Film Review: Dark Phoenix Is A Film For The Fans

I have watched every X-men film, and have been loyal through its series’ changes, which is why I felt compelled to see Dark Phoenix. From its highs to its lows, once you fall for characters, you fall for their plot-lines. Thus, Dark Phoenix is not the highlight of the X-men series, but, if you are a fan of X-men, then you will always enjoy seeing and hoping for these characters.

Personally, I love the X-men comic book series, particularly, because it is based on the Civil Rights Movement. With this in mind, there are two powerful points that Dark Phoenix takes up.

1.The Difference Between Acceptance And Tolerance– I LOVE that, in this film, everyone is coming to the conclusion that Charles Xavier is arrogant. James McAvoy moves Charles, at least for the first half, according to his ego; truly believing he is the savior for mutant kind’s public acceptance and livelihood. Yet, Raven (Jenxnifer Lawrence) is quickly there to remind him that mutant kind are being tolerated, which is why their livelihood in society is being held by a threat. After all, you do not threaten what you accept. Hence, the minute Jean Grey (Sophie Turner) loses her mind, ALL MUTANTS are paying for it.

Dark Phoenix | Final Trailer [HD] | 20th Century FOX

I like Sophie Turner as Jean Grey; she brings elements of fun, sweetness, intelligence, and sadness to her character. The film, naturally, goes through her backstory, and you begin to realize that the “darkness” of Dark Phoenix is that her own power has ostracized her. From her parents’ abandon to literally death, whomever she loves pays for loving her and, frankly, they do not forgive. Thus, Jessica Chastain’s Vuk, a D’bari alien obsessed with gaining Jean Grey’s powers, knows how to manipulate the young woman. Loneliness is always a powerful tool against someone. 

2. When do we feel like we have the right to live out what we fought for?- For awhile, there have been rumors that this film would be Jennifer Lawrence’s final round as Mystique, and, frankly, I never liked the character more. For the brief time she is on screen, she is strong, empowering, and completely wise. We meet her in a moment when she, personally, is deciding that, perhaps, “the fight” can continue without her. In part, this is the tragedy of Raven/Mystique, and why she becomes so relevant to mutant kind’s struggle. You fight so much to show those against you that you are worthy of a prosperous, safe life, but  you forget to also lead a happy one. Hence, I was surprised by how Magneto (Michael Fassbender) is living. 

Dark Phoenix | “X-Women” Clip | 20th Century FOX

Once again, in X-Men, the “villains” hold more wisdom. Seeing Erik at peace as the head of a “hippie,” mutant commune is both shocking and intriguing. This movie has many points that, personally, I wish it expanded upon. I would have loved to see more of the countering, mutant living Erik was building to contrast Charles. Moreover, I was disappointed that we did not get a Evan Peters’ Quicksilver/ Magneto. father-son moment. They are two of the series’ more favored characters, but, then again, this film is about Dark Phoenix. 

Directed and written by Simon Kinberg, this film has some beautifully, stunning scenes where Dark Phoenix is, literally, “Thanos Snapping” everyone. You do sense that she is unstoppable, which is why I like that the film focused on how and whether a person can stop themselves. No one defeats her, but the question is can she control and heal herself? Dark Phoenix comes out in theaters June 7.