I like how the film has a lot of action, which surpasses the previous film by a mile. Ever since the first film in the origin "X-Men" saga, these films have been hits and misses. Safe to say that I am glad and slightly disappointed that this is what calls as a franchise finale.
"Fox" should not have gotten rid of Bryan Singer. Singer, who directed the original "X-Men" films with the older versions of our favorite characters. He managed to pull of some of the best in the saga, but new director Simon Kinberg can only manage to do less than half than what Singer did, which is entertain. Kinberg does however manage to craft a very action-packed film. This is perhaps one of the more action packed films in the franchise.
On another note, this entry into the "X-Men" saga is perhaps the darkest installment in the series. This installment uses its somewhat sloppy narrative to entertain audiences but also show a dark side to it. The film's villain, played by Jessica Chastain, is one of their most sinister yet. Chastain is another element to what makes this a dark film.
By no means is the acting in this film praise worthy, but, this film does shine the spotlight on the "Dark Phoenix" Jean Grey, played by "Game of Thrones" star Sophie Turner. As it is in the name, this film is dark. Turner shines as the title character and is one of the best things about this film. She puts everything into this role and it shows.
This film can be a bit overdramatic at times though, despite its achievements. Jennifer Lawrence playing Mystique/Raven is one of the most overdramatic or melodramatic, actually, parts of this film. She did a really good job in the 2014 follow-up to "First Class", but it isn't a great one this time around.
Alongside Lawrence & Turner, are its leading mutants Professor X & Magneto played by James McAvoy & Michael Fassbender, respectively. The two give sub par performances but it's enough to satisfy. The one thing I wish I saw more of in this film, would be Magneto. That was disappoiting if I do say so.
He annouced after scoring "Batman vs. Superman" that he would no longer score superhero films. That man is Hans Zimmer. Zimmer who makes his "Marvel" debut scores an electric score that keeps the film energized to the max.
For 18 years in all, movie fans have come to love their favorite "X-Men" characters. Now that we're 8 years come and gone with the new young origin saga, this film is satisfying up to its abrupt and unsolved resolution ending. I expected more from this. But all that to say, this is another thrilling installment to the "X-Men" films despite some of it's noticeable flaws.
| Photo Courtesy of Fox |
Rate: B-
Director: Simon Kinberg
Starring: James McAvoy, Michael Fassbender, Sophie Turner, Jennifer Lawrence, Nicholas Hoult, Jessica Chastain
MPAA Rating: PG-13 (for intense sequences of sci-fi violence and action including some gunplay, disturbing images, and brief strong language)
Synopsis: In DARK PHOENIX, the X-MEN face their most formidable and powerful foe: one of their own, Jean Grey. During a rescue mission in space, Jean is nearly killed when she is hit by a mysterious cosmic force. Once she returns home, this force not only makes her infinitely more powerful, but far more unstable. Wrestling with this entity inside her, Jean unleashes her powers in ways she can neither comprehend nor contain. With Jean spiraling out of control, and hurting the ones she loves most, she begins to unravel the very fabric that holds the X-Men together. Now, with this family falling apart, they must find a way to unite -- not only to save Jean's soul, but to save our very planet from aliens who wish to weaponize this force and rule the galaxy.
Runtime: 1 Hour & 55 Minutes
