Dark Phoenix (2019)
113 min · Superhero, Action, Sci-Fi
The X-Men franchise's inglorious sendoff was condemned as a pale retread of X-Men: The Last Stand, ending the Fox era of mutant films with a whimper.
The Bottom Reel's take
Oh, *Dark Phoenix*. The very title conjures images of a cosmic entity, unimaginable power, and the dramatic culmination of a beloved saga. The ambition here was palpable, a final, fiery swan song for an era of mutant filmmaking that had given us so many memorable highs and, well, *X-Men: The Last Stand*. Instead of soaring into the cinematic heavens with a blaze of glory, what we got was a cinematic shrug, a superhero epic that somehow managed to feel small despite its universe-shattering stakes. It truly is a testament to how wide the chasm can be between what a film promises and what it ultimately delivers.
Coming in at a lean 113 minutes for an action-packed superhero sci-fi, *Dark Phoenix* attempts to pack a lifetime of cosmic angst into a brisk run. The film’s infamous reputation largely stems from its unenviable position as the X-Men franchise’s inglorious sendoff, drawing inevitable and unflattering comparisons to its spiritual predecessor, *The Last Stand*. There's a particular texture to its badness – not overtly garish or laughably inept, but rather a pervasive sense of deja vu and a curious lack of genuine spark. It’s the kind of "bad" that feels less like a misfire and more like a sigh, ending the Fox era of mutant films with a whimper rather than the bang we all hoped for. We’ve seen these powers, these dilemmas, these character beats before, and the film struggles to make them feel fresh or impactful.
Yet, despite its critical and audience scores languishing in the twenties and thirties, *Dark Phoenix* offers a unique kind of fun for the discerning bad-movie enthusiast. It’s not the kind of film that actively tries to be terrible, which often makes for the most fascinating viewing experiences. Instead, it’s a well-intentioned blockbuster that missed the mark so thoroughly, it accidentally created a fascinating case study in how a major franchise can wrap up with such perplexing mildness. There’s a certain joy in witnessing the careful execution of concepts that simply refuse to ignite, providing plenty of low-key moments for shared head-scratching and ironic commentary with friends. It's the blockbuster equivalent of ordering a complex, expensive dish only for it to taste... fine.
So, is *Dark Phoenix* worth your precious Friday night? Absolutely, if you're in the right mood. This isn't one for solo introspection; its true magic unfolds when shared. Gather your most jaded superhero fan friends, arm yourselves with your favorite movie snacks (the kind that require minimal attention, because you'll want to be ready for the inevitable "wait, didn't we see this before?" moments), and settle in. It’s a film that demands to be viewed through the lens of affection for what it *tried* to be, appreciating its earnest attempts even as they stumble. For a final, famously bad, unforgettably fun capstone to an iconic cinematic run, *Dark Phoenix* delivers an experience that is certainly, well, an experience.
Synopsis
X-Men member Jean Grey absorbs a cosmic force during a space mission and transforms into an unstoppable destructive entity.