The Movie
X-Men: First Class; starring James McAvoy, Jennifer Lawrence, and Michael Fassbender; directed by Mathew Vaughn.
The Short Version
One of the greatest superhero movies of all time.
The Plot in a Nutshell
It’s the X-Men…before they were the X-Men. Charles Xavier, a fresh-faced recent graduate, becomes involved with American government and the charming future Magneto, Erik Lahnsherr. Together, the two train a motley crew of mutants and eventually defeat the bad guys.
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The Reason You (and Your Gentleman/Lady Friend) Will Love it
This movie is amazing. It’s the movie that convinced me superhero movies are worth watching. It’s the yardstick by which I judge all other superhero movies. Before First Class, I had seen the other X-Men movies…and I was not impressed. I loved this movie so much that it convinced me to rewatch the first 3 X-men—with delightful results. I now love them all. Yes, even X-men 3: The Last Stand.
First Class is hilarious in all the right places and incredibly moving at the same time. The back-drop is the Cuban Missile Crisis, but despite the high stakes the film is full of 1960’s fun and adventure.
It shows the softer, more fun side of the X-Men. Before he was bald and in a wheelchair, Professor X was a bit of a player. Magneto was a bit lost and confused. We see the young X-Men party, laugh, and chase girls. But don’t let the debauchery fool you: there’s plenty of action while we watch the X-Men battle evil, head-off the Cuban Missile Crisis, and use their powers to save humanity.
The story is ultimately (and refreshingly) about the bromance between Professor X (McAvoy) and Magneto (Fassbender). McAvoy and Fassbender shine every time the two share a screen, and it’s hard not to believe they will be best friends forever—even though we already know the tragic end.
And as always, Jennifer Lawrence is a delight as Mystique.
First Class is hilarious in all the right places and incredibly moving at the same time. The back-drop is the Cuban Missile Crisis, but despite the high stakes the film is full of 1960’s fun and adventure.
It shows the softer, more fun side of the X-Men. Before he was bald and in a wheelchair, Professor X was a bit of a player. Magneto was a bit lost and confused. We see the young X-Men party, laugh, and chase girls. But don’t let the debauchery fool you: there’s plenty of action while we watch the X-Men battle evil, head-off the Cuban Missile Crisis, and use their powers to save humanity.
The story is ultimately (and refreshingly) about the bromance between Professor X (McAvoy) and Magneto (Fassbender). McAvoy and Fassbender shine every time the two share a screen, and it’s hard not to believe they will be best friends forever—even though we already know the tragic end.
And as always, Jennifer Lawrence is a delight as Mystique.
The Clothes
With the movie set in the 60’s, you’ll want to dress appropriately. Fringe, tie-dye, and peace signs are not out of the equation.
The Booze
Resident bartender Diana has strongly recommended La Paloma, a Mexican cocktail popular in the 60’s. I have been assured that it is delicious and perfect for summer.
The Food
A casserole is the clear choice here. And I have a great one: Mexican Casserole.
Here’s what you need:
- 1 can of Rotel
- 1 can of cream of mushroom
- A package of corn tortillas
- 1 lb ground beef, cooked
- A lot (and I mean a lot) of cheese
- A casserole dish (obviously.)
Preheat oven to 350.
Line the bottom of casserole dish with torn bits of corn tortilla. There should be a solid layer of corn tortilla when you are finished.
In a bowl, mix together Rotel, cream of mushroom, and cooked ground beef. Layer half the mixture on top of the tortillas. Add a layer of cheese (as much as you like).
Repeat the process, layering tortilla pieces, then beef mixture, then cheese. Put the casserole dish in the oven and cook until it’s bubbling and the cheese on top starts to melt and brown.
Enjoy!
Here’s what you need:
- 1 can of Rotel
- 1 can of cream of mushroom
- A package of corn tortillas
- 1 lb ground beef, cooked
- A lot (and I mean a lot) of cheese
- A casserole dish (obviously.)
Preheat oven to 350.
Line the bottom of casserole dish with torn bits of corn tortilla. There should be a solid layer of corn tortilla when you are finished.
In a bowl, mix together Rotel, cream of mushroom, and cooked ground beef. Layer half the mixture on top of the tortillas. Add a layer of cheese (as much as you like).
Repeat the process, layering tortilla pieces, then beef mixture, then cheese. Put the casserole dish in the oven and cook until it’s bubbling and the cheese on top starts to melt and brown.
Enjoy!
By Rachel Lyn Paxton