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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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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'X-Men:First Class' logo, trailer news

Okay then, let me start with the trailer news: if you want a first look at Matthew Vaughn's upcpoming "X-Men: First Class" movie, check out the film's Facebook page tomorrow, because that's where it will debut. No kidding. Anyone else pretty excited about how this will look like?

Anyway, EW posted a brand-new image from the movie as well, and it's posted above for your viewing pleasure. It's a shot of Magneto (Michael Fassbender) doing his thing. Co-starring in the flick are James McAvoy, January Jones, Jennifer Lawrence and Rose Byrne ("Damages").

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Jim Jarmusch's next project is...?

It looks like Tilda Swinton and Michael Fassbender could be teaming up with Jim Jarmusch for his next project. At least that's what the respected indie filmmaker said in an interview that appeard at Pitchfork.

He said he is trying to get the project rolling next year, but financing is not entierly complete yet. Mia Wasikowska ("Alice in Wonderland") is also part of the cast. That's all he would reveal about it.

Jarmusch last helmed "The Limits of Control," and "Broken Flowers" and "Coffee & Cigarettes" before that. He also mentioned he's working on a documentary about the Stooges. Read the full interview here.

Production set to start on 'Jane Eyre' next week

Focus Features and BBC Films will kick off production on Cary Fukunaga's ucoming feature "Jane Eyre," based on Charlotte Brontë’s classic novel. Mia Wasikowska ("Alice in Wonderland") and Michael Fassbender ("Inglourious Basterds") will star in the romantic drama. Moira Buffini penned the screenplay, and Jamie Bell, Judi Dench, Holliday Grainger, Sally Hawkins and Tamzin Merchant co-star.

From the press release: In the story, Jane Eyre (Wasikowska), flees Thornfield House, where she works as a governess for wealthy Edward Rochester (Fassbender). The isolated and imposing residence and Mr. Rochester’s coldness have sorely tested the young woman’s resilience, forged years earlier when she was orphaned. As Jane reflects upon her past and recovers her natural curiosity, she will return to Mr. Rochester – and the terrible secret that he is hiding…

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West, Fassbender join Marshall's 'Centurion'

Michael Fassbender, Dominic West and Olga Kurylenko have signed on to star in Neil Marshall's upcoming action adventure "Centurion."

The Hollywood Reporter describes the flick as follows:

"The movie, billed as a thriller set during the Roman invasion of Britain in A.D. 117, tells the story of Quintus Dias, sole survivor of a Pictish raid on a Roman frontier fort, who marches north with General Virilus' legendary Ninth Legion, under orders to wipe the Picts from the face of the Earth and destroy their leader, Gorlacon."

The trade didn't specify who will take on what role. Marshall's directing credits also include "Dog Soliders," "The Descent" and "Doomsday."

Fassbender recently starred in "300." He will also be seen in Quentin Tarantino's "Inglourious Basterds" and Peter Webber's "Wuhtering Heights."

As for West, his recent credits include "Punisher: War Zone" and television's "The Wire." Kurylenko starred in "Hitman," "Max Payne" and "Quantum of Solace."