3. Charles Xavier - X-Men: First Class
Acting as a prequel to the main X-Men series, this 2011 addition of The X-Men focused on the origins of the group and the relationship between Charles Xavier (James McAvoy) and Magneto (Michael Fassbender). Critically and commercially successful, the film was a brilliantly witty, sharp addition to the superhero franchise that didnt feel like a cash-in. Instead, it provided excellent performances and action sequences that gave the film a youthful vigour and ambitious premise that will be hopefully carry into the 2014 sequel X-Men: Days of Future Past. McAvoy really seems to engage with the character of Charles Xavier, demonstrating the arrogance of youth, whilst flirting with popular story elements and comic exposition. Slowly, as the film goes on, we begin to witness the development of a character that feels more aligned with how Patrick Stewart portrayed Xavier in the earlier X-Men films, showcasing the pomposity of this character's origins, paired expertly with traits of leadership and sincere guidance. What helps McAvoys performance is the brilliant chemistry he shares with Michael Fassbender, who plays Magneto, Xavier's friend and later enemy. Chemistry is an exceptionally difficult thing to force, but here both seem to bounce off and communicate with one anothers mannerism wonderfully, providing humour and a definitive sense of friendship, something which allows the final act of the film to generate a greater feeling of betrayal and disaster. Its a truly great performance.