SCIENCE has a specific color.

As a side note, my husband is a hero and a stoic, patient man for sitting next to me through the whole thing, tolerating my inappropriate giggles and kissy-faces during the (hopefully) unintentionally and inappropriately romantic scenes, and my bouncing, cheering, and whispered questions about who the heck some of the characters were.

Now, if only Cowboys & Aliens turns out to be a third as awesome in reality as it is in my imagination, this will be a truly epic movie summer.....

Comments

[virtualvirtue.livejournal.com]

It's all about the Christmas movies for me...Sherlock Holmes 2 is coming out. First time I've seen an appropriately played Watson other than Edward Hardwicke/David Burke in the Brett Grenada series.

[redfishie.livejournal.com]

that movie made me ridiculously happy...(I saw it last night)...it also made me decide that for years I secretly have wanted to be blue...as all the best characters are blue (mystique, beast, cookie monster, gonzo, etc.) Obviously blue is the best colour.

[auntiemame67.livejournal.com]

My *only* issue with the movie was "Angel". I know Angel, madam, and you... you are no Angel. Dragonfly wings? Seriously? Other than that, it was great stonking fun, and yes, redfishie, Beast was THE MAN! :)

[ladysprite.livejournal.com]

Apparently, the character is Angel Salvadore, and she's canon. Showed up in New X-Men, in 2001 (long after I stopped reading, but Wikipedia is my friend). In the comics she went by both 'Angel' and 'Tempest.' I'm not sure why they didn't use the latter name for the movie, but at least it's not a rewrite of the original character....

[mneme]

Ah, I was wondering what her deal was--thanks!

[deguspice.livejournal.com]

I'm thinking of seeing "Cowboys & Aliens", I have no idea how it's going to turn out, but I think I'm willing to take a chance.

[aries-walker.livejournal.com]

I really liked the things they did differently from the comics. Of course, they're mix-and-matching the generations, but taken by themselves, I really thought the story fit in well with what they established with the later movies.

I could say more, but I don't want to spoil the not-yet-seen-it readers out there.

[aries-walker.livejournal.com]

And Mr. Tumnus as Professor X. Who knew?

[browngirl.livejournal.com]

Oooh, yes. And I'm so looking forward to Cowboys and Aliens, too!

[rickvs.livejournal.com]

I liked it too :>

[vettecat.livejournal.com]

Trying to decide whether to go to X-Men, wait for C & A, or attempt both (which would be complicated due to need for babysitter)...

[hungrytiger]

Interesting. I thought the trailers for the new X-Men film looked really meh but you're the second friend of mine who's raved about it. I may have to check it out.

[riolobo.livejournal.com]

The things about this newest X-film that are better than previous films is that they paid attention to two important factors... acting and storytelling. They have an excellent cast, the story is more solid than previous offerings, the direction was decent (I felt Mystiques storyline could have had more visceral punch than "I don't feel pretty", but it wasn't tedious, so it evened out... -ish), and the casting was great. I was happy they managed to keep their casting of 'a major, recognizable Hollywood name' as Sebastian Shaw a secret from those that weren't IMDB-diving every other week. :)