Change Your Image
Liam_1
Reviews
X-Men: Dark Phoenix (2019)
Don't let reviews put you off seeing this film.
Dark Phoenix, the seventh entry in the mainline series of X-men films, is just fine. As someone who grew up reading the comics back in the 90s, watching the animated series and then the films, I think this is a pretty decent adaptation of the now very famous Phoenix / Dark Phoenix storyline. It doesn't follow the source material exactly (that would take multiple films), but it's still a good iteration.
It covers the main beats of the tale - Jean's assumption of the Phoenix force, her use of the power to help her friends, and finally of course her corruption. It's very much a truncated, abridged version of the story, but all the emotional beats of Claremont's work are in the film. The final act hints at the scope of Jean's power, and the closing monologue touches on the very important transpersonal aspects of her transformation. Jean's story is so important in X-men lore (and that of all the Marvel Universe) because her ascent to God-like, near omnipotent levels of power is really the story of the superhuman taken to its very literal extreme. It's also a beautiful, heartfelt piece of fantasy that explores the microcosmic effects this has on the mind of an individual.
How does this all hold up in the film? It's not perfect, by any means, but is it deserving of the critical thrashing it's received, both from fans and professionals alike? Absolutely not. Again, the film is fine. The CGI is glorious, the action is spectacular, and the score is off the chart. Most of the performances are fantastic, especially McAvoy and Fassbender, but there is room for improvement here from Kinberg with regard to drawing better performances from his cast, as some scenes felt like they needed another few takes. Another issue is the second act, which lags a little - but this is quite common in films. Jessica Chastain's villain is not very strong, and the script would have benefited immensely in fleshing out her character, and drawing up a greater threat to Jean and the X-men. Although use of the D'Bari was very interesting, I think it would have made more sense to just throw Lilandra in, on a quest to contain / destroy the Phoenix force.
Comparing this film to "X-men: The Last Stand" is completely ridiculous. That is an objectively BAD film. The direction is not good. The performances are not good. The script is not good. The editing is not good. Even Patrick Stewart and Ian McKellan struggled in that film. Don't believe me? Go watch it again, or try to ("Charles always wanted to build bridges"). Famke Janssen was fantastic, but they gave her almost nothing to do.
So give it a rest guys. Dark Phoenix is far from perfect, but it's a good 2 hour fantasy spectacle, and to anyone who hasn't seen it, if you're an X-men fan, I advise you to not deny yourself the only chance you'll have to see this on the big screen based on these reviews. Go and see it for yourself and then decide. Like I said, the film's fine. When a film's release date is delayed as it was with this, people are generally way more alert to the negatives, and then they get broadcasted.
It was fun after almost 2 decades (I sat in the cinema for X-men 2000 as a teenager), to finally see Phoenix on the big screen. Not a perfect adaptation, but one I still thoroughly enjoyed. I'm glad they made this.
The X Files: Ghouli (2018)
Beautiful.
William's story was presented beautifully in this episode. It had a modern feel to it from start to finish. Demonstrates that the X-files has just as much life in it as it ever did. I hope that's not the end for his character.
Great performances from everyone, especially Anderson. Exemplary of how amazing and timeliness the x-files is. The previous episode's pandering to nostalgia I felt was out of place, and perhaps a little misguided. They're two FBI agents working in the field. Who cares what age they are? This show could just as well have started right now, in 2018, and with the right work could have been just as successful.
X-Men: Apocalypse (2016)
Wonderful. THIS IS X-MEN.
I agree with other reviewers here. How the critics have got this one completely and abjectly WRONG. You absolutely must go see this film if you are an x-men fan; it's astonishing.
The newcomers are wonderful. Sophie Turner makes an excellent Jean Grey (perfect in fact), and although I really didn't think anyone could replace Famke Janssen well in the role, it's happened quite automatically here.
Mystique's role is not overplayed, and the villainous aspect of her character that's more prevalent in the source material is no longer missed; in fact, I quite like this Mystique now. Also, make no mistake; her presence does not overshadow the other characters in any way, which is something I think a lot of people were worried about. On the contrary, every character shines quite brilliantly here.
Some of the more B characters don't get a huge amount of backstory, but that's to be expected in such a large universe of characters. This is especially true in a film with this monumental villain, a secondary arch villain, and seven or eight major X-men players, not to mention the core of Xavier, Storm, Jean, Cyclops, Magneto and in other places — Wolverine. So the critics are completely off base there again.
Oscar Isaac's performance is fantastic, and contrary to what critics have spouted, his on screen presence is not diminished by the makeup and costume; it is merely enhanced. The sonic affects on his voice create a visceral experience, and elevate the character to really menacing proportions. Apocalypse's design looks perfect in most places. It's not so great in just one or two moments, but it honestly doesn't matter — either way, this villain's transfer to the big screen is truly excellent. His commentary about the iconography and false promise of modern western culture struck a note that I frankly think has gone well over critic's heads. I mean, can anyone name a supernatural villain who actually wanted to launch nuclear weapons into space? Excuse me, but this is pure genius!
The tension between him and Xavier as the film moves forward is riveting. His towering, overpowering presence during the psychic battle is awesome, and his mocking taunts here really bring the character to life — even going beyond the comic book. Jean's eventual entrance into this battle — coming to Xavier's rescue — has to be the most heroic moment in the entire franchise.
Throughout the rest of the film, expect lots of great, explosive scenes, lots of intimate character building moments, and another highly memorable, sweet moment between Logan and Jean (during his excellent, extended cameo), which is truly beautiful.
The emergence of Phoenix, finally, after sixteen years, is more than welcome. It has to be seen to be believed. Apocalypse's last words, "all is revealed" upon seeing Jean's power unleashed — this simple sentence is a work of genius, incredibly layered and with huge subtext. It's the perfect juxtaposition between a false God, who, in shock, speaks these words when he is presented after all that time with a young girl who could potentially have the power of a true God.
So who wrote the line? Singer? Kinberg? Tell us!
The scene also really gets to some truths about the original X-men team that were absent to a large degree before. For instance, we see just how close Jean is to Xavier. She is referred to as his 'star pupil' at one point in the Ultimate series I believe, and I think that sentiment was always there in the original book too. They truly have a very special, very unique bond, and it's paid homage to here in a really beautiful way.
This is a truly wonderful addition to the X-men franchise. Can't wait for more.
(And thanks Singer, Kinberg, Dougherty, Harris, Donner etc.)