The fifth installment in the X-Men film series is a prequel to the original trilogy that shows the origins of the early characters. The film mainly follows the young adventures of Charles Xavier, played by James McAvoy, and Magneto (Erik Lensherr), played by Michael Fassbender. The two meet in a similar cause to find Sebastian Shaw, a former Nazi and evil mutant.
Xavier wants to protect the world from Shaw and the Hellfire Club while Lensherr is after Shaw because of his atrocities towards him and wants to get revenge. The two work together with many young mutants and the CIA to protect humanity, mutant-kind and America during the 1960s. Other mutants that make appearances are Mystique, Beast and Banshee.
Like Disney’s Captain America, Fox’s Marvel Universe similar blends the superheroes and famous events in history in order to create a relatable universe in which the alternate history takes place. By including history from World War II and the Cold War, the film places mutants at the center of American history and offers clever connections between fiction and reality.
The thrilling climax in Cuba surrounding the missile crisis is a perfect example of how the film takes recognizable images and turns them into exciting fiction. A engaging film that also captures the American spirit during the 1960s, X-Men: First Class is an innovative and daring entry in the superhero genre.