This prequel is an absolute stunner - from storyboard, script, mutant characters, pace, cinematography, Foley FX, VFX.you get the picture. In fact, the subtitle for this movie could also be X-Men: Origins. The poignant beginnings of Magneto and Mystique are recounted, as well as the extraordinary powers of Professor X. Yes, indeed! The good professor had plenty of goodies(and hair) in his formative years at Oxford University.^
What I also like about First Class is that the movie takes place in the past(the sixties) and uses historical events(the Cuba crisis and the Cold War) to make its point. Erik claims that no matter how many times mutants save the world, normal people will always see them as enemies. Professor X still wants to believe in the good of the people. With that message the foundation is laid for X-Men 1-3.;)