X Men: First Class Movie Review The Comic Book Movie Genre

by Scipio Tex on Jun 16, 2011 9:17 PM CDT in Pop Culture

Comic book movies are Hollywood's commercial god send. Or in the case of Thor, a gods-send. Let's light a candle at the altar of Hollywood's politically correct multicultural gods of Norse Mythology. Asian Vikings. Why didn't Kurosawa cast more Mexicans in Rashomon?

In a movie industry increasingly reliant on remakes and the endless recapitulation of tired themes - I see that Ryan Reynolds and Jason Bateman have an identity switch movie coming out by virtue of a shared piss in front of magical fountain: You see the irresponsible single guy now has to be married and learn responsibility and the responsible married guy is now single and must rediscover spontaneity and, oh I bet lots of misunderstandings happen, because these themes have never been explored - well, any original content is welcomed.

Comic books are valuable for movie-making because they are dozens of individual, fully realized franchises; beautifully storyboarded American mythology aimed squarely at the intersection of thirty and fortysomething nostalgia, teens, and the now mainstreamed industry of nerdistry. These dollars are a commercial lay-up that you have to work hard not to hit, though artistic quality has proven to be an off-balance three pointer with Kevin Garnett's hand in the director's face.

The focus of these movies has been primarily on execution and canonical adherence and the better results from the thick part of the bell curve can best be described as enjoyably inoffensive (Spider Man, Iron Man) while the bulk have been bad to execrable (Daredevil, Ghost Rider, The Fantastic 4, the pre-Nolan Batman franchise, almost every major franchise sequel). The brilliant Christopher Nolan Batman reboot, or even the underrated Scott Pilgrim Vs. The World, are notable exceptions primarily for the degree to which they defy safe executional convention and attack their projects with ambition. They approach their subject matter like real movies instead of risk-averse dollar extractions. Nolan's Batman does it by treating the subject entirely seriously, bereft of any knowing winks, while Pilgrim does it by making it all a giant hipster, ironic, piss-take.

The lesson is: Go dark. Go light. Just go somewhere.

The main comic franchises are crafted for a core audience that walks into the theater predisposed towards nostalgic buy-in on whatever plays out on screen so long as the director doesn't butcher a signature tag line, screw up someone's power profile, botch the CGI, or mangle the costuming. You expect the audience to yell out, "Now do that one move where Wolverine does the thing with his claws when he like double-stabs two guys and he's all like RAAAAA and his enemies are all like, OMG it's Wolverine, yeah, do that one, it gives me chills."

These movies feel like film-making by focus group, custom-built to satisfy the dumb middle of audience expectation.

Comic book nerds don't walk out of the theater criticizing character development, they're more inclined to critique how Iron Man's repulsor rays looked and note any and all heretical deviations from canon. That's why so many of these movies are ultimately bland and unmemorable; a sad panel by panel film re-enactment, an emotionless facsimile of the endless world of creativity that comic books opened up for so many young boys.

Which brings us to Michael Vaughn's X Men: First Class.

Vaughn is clearly aware of these things and sets his tale in the early 1960s to give the story stylistic juice - he captures the zeitgeist of the time and if you don't like early '60s fashion and pop culture you're not much fun as a human being. He injects historical resonance by intertwining the tale with the Cuban Missile Crisis, post-Holocaust Nazi hunting, and the subtext of the civil rights movement. The origin tale for Magneto and Charles Xavier sets the ground for the conflict that will separate the two friends and rivals for the next half century.

The Batman reboot taught us how much casting matters and Vaughn wins by casting real actors over Hollywood names in the lead roles. Michael Fassbender picks right up where he left off from the amazing basement scene in Inglorious Basterds and James McAvoy pulls off Professor X's do-gooderism with a dash of Don Juan. X has mad game with the British birds, y'all. Kevin Bacon is a surprise casting as arch-nemesis Sebastian Shaw and he's a quality sociopath. The comic book version of Shaw looks like Alexander Hamilton on steroids and has no Nazi origins, but Bacon makes it work. I'm sure the purists will groan here and reference Footloose. Extra points if you can reference Quicksilver.

January Jones looks hot and acts without emotional range, but since that's exactly what Emma Frost is supposed to do, it's all good. She spends most of the film in 1960s go-go dancer outfits and if you have complaints about that, further conversation is fruitless.

The movie runs into trouble when it morphs from a gritty and stylish period tale of revenge with a Nazi-hunting Magneto using a Swiss banker's tooth fillings to extract the information he needs, mercilessly visiting justice on his enemies, and unintentionally entangling himself in global Cold War politics into a light-touch teenage mutant recruitment drive session followed by a teenybopper Glee-style teen angst-athon and, wait for it, training sequences! By trying to jam in a half dozen other characters that you don't remotely care about and a little bit of camp, it does justice to none of them and the movie loses its thematic feel. The middle of the film feels like the familiar super-hero formula of the last two decades while the opening and ending promised a much more interesting and unexpected reality.

Pet Peeve #1: I will give my life savings to the next director who will skip the training montage portion of any action film if he'll just cut from the pupil agreeing to be trained by the master to the words: Some time later after the pupil has harnessed his rage and also learned life lessons, we now join him en-route to fucking up the bad guy.

Pet Peeve #2: Telepaths who must touch their temples to demonstrate that they, are like, doing telepathy, are awesome.

Wait, I'm going to read his mind. Touches temple with thumb and forefinger. Adopts mildly constipated look. There. I did it. He's thinking about doughnuts.

I'm doing telepathy! See!

The movie is never bad. In fact, it recovers pretty quickly and ends in a satisfying manner, complete with Magneto performing an impressive coin trick in a nice callback to the movie's beginning. Ultimately, Vaughn just ends up more with Iron Man than the The Dark Knight.

In today's world of denuded film, I give it a thumbs up. What else are you going to do with $11 - buy comic books?

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Training sequences?

We’re gonna need a montage….MONTAGE!

by Kasey on Jun 16, 2011 9:44 PM CDT reply actions

When did Mr. Tumnus learn telepathy?

by BFG on Jun 16, 2011 10:13 PM CDT reply actions

If we fade out it seems like more time has passed in a montage…MONTAGE.

by Burnt Orange Wookiee on Jun 16, 2011 10:18 PM CDT reply actions

Two weeks ago tomorrow, I mentioned to a co-worker (mid-30s female) that I would probably go see a movie over the weekend, and she replied that she had the same plans. I asked what movie, and she said X-Men. I asked if she was a big fan of the X-Men, and her answer was, “No, but I saw all the other ones.”

by Bobby Time on Jun 16, 2011 10:19 PM CDT reply actions

Hey, at least Quicksilver had a young Jami Gertz. If you want to pummel Bacon as an actor, I say go with He Said, She Said.

by Mano Cornuda on Jun 16, 2011 10:23 PM CDT reply actions

Great review Scip. Agree with you across the board. I thought X-Men was very good because of the character development that went into it.

Also agree about Scott Pilgrim being very underrated. It was probably my favorite film last summer. While that wouldn’t be surprising if I was a teenager I know it’s pretty atypical for middle aged guys like me.

by Nunna Yo Bizness on Jun 16, 2011 10:35 PM CDT reply actions

All Team America jokes aside, you have to admit, it’s always cool when Wolverine does the double stab RAAAAAAAA move. Gets them every time. Guilty pleasure, IMO.

And yes, these movies will always be blah without a director with vision. I was a little disappointed by how this one (First Class) turned out b/c Vaughn did a pretty good job with Kick Ass. The “let’s give ourselves names!” scene was particularly vexing. “And you’re Magneto!”

It sounds ridiculous, but of the comic book films this year I’m holding out hope for Cowboys and Aliens. I read a bit about the production, and Favreau (dir) definitely had a clear vision for it from the start. Has made a lot of decisions eschewing current technological trends (digital, 3D, digital sound), and embracing the western genre with complete abandon in style and technique. As you said earlier, Scipo, you have to choose to go somewhere. If it fails, at least it’ll fall hard for trying.

by Burnt Orange Wookiee on Jun 16, 2011 10:44 PM CDT reply actions

That came off as more negative then I meant it to, btw. First Class definitely worked well when it was good, just dragged in the middle. Loved Fassbender and McAvoy.

by Burnt Orange Wookiee on Jun 16, 2011 10:46 PM CDT reply actions

Kasey -

My favorite montage is where Burgess Meredith gets Luke Skywalker to lift his starfighter from the swamp by chasing chickens and then he runs the top of the steps in Philly and Jean Claude Van Damme does the splits tied to a banana tree.

Bobby Time -

I wish I’d written that. Very illustrative.

Mano –

I’ve seen that film. Good times. Bacon’s best acting is in The Woodsman, IMO.

Nunna -

Glad you liked Scott Pilgrim. When I bring it up, people just look at me blankly. A very smart, purely entertaining movie.

by Scipio Tex on Jun 16, 2011 11:00 PM CDT reply actions

BOW -

Do not think for a moment I’m disrespecting that move. It’s a winner. RAAAA.

by Scipio Tex on Jun 16, 2011 11:07 PM CDT reply actions

Clutch.

by Burnt Orange Wookiee on Jun 16, 2011 11:14 PM CDT reply actions

The transitions in Scott Pilgrim blow me away. Edgar Wright is a wunderkind.

by Arthur Goddamn Fenstemaker on Jun 17, 2011 1:29 AM CDT reply actions

If you look at box office vs. production costs, comic book movies are one of the surest profit-makers going (I know Green Lantern will test that). Compare that to another genre, the anti-Bush war movie, which is a sure money-loser. These two genres present a conflict to Hollywood powerbrokers- they don’t want to lose money, but they want to make a “statement” cementing their position in the zeitgeist.

Ergo, my high concept- “Sgt. Rock Goes to Baghdad”.

by TaylorTRoom on Jun 17, 2011 6:54 AM CDT reply actions

Funny and well done. Anyone who doesn’t understand the joy of the Wolverine double stab RAAAA has lost their way in life. Dr. MH prescribces an afternoon of Wacthmen, The Dark Knight Returns or Kingdom Come and a 20 oz. Yoohoo.

I was actually about to pen my buddy an email about this film along the lines of, I really quite liked it but… Instead I’ll just send him this link.

by Minnesotahorn on Jun 17, 2011 7:01 AM CDT reply actions

Holy hell, other people saw Scott Pilgrim and liked it too? I feel less alone in this world. You know, relatively speaking.

TTR:
Where do I get advance tickets for Sgt. Rock Goes to Baghdad? Will there be a scene showing that Sgt. Rock is the one who was really responsible for killing bin Laden?

Great piece, Scip. It takes pretty much every thought I’ve ever had about the comic book genre, and a few I’d wish that I’d had, and makes it cogent whilst being entertaining.

Never underestimate the double-claw RAAAAA. For some reason, when I read that, I thought of your article about Mike Leach and elephants.

by NateHeupel on Jun 17, 2011 8:23 AM CDT reply actions

Do you not like all training scenes, or just they way they’ve pulled it off in recent comic book movies? The Dagobah training scenes were some of my favorite of the Star Wars Trilogy. I thought the training in Batman Begins was useful for explaining the character.

The ‘training scene’ has been a staple of the Hero’s quest for, what, the past 5000 years at least? If done correctly they develope the main character. If not you get a corny ‘team work’ scene that gives you a glimpse at how they will attemp to defeat the Dark Phoenix.

by getting older on Jun 17, 2011 8:50 AM CDT reply actions

I’m just completely worn out by the genre. Outside of the next Batman movie, I’m pretty uninterested in these things anymore.

Although I am looking forward to seeing how badly Zack Snyder fucks up Superman.

by nordberg on Jun 17, 2011 9:15 AM CDT reply actions

On the topic of Scott Pilgrim, if you want to hear about a really inspiring story of someone growing up in an awful situation and making a success of themselves you should read about Mark Webber. He plays Stephen Stills (The Talent) in the movie. He spent his teen years growing up in the slums of Philly with his single mom, often homeless living in cars and abandoned buildings.

by Nunna Yo Bizness on Jun 17, 2011 9:59 AM CDT reply actions

Pet Peeve #1: I will give my life savings to the next director who will skip the training montage portion of any action film if he’ll just cut from the pupil agreeing to be trained by the master to the words: Some time later after the pupil has harnessed his rage and also learned life lessons, we now join him en-route to fucking up the bad guy.

Normally I’d agree with this – other than the masterful Team America version where they just went the opposite direction of you to make fun of montages – but one great movie left it out, and dammit, I feel shortchanged.

If given the budget and go ahead – BEHorn, help me here – I’d do a middle-quel of sorts of Braveheart. At some point young William learned to throw rocks with precision, run game on broads of both modest and royal lineages, and speak in numerous tongues.

The original should have shown a montage of him unable to budge a heavy sword or being slapped around by Uncle Argyle for mispronouncing French words, but as his hair grows, so does his ability to pull dirt leg and kick ass, s’il vous plaît .

In the beginning he would have poorly applied paint in his eyes and hair, but the montage would culminate with perfect application as he’s performing the standing 69 with a French wench while thrusting his sword towards the heavens.

Moviegoers would know, Longshanks better watch his back – and Murron better watch her front.

by magnusbleuveigner on Jun 17, 2011 10:25 AM CDT reply actions

looks like Alexander Hamilton on steroids and has no Nazi origins

Trying to work up a Venn diagram joke on this, I find that thinking about January Jones in go-go costume has clouded any wit that I have. Obviously, that’s her super power.

by parlin on Jun 17, 2011 11:20 AM CDT reply actions

Holy crap Scipio, you are spot on. The greatest problem I had with the movie was the sort of JV team, Disney Channel styled introduction to the group of younglings. I didn’t especially appreciate the forced scenes of banter and getting to know each other by demonstration of abilities, and of course, the training sequence was clunky.

One exception to your training sequence rule: Kill Bill 2, when Uma’s character, buried alive in the coffin, must summon the 6-inch punch, which she perfected under the tutelage of her now deceased master. Though, that flashback is far more purposeful than the typical training sequence, which is more often than not an excuse to pack in substance-lacking visual fun at the expense of storytelling.

by Lark 47 on Jun 17, 2011 11:39 AM CDT reply actions

January Jones will never be in a better movie than Pirate Radio. Other than Hoffman, neither will any of the other cast members.

by Frank the Plank on Jun 17, 2011 11:43 AM CDT reply actions

the pre-Nolan Batman franchise

Even the Burtons? The second one, with DeVito and Pfeiffer, was incredibly dark.

Best montage ever (though it’s not a training montage): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iBktYJsJq-E

Stakes is high, y’all.

by CrazyJoeDavola on Jun 17, 2011 11:50 AM CDT reply actions

imo:

The Dark Knight = Batman Begins >>> Batman ’89 >>>> Batman Returns >>>> Batman Forever >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Batman and Robin

I really enjoyed Michael Keaton’s Batman and Bruce Wayne. That was a genius bit of casting that came completely out of leftfield.
Trivia: Tim Burton’s original choice was Bill Murray.

by nordberg on Jun 17, 2011 12:18 PM CDT reply actions

I would pay money for a serious Bill Murray Batman screen test. And I would still watch an SNL parody of that. Like Bill Hader doing that incredible Alan Alda trying out for Doc Brown in Back to the Future. Nails.

by Burnt Orange Wookiee on Jun 17, 2011 12:32 PM CDT reply actions

I never read comic books. They always made the story lines way too complicated. I did watch the old television Batman series. I still have fond memories of that show and its hilarious, campy plotlines.

But even though I never read any comic books, I love comic book movies. I’ll go watch just about any of them. My problem is that none of my girl friends will go see any of the movies with me.

And since it was mentioned: I really liked the Star Trek movie, though I was pissed they messed with the timeline. But I just really enjoy Star Trek in general, because I grew up watching it with my dad. I still want to go to a Star Trek convention, mainly for the people watching, though. I would, however, probably make and wear a “Mrs. Captain Picard” t-shirt. :-)

by Sasha is a Longhorn Dog on Jun 17, 2011 12:45 PM CDT reply actions

“I would, however, probably make and wear a "Mrs. Captain Picard" t-shirt. :-)”

Just ask Vasherized where he got his.

by nordberg on Jun 17, 2011 12:48 PM CDT reply actions

Where would Rocky be without the training sequences?

I really liked Batman (1989), and I didn’t think they could do better than Jack for the Joker. As dark as that Batman was, it was still very silly. I didn’t realize how much so until I rewatched it recently. I was really wrong about not being able to top Jack, even though he did a great job.

by ut-06 on Jun 17, 2011 12:51 PM CDT reply actions

Taylor T -

Sgt Rock goes to Baghdad is good stuff. How did Sgt Rock always manage to keep a cigar in his mouth during combat? Perhaps his most impressive feat. Aside from fighting daily, in every major American conflict, sporting 18 inch biceps and a thousand yard stare, I mean.

MinnHorn -

Thanks, man. I liked The Watchmen OK. But I was a bit disappointed that the director didn’t do much with it beyond what was already there. It was more or less a panel by panel recreation sans squid.

getting older -

It’s the latter. Rocky isn’t Rocky without training montages. I would just like to see someone turn the formula of it on its head.

magnus -

I’m pretty confident that this film would be butchered and make me angry given that Braveheart is one of my Ten Favorite All-Time films. See Silence of the Lambs.

CJD -

I rewatched that old Batman some time ago when it was on a movie channel and I found it didn’t remotely hold up, though I like Michael Keaton. Next to Nolan’s Batman, it’s the difference between high school JV and the NFL.

BOW -

I’m picturing Bill Murray’s lounge singer character doing Bruce Wayne. It works.

Sasha -

You’re a female who loves comic books movies and Texas football. Right now the BC nerds regard you as Kelly LeBrock in Weird Science.

NateHeupel -

You’re not alone in this world. Not anymore.

by Scipio Tex on Jun 17, 2011 2:24 PM CDT reply actions

I liked the Pixar version of Watchmen better, the Incredibles.

by Burnt Orange Wookiee on Jun 17, 2011 3:22 PM CDT reply actions

Scott Pilgrim was my 2nd favorite movie last year. I’m 37.

Techno dragon vs Indie-punk gorilla puts the ice in just right.

by Young Williams on Jun 17, 2011 7:04 PM CDT reply actions

In other movie news, the remote in the hotel room I’m in here in Dallas won’t work. I am stuck watching “The Prince and I.” Or is it “The Prince and Me”? I don’t know, but I’m going crazy.

by Sasha is a Longhorn Dog on Jun 17, 2011 10:34 PM CDT reply actions

“Batman: Mask of the Phantasm” is the 4th best Batman movie behind the Nolans/first Burton joints. The dialogue, plot, art, and mood made it a much more broodingly dark tale than the animated series, which already operated on a more mature, gothic form than the average “kid’s TV show.”

And the score of “Phantasm” — oh my.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TOSS-ZFDMo4

by Wakeboard_Heaven on Jun 19, 2011 9:15 AM CDT reply actions

I rewatched Scott Pilgrim just last week. It’s got strong replay value. Aubrey Plaza is just all sorts of hot.

I always thought Unbroken, when viewed as an homage to comic books instead of a Sixth Sense-ish mindbender as it was marketed, as a great comic book movie. Unfortunately, people wanted “I see dead people 2” instead of a geeked out exploration of the Superhero myth.

by Bateshorn on Jun 20, 2011 11:08 AM CDT reply actions