I had set my expectations down a bit before seeing “Dark Phoenix” -with production woes left and right, reshoots and a total ending overhaul (and not to mention being caught in the whole Fox to Disney transition) what did you expect?
Plus the pressure of being the finale of an almost 20 year franchise was probably all to great for a single movie to carry.
I will say though that “Dark Phoenix” is a whole lot better than “X3: The Last Stand” which also share the same Dark Phoenix storyline. It is inevitable that the two films would be compared.
“Dark Phoenix” is different as it focuses the plot on Jean Grey (Sophie Turner) and how she comes in contact with the Phoenix force, how this incredible source of power changes her, how it affects those around her and those who seek to use it.
The end of the X-Men sad (at least under 20th Century Fox), “Dark Phoenix” is an all too convenient bow to tie things up. (Maybe a little too convenient at times, a couple of characters were literally written off and that was a bit of a disappointment, especially literally benching a fan favorite, why would you do that?!)
Despite production woes and reshoots that had to be done, the fight sequences were refreshing thanks to top notch CGI, excellent choreography and unique use of camera angles (not everyone will be a fan, but I appreciated it, with the many fight scenes in so many superhero movies, I appreciate changing it up a bit). I got to see the film in a good IMAX theater and it was crisp, the colors so vibrant. It was just a joy to watch Jean unleash that kind of power. Sophie Turner is a gift in this film.
The train sequence was especially enjoyable.
There was also an interesting take on how good old Charles Xavier got a bit way over his head, well at least with his ego and that was definitely a different approach to his character, which has always been benign in the movies. However seeing him depend so much on others to get him around, almost became hilarious, especially in the middle of a fight.
Was also a bit confused with some new, unknown mutants that there were used in the film, I mean it was already the last one under Fox, might as well use mutants, comic book fans would recognize, its not like you’re messing with any plots or timelines anymore.
That one trailer kind of ruined it for me though, basically spelling out how the plot would go but Jessica Chastain’s character (and her performance) was also enjoyable. Honestly, trailers that reveal too much of the plot should be criminal (yes “Pet Sematary” 2019 I’m looking at you).
Was it the finale that this franchise deserved? No, certainly not, the X-Men films have long failed to capture audiences as much as the MCU (and the DCEU is just scrambling to play catch up) and its just sad that this franchise could not finish on a high note. Maybe third time’s the charm for the Dark Phoenix? Only time will tell. 6.5/10
In a chapter entitled “Feared and Misunderstood” from his book “Supergods” acclaimed comic-book writer Grant Morrison writes:
“The mutant X-Men could be adolescents, or gay or black or Irish. They could stand for any minority, represent the feelings of every outsider-” and for me this has always been one of the great pillars of strength of the X-Men franchise and I was glad that I was able to see their trials, hardships and success through the movies in the past twenty years. We take what we can from these films and I chose to take this, thank you to the X-Men!
Mutant and proud.