Movie Review: 'X-Men: First Class'

Seen on: May 31, 2011

The players: Director: Matthew Vaughn, Writers: Ashley Miller, Zack Stentz, Jane Goodman, Cast: James McAvoy, Michael Fassbender, Jennifer Lawrence, Rose Byrne

Facts of interest: Michael Fassbender and James McAvoy both appeared in “Band of Brothers.”

The plot: The origin of the superhero team, the X-Men, is told against the backdrop of the Cuban Missile Crisis.

Our thoughts: The “X-Men” has been one of the most popular series of comic books in the Marvel cannon for decades. The popularity skyrocketed when Bryan Singer (director of “The Usual Suspects”) turned the comic stories into two of the most successful and highly regarded superhero movies of the past few years.

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Watch this new 'X-Men: First Class' clip

Matthew Vaughn's anticipated "X-Men: First Class" action adventure is set to open in theaters June 3, 2011, and Yahoo! just released a new clip from the prequel chronicling the beginning of Charles Xavier and Magneto. James McAvoy, Michael Fassbender and Jennifer Lawrence lead an all-star cast.

This particular clip, which you can check out after the jump, introduces viewers to Hank McCoy, also known as Beast (played by Nicholas Hoult). And is it only me or does Jennifer Lawrence looks pretty good as Raven Darkholme? Anyway, see for yourself.

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Trailer for 'X-Men: First Class' now online

The teaser trailer for Matthew Vaughn's upcoming "X-Men" prequel "X-Men: First Class" is now online, and you can admire it right after the jump. It's a short teaser only, but I admit it looks pretty good. I expected to see a bit more action, but this definitely gives us a good first look at the characters and look of the flick.

"First Class," which opens June 3, 2011, focuses on what was going on with Professor X and Magneto when they were close friends. Michael Fassbender plays Magneto, and James McAvoy is X. Also starring are January Jones, Jennifer Lawrence and Rose Byrne. With Vaughn behind the camera, I'm sure this one will deliver.

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Justin Long joins Redford's 'The Conspirator'

Justin Long has boarded Robert Redford's upcoming "The Conspirator" and will be joining James McAvoy and Robin Wright Penn in the flick about the events following the assassination of President Lincoln.

Penn plays Mary Surratt, the only woman in a group charged with conspiring to kill Lincoln. McAvoy will take on the role of Frederick Aiken, a war hero who thinks Surratt is innocent and chooses to defend her.

The Hollywood Reporter says Long is set to play McAvoy's best friend, a solider who lost a limb in the Civil War. James Solomon wrote the script for the film, which shoots soon.

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McAvoy, Wright Penn board 'Conspirator'

James McAvoy and Robin Wright Penn will star in Robert Redford's upcoming drama "The Conspirator," a film that will focus on the events following the assassination of President Lincoln. James Solomon wrote the script.

Variety says Wright Penn is set to play Mary Surratt, the only woman in a group charged with conspiring to kill Lincoln. McAvoy will take on the role of Frederick Aiken, a war hero who thinks Surratt is innocent and chooses to defend her.

McAvoy's recent credits include the entertaining "Wanted" and beautiful "Atonement." He's got "The Last Station" coming up, and he will likely return for the lead role in "Wanted 2."

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James McAvoy is with cancer in new comedy

We haven't seen James McAvoy on the big screen for a while, but the "Wanted" star will soon return, don't worry. One project he just signed on to star in is an untitled cancer comedy directed by Nicole Holofcener. The fim was formerly known as "I'm With Cancer."

The Hollywood Reporter says McAvoy will play a young man who learns he has cancer. The story is based on real-life experiences of screenwriter Will Reiser, who was diagnosed with the disease himself but managed to battle it.

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Tobey Maguire to replace James McAvoy in 'Details'

Tobey Maguire has signed on to join Elizabeth Banks, Ray Liotta, Dennis Haysbert and Anna Friel in Jacob Aaron Estes' upcoming comedy "The Details." Laura Linney is also in talks to join.

James McAvoy was originally set to star in the project, but as Variety reports, a conflict in schedule forced him to drop out. Maguire will take over his role.

"Details" follows a married couple struggling with their relationship. Things get a lot worse when they discover an infestation of raccoons in their yard and completely disagree on how to handle the situation.

Estes also directed 2004's excellent thriller "Mean Creek." As for Maguire, he's got tons of future projects in development. He will soon be seen in Jim Sheridan's "Brothers" remake. You'll also probably see him return as the lead in "Spider-Man 4."

Daily news dose: Marisa Tomei, Liv Tyler board '10A/10B;' Cast updates for 'The Details'

Here is your dose of film news for May 10, 2009: 

• Marisa Tomei and Liv Tyler are set to star in Chul-soo Park's upcoming thriller "10A/10B," according to Variety. The film is based on Park's 1995 flick "301/302" and follows what happens when a culinary perfectionist (Tyler) and a failed actress (Tomei) become neighbors. Hey, seeing Tomei on the big-screen is always worth it.

• IFC Films will distribute Oliver Hirschbiegel's drama "Five Minutes of Heaven" in the U.S., according to Variety. Written by Guy Hibbert, the film stars Liam Neeson and James Nesbitt and follows the lives of two men who live in the same Northern Island town but share different political views. Look for the flick in theaters this August.

• Minka Kelly, Aly Michalka and Matt Lanter are the latest to join Cam Gigandet and Leighton Meester in Christian E. Christiansen's upcoming thriller "The Roommate." Written by Sonny Mallhi, the film follows a college freshman (Meester) who becomes obsessed with her new roommate (Kelly). Kelly is known for "Friday Night Lights." (The Hollywood Reporter)

• James McAvoy, Elizabeth Banks, Laura Linney and Anna Friel have joined Jacob Estes' comedy "The Details," which follows a couple who experience quite an adventure after discovering an infestation of raccoons in their yard. Estes' credits also include the intriguing 2004 thriller "Mean Creek." (Variety)

McAvoy, Blunt to star in 'Gnomeo and Juliet'

James McAvoy and Emily Blunt are in talks to voice the lead characters in Miramax's upcoming CGI-animated feature "Gnomeo and Juliet," according to The Hollywood Reporter. 

Based loosely on Shakespeare's play, the film centers on two garden gnomes lovers from rival gardens. Kelly Asbury is directing a script originally written by Rob Sprackling and John R. Smith. Rob Sprackling and John R. Smith polished the screenplay.

Produced by Elton John's Rocket Pictures, the film will also feature several of the musician's greatest hits. 

McAvoy most recently starred in Universal's action hit "Wanted." Emily Blunt recently starres in "Dan in Real Life" and "Charlie Wilson's War." She will also appear in Joe Johnston's upcoming horror thriller "The Wolf Man."