Dark Phoenix

Not the superhero/mutant movie I was looking for. - 5.5/10

by Francesco Bakhos - 365 Movies Lebanon

Note to self, never again expect something or anything from a movie.

The latest installment in the X-Men franchise, Dark Phoenix, quickly proved itself unable to fly and reach my hopes and unfortunately the audiences' expectations and hopes as well.

This movie follows the story of Jean Grey whom, during a life threatening mission to space, is hit by a cosmic force that transforms her into one of the most powerful mutants of all time. Wrestling with this extremely unstable power as well as her own personal demons, Jean spirals out of control, tearing the X-Men family apart and threatening to destroy the very fabric of our planet.

What was supposed to be this intense Culmination of 20 years of Mutant power in the making, oddly felt underwhelming. I think the best way to review this movie is to divide it into 2 main categories : the positives and the negatives.

The positives : First things, the visuals and the special effects are absolutely mesmerizing. EYE CANDY. I can honestly say I was satisfied with these specials effects, they were powerful, strong and colorful. Enough to make anyone in the audience totally stupified.

Secondly, Sophie Turner's embodiment as Jean Grey is impeccable. We got to see Jean's both sides (good and bad) in a very convincing way, all thanks to Turner's amazing acting skills. Everyone will be, or at least I was able to feel her every emotion , anger, lost, betrayal, power, regret... You name it, she was so transparent and touching, you can't but admire her. And Jessica Chastain was surprisingly really well as a villainess.

But unfortunately that's it, everything else was kinda bad. Starting with the story itself, again and I repeat this is the LAST installment in the X-Men franchise, so why go safe??  The story to say the least was weak, predictable and totally USELESS. Yes useless, eno c'mon, it doesn't scream GRAND FINALE. Not in any way possible.

To continue, for some reason, director Kinberg tamed all the mutants' powers and abilities and by that I mean, I Know we all watch X-Men because we are entertained by these powerful mutants whom each possesses an ability that separates him from the other, it's either telekinesis, or the ability to control weather, minds or metal , or to generate fire or ice, or in Jean's case the power to control literally everything in the known universe . I mean who wouldn't want to take full advantage of these magnificent powers? I know who, Simon Kinberg. I believe that not even one of these mutants lived up to their full potential especially Jean Grey, whom is considered one of the most powerful creatures in the universe. My question is whyy?? Whyyy?? This is totally unacceptable.

In addition, the Antagonists. Im pretty sure this is a joke. C'mon wlw, Akid this is a joke. 1- they are terribly written. 2- there's no backstory whatsoever. 3-their entire existence is without any purpose. So why create them in the first place!!

As an extremely devoted fan to the franchise, I can honestly say that this is not what I was expecting. I was expecting a movie of EPIC proportions, but this is unfortunately not one. In the end, Dark Phoenix' only few good aspects were not enough to make this movie a success.

Connect with Francesco Bakhos - 365 Movies Lebanon

Instagram
Facebook
Twitter
View other reviews by Francesco Bakhos - 365 Movies Lebanon