'X-Men: First Class' Delivers A Lesson In Chemistry 101

Prequels can be tricky things, especially when dealing with a series as popular as the "X-Men" films. Another prequel, "X-Men Origins: Wolverine," was good…but not perfect. That hurt a little, considering Hugh Jackman is one of my favorite actors, and also due to the fact that Wolverine is just slightly more composed than other "X-Men," despite what he's gone through. So the question is, does "X-Men: First Class" succeed its predecessors with the most dynamic characters (such as Magneto and Professor X) at the heart of it all?

I'd say it does—and so much more.

The plot in the latest installment of the series is impeccable, connecting itself to the main trilogy within the first minute and promising more questions answered. Every scene neatly weaves together, which may be surprising: the pain Erik Lensherr (aka, the soon-to-be villain Magneto, played by Michael Fassbender) endures since he was a child contrasts sharply with warmth that you feel from Charles Xavier (played by James McAvoy), starting from the very first time he meets and accepts Mystique as a young child. It's their differences that initially draws them together and forms their friendship—as then pulls it apart.

That being said, it's the chemistry between Fassbender and McAvoy that truly brings the film to life and makes it fun to watch—much more so than the colorful, eye-catching scenery and special effects that make the mutant powers pop.

Apart, they each have an air around them that enchants you right away, and once they appear in the same scene, there are fireworks. It was like watching Sherlock Holmes and Dr. John Watson together, only as two of the most historic "X-Men" characters.

Overall, I could not see any flaws in "X-Men: First Class," especially when fans of the series can be so critical of these storylines when they hit the big screen. That being said, I give the film a solid 5 out of 5 stars—and a sincere request to buy and watch.

("X-Men: First Class" is rated PG-13 for intense sequences of action and violence and some sexual content)