This news has me torn. In one sense I hate sequels, remakes, etc. They are usually to make a quick buck on an already tired idea. On another, I’d rather see a sequel to something as fun and original and Kick-Ass than another Transformers. Or would I? Maybe not. It’s not that easy.

The Hangover was a breath of fresh air when it first arrived in 2008; that cannot be said about its 2011 sequel. Would Kiss-Ass have fallen into a trap like that? You still may get to find out.

The 2010 film hasn’t lost all it’s hope yet, just most of it. The likelihood of Matthew Vaughn directing again is on the absolutely no way side of slim to none. Mark Millar the creator of the Kick-Ass comic book says he hopes that Vaughn will possibly co-write and maybe produce? I don’t see this as a problem, unless of course it involves more than just a name attachment, then Vaughn will probably be too busy. Apparently he and co-writer Jane Goldman have a lot on their plates right now, leaving no time for the movie that gave them a career.

There is also the problem of working with young actors. The 21-year-old Aaron Johnson is busy with his 44-year old babies’ mama. (Yup.) Chloe Grace Moretz looks like she went from 12 to 25 in a little over a year. (She’s fourteen.) And McLovin is…

Maybe this thing will actually get made? It was pretty successful for what it was, but the demand really isn’t there. Whereas The Hangover 2 grossed sixty thousand million and a half dollars, a movie about regular teenage superheroes may have lost its charm after one go around. Sometimes it’s better that way. To look at it from another perspective, in fifteen years they’ll probably remake it anyway. Why not wait until then?

The plot is very complex and to attempt to relay it to you would be a waste of time, you should see the film for yourself without knowing all the details. To sum it up as quickly as possible, this is the story of Charles Xavier and Erik Lensherr before they took their mutant names. They were two young men discovering their powers for the first time and before they were archenemies, they were the closest of friends, working together to stop the greatest threat the world has ever known. In the process, a rift between them opened – At least that is the synopsis provided by Twentieth Century Fox, but it doesn’t even come close to the depth this film has.

The film boasts a large and impressive cast with James McAvoy playing a much different Professor X than we have come to know in the original films. He still has hair and access of his legs, and he’s also extremely charming. Michael Fassbender plays Magneto and thankfully his character receives a much-needed back-story to fully understand the method of his ways. Fassbender was the definite standout for me and much of the beginning of the film centers around him and his hunt for Nazis, think part ‘Inglorious Basterds’ with a little James Bond thrown in. We also have the lovely Jennifer Lawrence as Mystique and Rose Byrne as Moira MacTaggert, both offering a ton of much-needed heart to the film. The villains this time around are Sebastian Shaw portrayed by Kevin Bacon, who I’m not a huge fan of but I found him to be devilishly entertaining in this film, and his right-hand woman Emma Frost played by January Jones who spends the majority of the film looking pretty in lingerie.

What I really loved about this film most was that even though the center of the film was about the relationship between Professor X and Magneto, this truly was an ensemble film. While the past X-Men films have constantly focused on Wolverine, the original comic series is most definitely an ensemble and this one got it just right. My favorite scenes of the film were when the younger X-Men got together to show off their abilities and when they went through training to really excel at their powers. This is what X-Men is all about to me, a group of people who feel ashamed and exiled from the rest of the world, but when they get together they can truly be proud of who they are, and this movie nailed that.

While the film has an extremely long running time of 140 minutes, I never once felt bored and didn’t check my watch once, a true testament to this film. And while I didn’t find the special effects to be completely superb in this film, it wasn’t all that important to me as I stated earlier, the ensemble of characters is what sold it. The chemistry between this cast was outstanding and I only wish the film was a bit longer so we could get to know them more.

In terms of the past X-Men films if I had to rank them, this was better than the first X-Men and just about on par with X2, my favorite of the series. The script was extremely complex but absolutely comprehensible, unlike X3, and this was one origin story that was not forgettable like Wolverine.

Overall, ‘X-Men First Class’ was a fun, intelligent film and everything a summer blockbuster should be, bring on the next one!

SEE IT.

While the film snabbed an impressive cast, I still had my doubts; the original publicity for the film didn’t look great. The special effects looked cheesy, the posters un-inspired, and the dialogue seemed awkward. I also highly doubted this film could be better than X2 (my favorite of all the X-Men films). While X-Men served as a great introduction to the franchise, it was X2 that really scored. Helmed by critics and fans alike it was a great success. I personally loved X2 because of its strong ensemble of characters. To me, X-Men was always about an ensemble, not just a focus on one character (ahem, Wolverine), so when X2 managed to boast a hefty load of characters but equally develop them all, I was thrilled. In my opinion, X-Men: The Last Stand (part 3), and X-Men Origins: Wolverine (another prequel in the franchise) were the biggest mistakes for the series. ‘Last Stand’ had a messy plot with too many underdeveloped characters while ‘Origins’ lacked originality. I only wish we could erase these last two entries from my mind and director Matthew Vaughn could have continued with the original saga that Bryan Singer created, but regrettably we cannot turn back time and we are stuck with a prequel.

Alas, no one is as surprised as me when it turns out X-Men: First Class may be the best X-Men film yet! While it is still very early to make that assessment, initial reviews suggest it might be true. ‘First Class’ currently sits at a 100% at Rotten Tomatoes and while I doubt it will keep its perfect score, if these early reviews are even close, we are in for a fantastic ride. So do I believe what the critics are saying? Actually, yes I do. Most critics are citing ‘First Class’ with amazing storytelling, complex characters, and a ton of heart. This is what X-Men is all about!

While I’m not one to follow critics’ opinions like a robot, I have to say what was originally a so-so summer flick for me has become one of my most anticipated films of the year! Lets hope it doesn’t disappoint!

What do you banters think? Have the early reviews peaked your interest? If so, check out ‘X-Men: First Class’ in theaters this Friday, June 3^rd.

The pics are of Jones’s Frost, a mutant telepath known also as the “White Queen”, caught while filming in Buckinghamshire, England. They don’t of course say much about the movie itself, or even how much of a main character she plays given Frost is said to begin as a secondary villain in the comic book series before clashing as one of the bigger stars. And speaking of the comic book series, Jones’s wardrobe seems to be much less revealing than Frost was originally decked in.

Who am I kidding? She’s gorgeous nonetheless. Let us know what you think of the pics and head on over to INF Daily for the full gallery.

X-Men: First Class is slated for a June 3^rd, 2011 release date.

Let’s talk about X-Men for a minute.  The first two films are partially responsible for popularity of the superhero movie.  They were huge blockbusters with recognizable characters, famous actors, and decent storylines to boot.  Then there was the disastrous X-Men: The Last Stand that left the franchise with a bitter taste in the mouths of the audience.  Last year, X-Men Origins: Wolverine highlighted arguably the most recognizable X-Man, but, even with the help of some famous faces, didn’t connect.  There are talks of the same for Magneto, which is really whatever, but now there is X-Men: First Class, which seems to have much more potential than previously assumed.

This comes on the news that Alice Eve (She’s Out of My League) could possibly play Emma Frost in but another origin story.  Eve is both gorgeous and a rising star like many others in the cast.  James McAvoy is already pretty established, seeing as he is both critically (Atonement) and financially (Wanted) acclaimed.  Michael Fassbender turned heads in Inglorious Basterds and is set to play Magneto.  Amber Heard could possibly play Mystique, and Benjamin Walker (who I am less familiar with) will play Beast.

This cast of up and comers gets me excited.  Save one, I’ve seen these guys and girls at work, and without a clear star, it could give the movie a more natural ensemble feel without sacrificing story (I’m looking at you Last Stand…) The reason I feel confident?  Kick-Ass director Matthew Vaughn is at the helm. Given he is a reasonably young director in terms of number of films, but Kick-Ass felt fresh, something that superhero movies have been longing.  Also, he turned two unknowns into a couple of the most interesting and complex characters this year.  (Chloe Moretz has to win the award for most adorable superhero ever to drop the “C” bomb, am I right?)

What I’m trying to say is maybe it’s time for a new breed of X-Men.  A new breed of superhero movie making.  While some could say this movie is safe, I have to disagree.  There is no Hugh Jackman or Halle Berry to carry this film.  If anything else, this movie has something to prove; it has to make audiences appreciate the franchise that have left many disappointed.  So I’m asking you: Mr. Vaughn please do this movie justice.  Bring the emotional depth that was abandoned, and I promise I will see your movie.  I’ll see it twice.  Three times even.

What do you guys think?  Does X-Men: First Class have a chance or is it doomed for failure?

I don’t think I’m alone in saying X-Men: The Last Stand is among the worst superhero film exploitation ever made. Potential was completely wasted on pointless special effects, and a dazzling source story was ignored on top of that. Last summer’s blockbuster of X-Men Origins: Wolverine didn’t even seem to be on the map of where the two radically different directors of the original trilogy took their individual movies. It felt lost. We’ve been left to wonder whether an X-Men Origins: Magneto is happening, a spin-off on the frontrunner for the mutant school Charles Xavier, played by Ian McKellen, after Xavier was so hilariously butchered in the conclusion of Wolverine. Honestly I’d much rather see Hugh Jackman humiliate himself onscreen over the marvelous Sir McKellen.

Bryan Singer, director of the enjoyable X-Men and its sequel X2, was in talks to direct X-Men: First Class, a series of comics that primarily ran from September 2006 and ended in April of 2007. Basically a paper reboot of the original X-Men publications, though introducing new characters such as Lizard, Scarlet Witch, Man-Thing, Gorilla-Man, Doctor Strange, Fantastic Four’s Invisible Woman, and, most interestingly, Thor. Singer would have been a great choice, hopefully able to scrape the X-Men franchise from of the piles of cash and golden glitter bigwigs in L.A. have covered it in. However that’s no longer the case.

After Kick-Ass yielded amazing backlash among the people who actually saw it, its Matthew Vaughn (who also did Stardust and Layer Cake) was rumored as the replaced director. That was later confirmed. Now just a few days ago it was announced co-writer Jane Goldman (Vaughn’s wife) was currently rewriting the film’s script by Jaime Moss (Street Kings) and Josh Schwartz (Chuck). I’ll admit to being skeptical about this at first. Yet more writers and a director that aren’t Singer. X-Men is an extremely experimental property that nobody seems quite capable of hitting in the head. But if you’ve seen Kick-Ass you know how awesomely unconventional it turned out to be, and how the same can be said of Mark Millar and John Romita Jr.’s off-the-wall graphic novel.

Not having read the comics, X-Men: First Class looks to be strangely opaque. It can be taken in multiple directions, as the past three movies were as well, and without consistently jerking it left and right a great movie can be squeezed out. Vaughn and Goldman were able to expertly transfer Kick-Ass onto the screen; even adding personal touches that gave it a sense of humor and a soul. If they’re able to do the same with X-Men: First Class it could mean the beginning of a fantastic franchise stepping out of the shadows. Should you hold out much hope? Vaughn and Goldman could have gone anywhere after Kick-Ass. I’m hard-pressed to believe they’ve succumbed to the evils of Hollywood this early in the game, as Kick-Ass had a torch of fierce ambition you couldn’t hold to much else. Though coming off Wolverine, a kick in the head could be a vital wake-up.

Currently at 74% and Certified Fresh on Rotten Tomatoes, here are some positive and negative critical reviews for Kick-Ass –

Positive:

• “A particularly timely story about civic-mindedness and the pursuit of fame.” – Jonathan Joe, Chicago Reader
• “Doing for superheroes what Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels did for gangsters, Kick-Ass is colorful, irreverent, Tarantino-ish fun, especially when the brilliantly oddball Cage is on screen.” – Nicholas Barber, Independent on Sunday
• “Kick-Ass starts with a big laugh and they don’t stop coming for two hours. The script is sharp; there are clever comic book graphics, a cool soundtrack and a satisfying ending.” – Roz Laws, Birmingham Post

Negative:

• “Let’s say you’re a big fan of the original comic book, and you think the movie does it justice. You know what? You inhabit a world I am so very not interested in.” – Roger Ebert, Chicago Sun-Times
• “I started hating this movie around the midpoint.” – Michael Phillips, Chicago Tribune
• “Never as shocking as it thinks it is, as funny as it should be, or as engaged in cultural critique as it could be.” – Karina Longworth, Village Voice

Here’s to Vaughn and the rest of Kick-Ass. I haven’t been this excited for a book-adapted movie since Watchmen.

With a title like that, do I even have to further convince you to want to see this movie? Kick-Ass centers on high school loser Dave Lizewski who, one day, up and decides he wants to be a superhero. Though he has no special advantages or even a need to become one. Like every other fanboy in the world, I’m excited to see what director Matthew Vaughn (Layer Cake, Stardust) is able to do with the screenplay he co-wrote with Jane Goldman.

Kick-Ass isn’t just the mechanical superhero movie that studios incessantly spit out for profit. In fact, I didn’t even know that this was a superhero movie when it was announced. What could divide reactions for Kick-Ass is how it handles the raunchy humor seen in the trailers. This movie is a hard-R, by the way, thus able to get away with far more things than a PG-13 flick could. Take Zack Snyder’s Watchmen, for example. You think Matthew Vaughn could dangle a blue penis in front of you for two and half hours? It’s a marvel that this movie is even happening at all. Then again, I felt the same way prior to seeing Watchmen last year.

I’m going to stop myself from saying that the Kick-Ass marketing campaign has been great. I don’t recall seeing many trailers for Stardust or Layer Cake; Vaughn really has something big on his hands this time around, and he knows it as well as the rest of us that this movie could make or break him career-wise. I’m told the footage he ran at Comic-Con last year was pretty badass, but I have yet to see it. To me the green-band and red-band trailers released for this thing have induced goose bumps. The only thing wrong with them is that they don’t really have a target audience in mind. You could place the insane red-band Hit Girl trailer in front of either Youth in Revolt or Daybreakers and probably still get equal reactions from both crowds. Expect the ultimate audience clash on April 16^th.

Only two months since the first green-band trailer debuted online and Kick-Ass has already managed to piss off family value groups, Rupert Murdoch, and The Australian Daily Telegraph newspaper. Little do these highbrows know that the controversy they’re currently stirring up is only helping to spread the word around. My most-anticipated movie of 2010 has to be Kick-Ass. Even if it is a giant stinker, or if it starts big box office-wise then quickly deflates, I’ll be entirely grateful for Kick-Ass. In the movie cesspool of crap that is the winter months, there’s nary as talked-about a movie as this. For now, let’s just enjoy basking in the radiant glow of Matthew Vaughn’s work. It doesn’t have to be a giant blockbuster, but Kick-Ass has so far proved that it can be exactly that.

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