I've never watched any movie or show from the X-Men. The franchise is so humongous that it's impossible for me not to pick up bits and bobs here and there, so there have inevitably been spoilers I've come across, but for the most part? I have no idea what's going on. I've decided to watch the movies in order of the timeline, instead of by release, so First Class came . . . first.

This DOES contain spoilers.

Here's some thoughts.

• I most definitely enjoyed it, just to start with.
• With the exception of Charles Xavier, all of the characters I found most interesting (Magneto, Mystique, Angel Salvadore, Azazel) were in (or will be?) the Brotherhood.
  • I wonder if this will be the first time ever I'm a big fan of the villains??? Time will tell.
• Initial favorite character is Magneto.

Character Observations

• Charles Xavier
  • ho - and I wasn't expecting that, so XD
  • Seems to have promise, though there are most definitely times that I seriously question his teaching methods. What?
  • I LOVE the scene towards the end, where he's begging Max to stand down and not kill ol' boy.
• Magneto (Max Eisenhart)
  • I LOVE that Max did, in fact, kill ol' boy. I love how he did it, I love how he very intentionally shut poor Charles out -- chef's kiss, really.
  • "I've been at the mercy of men just following orders. Never again." 🥵 That line was so good it turned me on.
• Mystique
  • There are elements to her that feel a little bit "men writing women," if you know what I mean -- but I did find her really interesting.
  • I LOVE that she points out how bull shit the "mutant and proud!" thing can feel, when you're someone who cannot hide that they are different.
  • Even more, I LOVE that she fully came around to it, by the end.
  • I love the dynamics between her and Magneto.
  • I love that she didn't get with Hank.
• Angel Salvadore
  • While I don't trust that it will (or would) be handled with care, I'd love to see more perspective of sex work. Not in a pornographic way -- I mean, I'd love some realism. It's not all fun and games, but it's also not all bad. I'd be really interested in seeing more of that explored.
• Azazel
  • I just liked his power and design, trolol.
• Hank
  • I'm hoping that he evolves as time goes on, but in this movie, he came off a bit as a fake nice guy.

Here's where I am now.

X-Men Origins: Wolverine