X-Men: Dark Phoenix

Dark Phoenix is like a cold, bland meal served by an angry cook. I think the only people enjoying this movie less than the people watching it is the people who made it. It's a joyless, flat string of clichés with only a handful of cool visual moments. It seems as if the animated X-Men series is the only one who can get The Dark Phoenix Saga right. It's sad that this rebooted franchise fizzled out.

The more I think about it, the least I think of this movie. A story about something that is not named merging with Jean Grey, aliens that are not named coming to take control over it - by using sheer number and physical strength, obviously, a government that goes from hailing the X-Men to mutant detention facilities in a day and characters that switch from love to murderous hate in seconds. Nothing makes any sense! The film connects to none of the previous films, has actors in it just for the sake of killing them off or doesn't have them at all, in some cases. It's just a standalone X-men-like film that just doesn't seem to be part of the same thing. It looks like someone tried to make a Mutant-X film and randomly got the rights for the X-Men in the process. Why was this done at all?

Maybe it had something to do with the fact Phoenix came out so soon after Endgame but all the negative feedback now more than a year later seems just a tad OTT. It worked on me. It actually has taken me until now to actually decide to finally give it a couple of hours of my time and I can honestly say 'wassup with all the fuss folks'! Sure it may not be the best Marvel movie by quite a margin, not necessarily even the best X movie but did it warrant the criticism it recieved, hell no. I found it an easy couple of hours and entertaining watch. Did it have faults, sure. Do plenty of other Marvel movies also have faults, hell yes. Did they receive the same level of criticism, hell no. Bit of perspective required methinks peeps. Just my penny's worth.

*X-Men: Dark Phoenix* is a disappointing chapter in the X-Men saga. While it boasts a talented cast and impressive visual effects, the film suffers from a lackluster script and inconsistent tone.

The premise of Jean Grey's transformation into the Phoenix is a rich source of material, but the film fails to capitalize on its potential. Sophie Turner delivers a solid performance, but the character's descent into darkness is rushed and lacks emotional depth. The supporting cast, including James McAvoy and Michael Fassbender, are underutilized, and their characters' arcs feel incomplete.

The film's pacing is erratic, with jarring tonal shifts between dramatic moments and over-the-top action sequences. The villainous D'Bari alien race is underdeveloped and serves as little more than a generic threat.

Despite its shortcomings, *Dark Phoenix* features some visually striking moments. The Phoenix's powers are depicted with impressive scale and intensity. However, these moments are overshadowed by the film's overall narrative weaknesses.

Ultimately, *X-Men: Dark Phoenix* is a missed opportunity to explore the complex character of Jean Grey and deliver a satisfying conclusion to the X-Men saga. It's a film that leaves viewers feeling unsatisfied and disappointed.

Cool effects, trash story..... that's Hollywood 2019 for you.