Superhero Movie Roundup — No. 3


Today I continue my countdown with a fascinating period piece.

No. 3 — X-Men: First Class (2011)
Starring: James McAvoy, Michael Fassbender, Jennifer Lawrence, and Kevin Bacon
Director: Matthew Vaughn
Quote: "You known all along why I was here Charles, but things have changed. What started as a covert of mission, tomorrow mankind will know mutants exist. Shaw, us, they won't differentiate. They'll fear us. And that fear will turn to hatred." — Erik Lehnsherr
About: There are some movies that just speak to you, and seem to transcend their genre. The final three entries in this countdown are those movies. "First Class" is not only the best X-Men film, it's one of the best superhero movies I've seen. It was a revelation when it was released in 2011, and five years and two sequels have done little to diminish its luster. It's an origin story. It's set in the 1960s. And it features a fascinating story of two men who become friends despite their different ideologies. But, ultimately, it's that differing ideology that pulls them apart. This film is a rich and beautiful exploration — one that examines deeper issues you wouldn't expect in this type of film. It was one of the best movies the year it was released and remains among my favorites in the genre.
Rating: PG-13 for intense sequences of action and violence, some sexual content including brief partial nudity and language.

Superhero Movie Countdown:
No. 4 — Guardians of the Galaxy (2014)
No. 5 — The Avengers (2012)
No. 6 — Superman Returns (2006)
No. 7 — Captain America: The Winter Soldier (2014)
No. 8 — Batman (1989)
No. 9 — Iron Man (2008)
No. 10 — Dark Knight Rises (2012)
No. 11 — X-Men (2000)
No. 12 — Spider-Man (2002)
No. 13 —Batman Begins (2005)
No. 14 — Superman II (1980)
No. 15 — Batman Returns (1992)

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