So we saw X-Men: First Class on Friday

And really, thoroughly enjoyed it. A little puzzled by the number reviewers I've seen rushing to declare it the best X-Men movie ever, since despite all that thorough enjoyment I came away with a few caveats about the whole experience that leave it well below the undiluted awesome that was X2 (though I am what seems like a minority who really thoroughly enjoyed Wolverine: Origins too, so quite possibly the gap between this and the last good X-Men movie seems shorter to me than it does to many people), but those details aside gosh but there is a lot to like about this movie.

( Highlights, lowlights and a handful of fic recs. Also spoilers, in case those who haven't seen the movie yet are tempted to click. )