Dark Phoenix Deserves More Credit
When “Dark Phoenix” premiered in 2019, it became the subject of widespread criticism. Many audiences skipped it entirely, influenced by the negative buzz surrounding the movie, primarily fueled by the anticipation of Disney’s takeover of the X-Men franchise from Fox. People were eager to see what Marvel would do with the characters under the MCU banner. Unfortunately, “Dark Phoenix” got lost in the shuffle, overshadowed by the changing tides in Hollywood.
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However, “Dark Phoenix” is far from the disaster many claimed it to be. In fact, it holds up as an entertaining and well-crafted chapter in the X-Men saga. This article will explore the film’s strengths, its story’s connection to the beloved comic arc, and why it deserves more appreciation than it received.
The Tale of Dark Phoenix: An Adaptation of a Classic Comic Story
The Dark Phoenix Saga, one of the most iconic storylines in X-Men history, focuses on Jean Grey’s transformation from a hero to an almost godlike being consumed by her own immense power. In the comic book arc, Jean taps into the Phoenix Force, which amplifies her already formidable psychic abilities to near limitless levels. However, absolute power comes at a cost. Jean’s darker impulses begin to take control, leading to catastrophic consequences, both for herself and the universe.
In “Dark Phoenix”, the film follows this trajectory closely, with a few changes. Jean, played by Sophie Turner, struggles to control her newfound powers after a mission in space exposes her to a mysterious cosmic force. Unlike the comic version, where Jean’s dark side emerges from within, the movie takes a different approach, introducing an external entity that causes her to lose control. While some fans of the comics may feel this change removes some of the story’s psychological complexity, it also offers a unique twist on the narrative.
Despite these changes, the essence of the Dark Phoenix Saga remains. Jean is still the central figure, battling her own demons while her friends and loved ones grapple with the fallout. Her internal struggle drives the film’s emotional core, as she wrestles with the growing temptation of power and its potential to corrupt.
A Worthy Swan Song for the Fox X-Men Series
As the final film produced under 20th Century Fox before Disney’s acquisition, “Dark Phoenix” was an opportunity for Fox to bid farewell to the X-Men series it had shepherded for nearly two decades. Since 2000, Fox’s X-Men films, starting with “X-Men”, helped ignite the superhero movie boom we still see today. However, by the time “Dark Phoenix” arrived in theaters, the landscape had changed drastically, with Marvel Studios’ interconnected cinematic universe reigning supreme.
Nevertheless, “Dark Phoenix” serves as a worthy conclusion to the Fox era of X-Men. It offers a more grounded and personal story compared to the larger, cosmic adventures we’ve grown accustomed to in superhero films. Rather than focusing on world-ending stakes or massive CGI battles, the film hones in on the relationships between its characters. The dynamic between Jean and Professor Xavier (James McAvoy), Jean’s conflict with Magneto (Michael Fassbender), and the loyalty of her fellow X-Men form the heart of the movie.
One standout scene involves a confrontation between Jean and Magneto in a small, tense sequence where their powers clash in dramatic fashion. These moments give the film a weight and intensity that set it apart from other X-Men entries, making it feel more personal and emotionally driven.
Poking Fun at the Franchise’s History
Simon Kinberg, the writer and director of “Dark Phoenix,” has been involved with the X-Men series for a long time, including his work on “X-Men: The Last Stand” and the recent prequel trilogy. He brings a self-awareness to the film that’s refreshing. Throughout the movie, there are moments of humor where characters poke fun at the franchise’s past missteps.
For instance, Mystique (Jennifer Lawrence) quips that it’s always the women saving the men in their missions, and perhaps the team should be called “X-Women.” There’s also a moment when Magneto cuts off Xavier mid-speech, acknowledging the long-winded philosophical monologues that have defined their relationship. These self-aware moments help lighten the tone of the film and show that Kinberg understands the franchise’s legacy, both good and bad.
Action and Visuals That Deliver
Despite its smaller, more intimate focus, “Dark Phoenix” doesn’t skimp on action. The film boasts several intense and visually striking sequences, including a standout battle aboard a train. This set piece alone showcases the X-Men using their powers in inventive and dynamic ways, creating a thrilling spectacle for viewers. Characters like Storm (Alexandra Shipp), Nightcrawler (Kodi Smit-McPhee), and Cyclops (Tye Sheridan) are given ample opportunity to shine, unleashing their abilities in ways that fans of the comics will appreciate.
Compared to previous X-Men films, “Dark Phoenix” also benefits from a more grounded and realistic approach to its visuals. The movie feels more tangible, avoiding the over-reliance on green screen and CGI-heavy environments that sometimes plague superhero films. The result is a film that feels more connected to the real world, adding weight to the characters’ struggles and the stakes at hand.
The Misunderstood Finale
So, why did “Dark Phoenix” receive such a harsh reception? In part, it was a victim of circumstance. The Fox X-Men films were in a transitional period, with audiences eagerly awaiting the MCU’s inevitable reboot of the characters. As a result, many dismissed the film before giving it a fair chance, eager to move on to what was coming next.
But “Dark Phoenix” isn’t the trainwreck many painted it to be. It’s a well-acted, competently directed, and emotionally resonant film that provides a fitting conclusion to Fox’s long-running X-Men series. While it may not have the sprawling, interconnected plotlines of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, it excels as a character-driven piece that explores the darker side of power and responsibility.
Conclusion: Dark Phoenix Deserves Another Look
If you skipped “Dark Phoenix” because of the negative reviews or the impending MCU reboot, it’s worth reconsidering. The film stands as a strong entry in the X-Men franchise, and while it may not be perfect, it delivers an engaging and thoughtful take on one of the most famous X-Men storylines. As we look forward to what Marvel Studios will do with these beloved characters, “Dark Phoenix” serves as a bittersweet farewell to the series that helped pave the way for the modern superhero movie era.
