Review: X-Men: First Class (12A) ****

ON general release

VERY good things come to those who wait.

British director Matthew Vaughn, is behind this exhilarating, action-packed prequel based on the hugely popular Marvel Comics.

Vaughn delivers a sleek and satisfying opening chapter that establishes the mythology of the iconic characters.

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The film opens in Poland in 1944 with young Erik Lehnsherr (Michael Fassbender) unlocking his devastating power of magnetism.

At the same time in Westchester, New York, young telepath Charles Xavier (James McAvoy) meets shape-shifter Raven Darkholme (Jennifer Lawrence). Fast forward to 1962 and Erik is hunting down the commandant to exact revenge for his parents.

At first Charles and Erik work together but a rift opens between the mutant leaders, lighting the fuse on the brutal and bloody war between the X-Men and Magneto’s brotherhood.

X-Men: First Class is a terrific reinvention, adhering closely to the comics to appease fans while entertaining cinema audiences with a tight script, snappy editing and directorial brio.

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