Most comic book movies have clear boundaries between good and evil. There's the Batman versus Joker; Superman versus Lex Luther and Spiderman opposing the Green Goblin. What I like best about the X-Men series, is that it's very much good versus gray, at least at it's foundation, which is quite thought provoking.
If you're already familiar with the story, Professor X is quite noble in his pursuits. It's true. He seeks to rally around an accepting attitude toward mutants and bridge the gap between the rigidly unaccepting humans. Enter Magneto. He's developed a rather impatient view of the human's lack of embrace toward the mutants. You can certainly see Magneto's point of view. Afterall, how much loyalty should one expect to hold toward a race that would never truly accept you. Further, even when you save that group only to see them violently turn on you...hmm, really makes one understand Magneto's perspective. The hue turns an interesting shade of gray, doesn't it.
It's the beginning. Charles Xavier (Jame MacAvoy) knows he's different--he's been reading minds for awhile. Eric (Michael Fessbender) learns that he has certain gifts, but his ability is learned in a dramatically devastating way. In fact, his path incites much anger and a thirst for revenge. That sets the stage as humans begrudgingly work hand-in-hand with the mutants that they so greatly fear because of those against-the-norm abilities. Meanwhile, Sebastian Shaw (Kevin Bacon) has put together his own band of mutants. His group is hell-bent on pitting America against Russia in a war that will wipe out both and ultimately set-up mutant control of the planet. Professor X and Magneto work alongside the CIA and rally their own group of young mutants to fight fire with fire. Yadayadayada...the X-Men work to avert nuclear war during the Cuban Missile Crisis of 1962 while Eric seeks revenge against someone that he shares as much common ground with as he does hatred toward.
It's good...very good, in fact. 4.0 Stars on my scale easy! I love the historical aspect being interwoven with the fantasy of the comic. Plus, character development is strong here, as well. We watch as Eric goes full-circle: from an angry and bitter man who is greatly intent on murdering his tormentor, to finding a path lit by more serenity only to revert back to his original motivation.
Further, there are always great messages in this series. First, accept yourself. Even if your differences put you outside the norm--that's okay. Embrace those differences with great confidence and love. Second, you're never truly alone if you will just allow yourself to find strength in others who share that common ground. And finally, this series showcases the ultimate dangers involved in a society that refuses to embrace others out of an ignorant fear, which is a lesson that applies to our social structure in a variety of issues of the day.
It's an exciting, well put together flick that provides plenty of entertainment and conversation starters. See it and see it BIG!
True...OUT!
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