EXCLUSIVE X-Men: First Class Impressions

It's rare that the opportunity crops up to give you a good impression of a brand new film rather than a full review, but thanks to the lamp on the cinema's projector bursting halfway through X-Men: First Class until this weekend I can merely state my thoughts on the opening hour of the flick. Luckily, what I can say is that First Class is a great prequel to the comic-book movie franchise and in many ways might serve as a potential reboot seeing as the cast manage brilliantly without the help of Patrick Stewart, Hugh Jackman or any of the other 'originals' who perhaps lacked the vigour to contribute by the rubbish third instalment. A lot of the content found here is even darker than Origins, and the movie can boast that it features the most fast-paced, dramatic and as a result utterly compelling opening of the series so far, jumping from 1940s Poland to Cold War New York in a matter of minutes and easily emphasising the differences between Charles Xavier and Erik Lenshrr that will both bring them together and ultimately tear them apart. After the great start, we move into a slow-paced, emotional drama that as I mentioned earlier is strengthened by the likeable new cast, not to mention Kick-Ass director Matthew Vaughn's stunning work in the way the film has been made. In fact, Vaughn's influence can be felt throughout this one, and better still he strikes a neater balance between comedy and action than he did in 2010's humorous superhero thriller. There are still elements which seem to let the side down: much as I understand that Erik's Holocaust traumas are vital to his downfall, the scene in the original X-Men which played out the events of his war turmoil was more than enough, and the extra footage placed this time around lingers too long to add any more empathy than we gained in the original scene. Also, the Hellfire Club seem to be by-the-books villains who serve little purpose other than to give the film a final super-powered confrontation (though I have to admit judging by the superb special effects it will be a battle to remember!), and as such probably won't prove as memorable as William Stryker or Phoenix. Nevertheless, I can't wait to see the rest of X-Men: First Class, and unless things take a turn for the worst in the second half expect a score within the region of 4.5 or 5 this weekend!