X-MEN: FIRST CLASS (2011) Movie Reaction! | First Time Watch! | James McAvoy | Michael Fassbender

The hosts identify Charles Xavier's character development as a major strength of the film. They observe his transformation from a 'cocky and arrogant' academic who uses his powers for personal gain (like picking up girls) to a 'moral leader for mutant kind' who grapples with the responsibility of his abilities and the place of mutants in the world. This growth is seen as a 'really cool place to start that character out.'

The hosts discuss Professor X's evolution from 1:15:36 to 1:17:05 and again from 1:29:41 to 1:30:07, noting his 'privilege of looking normal' and how he learns to develop a moral code.

A significant critique from the hosts is the film's disregard for established continuity from previous X-Men movies. They point out inconsistencies such as Professor X being able to walk and having hair when he was older in earlier films, and the compressed timeline of his deep friendship with Magneto. They argue that Magneto's turn to villainy felt 'way too quick' and 'uncharacteristic,' lacking the gradual evolution expected for such a pivotal character.

The hosts discuss continuity issues from 1:13:34 to 1:14:29, specifically mentioning Professor X's legs and baldness. They critique Magneto's rushed villain arc from 1:18:52 to 1:20:17, stating it 'didn't hint towards that enough.'

The hosts praise the film's innovative portrayal of mutant powers and its effective sound design. They highlight Azazel's teleportation, where the sound of his 'vamping up and dropping people one by one' creates suspense before his actions are fully revealed. The practical stunt of the anchor crashing through the submarine is also noted as adding 'visceralness' and realism to the action.

The discussion on Azazel's sound design is from 1:24:19 to 1:25:11. The hosts praise the practical anchor stunt from 1:26:37 to 1:27:26, noting it added a 'whole body clench.'

The film effectively explores the internal conflict among mutants regarding their appearance and acceptance. The hosts note the contrasting desires of Mystique and Beast to appear 'normal' versus Magneto's encouragement to embrace their true forms. Professor X's initial hypocrisy in telling Mystique to 'put that away' despite advocating for mutant pride is also highlighted, showing his own evolving understanding.

The hosts discuss Mystique's and Beast's struggles with their appearance and Charles's 'privilege of looking normal' from 1:15:29 to 1:16:11. Magneto's influence on Mystique to embrace her true form is mentioned at 0:52:55 and 1:09:10.