5 Things About ‘X-Men: First Class’ That Made Zero Sense and 5 Things That Made Perfect Sense

X-Men: First Class (2011) kicks off the X-Men prequel saga with a focus on Charles Xavier and Erik Lehnsherr’s early days. Set against the backdrop of the Cuban Missile Crisis, it mixes mutant powers with historical drama, delivering strong performances and a fresh spin on the franchise.

Not everything works, though. Some parts of the movie feel confusing or poorly thought out, while others hit the mark perfectly. Here are five things that made no sense and five that absolutely did.

Zero Sense: Magneto’s Helmet Stopping Telepathy

Erik gets a helmet from Shaw that blocks Charles’ telepathy entirely. The movie never explains how this helmet, made by a non-telepath, can shut down such a powerful ability.

This feels like a lazy plot trick to create tension. A brief explanation about the helmet’s tech or materials could have made it less random.

Perfect Sense: Charles and Erik’s Dynamic

The friendship between Charles and Erik carries the film. Their contrasting views—Charles’ optimism versus Erik’s distrust—make their bond engaging and set up their eventual split.

McAvoy and Fassbender shine in their roles. Moments like their chess games or training sessions show their connection, making their breakup feel real and emotional.

Zero Sense: Shaw’s Mutant Recruitment

Shaw’s team, including mutants like Azazel and Riptide, joins him with no clear reason. Why would they follow a guy pushing for nuclear war? The film skips their motivations.

This leaves the villains feeling flat. Even a short scene showing why they’re loyal to Shaw would’ve added depth.

Perfect Sense: Historical Setting

Using the Cuban Missile Crisis as the backdrop is a brilliant choice. It ties the mutant conflict to a real-world event, raising the stakes and grounding the story.

The mix of history and mutant action works well. Scenes like Erik lifting the submarine or the beach showdown make the global tension feel intense and believable.

Zero Sense: Emma Frost’s Wasted Potential

Emma Frost, a telepath with diamond skin, is barely used. She’s reduced to Shaw’s sidekick, with her powers shown only briefly and her character left undeveloped.

This is a missed opportunity for a strong mutant. More scenes showcasing her abilities or personality could’ve made her a standout.

Perfect Sense: Mutant Training Scenes

The training montage where Charles helps the young mutants master their powers is fun and effective. It highlights each mutant’s abilities, like Banshee’s flight or Havok’s energy blasts.

These scenes also build team spirit. The mix of humor and progress makes the group’s preparation for the final fight feel satisfying.

Zero Sense: Darwin’s Weak Death

Darwin, whose power is adapting to survive anything, dies early when Shaw overpowers him. This contradicts his entire ability to evolve against threats.

His death feels like a forced way to show Shaw’s strength. A better exit for Darwin would’ve respected his unique power.

Perfect Sense: Erik’s Tragic Past

Erik’s backstory as a Holocaust survivor shapes his worldview and anger. The opening scene in the concentration camp sets up his drive to hunt Shaw.

Fassbender’s performance makes Erik’s pain and rage feel real. His journey to becoming Magneto is both understandable and gripping.

Zero Sense: Rushed Team Building

The X-Men form their team in just a few days. Charles and Erik recruit young mutants and turn them into a fighting unit with barely any time or bonding.

This rushed pace skips over character growth. A few more scenes of the team connecting would’ve made their unity more convincing.

Perfect Sense: The Core Conflict

The ideological clash between Charles and Erik is the film’s strongest element. Charles wants peace with humans, while Erik sees them as enemies, setting up a powerful divide.

This conflict drives the story and pays off in the emotional beach scene. Their split feels inevitable and adds weight to the entire movie.

What did you think of X-Men: First Class—any head-scratchers or moments that clicked for you? Drop your thoughts in the comments!