I am a big fan of the X-Men series.  I have to admit it, I’m a guy.  I like things that are big, loud, shiny, blow-up, and require a lot of special effects.  X-Men: First Class fits the bill though I would leave the kids at home.  It is much more violent and suggestive than the previous movies.

The following are the leadership quotes and principles from the movie.

• “You unlock your gift with anger and praise” says Sebastian Shaw played by Kevin Bacon.  Whether it is a holy discontent, deep burden, or an injustice that must be made right, extreme emotions leveraged properly can unleash giftedness, creativity, and solutions. 
• “Any involvement of the mutant involves the extinction of the less evolved kind.” – When we discover better ways to deliver business or ministry, we must be willing to end former practices no matter how popular or successful they once were.
• “I’m Frankenstein’s monster!” These are the comments made by Erik Lehnsherr/Magnito played by Michael Fassbender.  The reality is that we will all sit down to a banquet of consequences.  We can choose our decisions.  We simply don’t get to choose our consequences.
• “I know a lab rat when I see one.  I’ve been one.” – also said by Erik.  We have greater empathy with people when we have actually experienced what they are going through and have walked in their shoes.
• “I wouldn’t call it a war necessarily.  That suggests that both sides have an equal chance of winning.” – There are times in leadership when discretion truly is the better part of valour.
• “True focus lies between rage and serenity.” – Charles Xavier, played by James McAvoy, helps Erik unleash all his power by teaching him this basic truth.  Leaders, do you have a proper balance between a passion to make a difference and the peace of knowing you are equipped to fulfill your task and assignment?
• Coaching and Training Maximizes Talent – As Charles and Erik were preparing their team for the final battle scene, much training was involved.  It was a lesson that no matter how gifted and talented you are, effective coaching will always help you improve current performance. 
• “They’re good people.  They’re just carrying out orders!” As Erik was carrying out vengeance at various points in the movie, this is what was told to him on several occasions.  As a leader, I have often had to carry out orders that I didn’t support or believe in.  The fact that I did still bothers me to this day.  Did I lack courage?  What if I got fired, would God take care of me?  Was I just being a faithful and good soldier?  Did I do the right thing?  Was God pleased with me?  I still don’t have answers to those questions.  Have you ever been there as a leader?
• Embrace Your Uniqueness – The X-Men movies remind us of Psalm 139:13-14 which states, “For Thou didst form my inward part; Thou didst weave me in my mother’s womb.  I will give thanks to Thee, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.” 
• What Satisfies – Revenge is a dish best served cold.  However, it simply doesn’t satisfy your soul or bring peace.

On a side note, this movie will always have a special place in my heart because the ocean and beach battle scenes were filmed in Jekyll Island, Georgia while my wife and I were vacationing there. 

Anyway, that’s my insights from the movie.  What are your thoughts?

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