Movie Review: Dark Phoenix (2019)

Dark Phoenix is a somber, more down-to-earth retelling of the celebrated Dark Phoenix Saga from the X-Men comics. The movie has outstanding battle sequences, a terrific soundtrack by Hans Zimmer, and an excellent performance by Sophie Turner as the tormented Jean Grey. As a rabid fan of the comics throughout the nineties, and a superfan of Jean Grey/Marvel Girl in particular, I thoroughly enjoyed Dark Phoenix. While lacking in certain important elements, it's a beautiful superhero film and it tells a good story.

Briefly, the film is about Jean Grey's transformation into an uncontrollable force and the X-Men's attempts to bring her home. In the comics, Jean becomes corrupted by the Hellfire Club's machinations, but the movie makes a more straightforward choice about who is ultimately responsible for her turn to the dark side. It's that terrible betrayal--one born out of love, but without trust in her strength--that pushes her to commit horrific acts that draw even Magneto out of his self-imposed exile to try and stop her.

All the cast members do what they can with admittedly thin writing, particularly Tye Sheridan as Scott, whose love for Jean was always the cornerstone of the team in the comics. The lion's share of emoting goes to the A-listers, with James McAvoy portraying a less noble Charles Xavier and Michael Fassbender, as always, a formidable presence as the master of magnetism. Alas, the other X-Men only serve the story for the impressive combat set pieces, with one notable exception: Jennifer Lawrence's Raven, who [SPOILERS].

The unfortunate lack of character development extends to the villain, played by Jessica Chastain. Sadly, her most menacing feature is her frosty wig, and her stated motivations are at odds with her poor tactical judgment. She also has to deliver super cheesy lines, although nothing will ever be on the same level as Halle Berry's infamous "Do you know what happens to toads...?" cringefest.

But Dark Phoenix absolutely shines when it comes to epic mutant showdowns. Slow motion is used sparingly and to terrific effect. Storm's lightnings and gales are awesome, Nightcrawler's teleporting is on point, and Cyclops uses his beams in short, effective bursts. Jean is terrifying when the tell-tale signs of the Phoenix force erupt under her skin right before she starts wrecking everything. And Magneto is just a total badass, displaying both near-perfect control over his gifts and the indomitable will that makes him the X-Men's most enduring foe. There's a train fight that underscores everyone's repeated reluctance to engage him. The only exceptions to all this magnificence are Beast (Nicholas Hoult) and his awkward wire work jumping, and dreadlocks guy. Who is dreadlocks guy???

In conclusion, Dark Phoenix is a story about the consequences of great power--not just mutant power, but also power over others (i.e. authority figures like parents, teachers, etc.). Without control, without regard for others, power destroys. But in the right hands, power saves. Maybe we should call the team the X-Women after all.

Also: My dad when I told him I was watching Dark Phoenix: "Sansa!" 

TL;DR: A grim summer spectacle elevated by Hans Zimmer's score. Give it a chance!

---

This post brought to you by chia seeds!