DARK PHOENIX (2019) Movie Reaction! | First Time Watch! | X-Men | Sophie Turner | James McAvoy

The hosts consistently praised the technical aspects of 'Dark Phoenix,' including its cinematography, action sequences (specifically the train fight), and Hans Zimmer's musical score. However, this technical prowess was undermined by a perceived lack of narrative direction and emotional depth, preventing the film from being truly excellent.

Brandon states, "The film was done well. It was shot really well. The action was super cool. That train fight scene was super dope." Michael adds, "The technical aspects of this movie really shine... but they miss a sort of core thread that would bring them together in a really good way."

A major criticism was the film's inability to serve as a conclusive ending for the X-Men franchise, leaving significant plot threads (like the government's mutant policy) unresolved. The hosts also struggled with the film's place in the convoluted X-Men timeline, especially after the events of 'Days of Future Past,' which was meant to reset continuity.

Michael notes, "I don't know where we're going with this... we haven't dealt with like the fallout of the government thinking mutants are bad again." Brandon expresses confusion, "The timelines were messing me up a little bit because we've seen so many."

The hosts acknowledged that 'Dark Phoenix' handled Jean Grey's transformation and self-sacrifice better than 'X-Men: The Last Stand,' providing more justification and depth to her character. Despite this improvement, the film felt like a rehash of similar emotional beats and plot points from the earlier movie.

Michael states, "I like this version of dealing with Dark Phoenix better than X-Men Last Stand... I felt a lot more justice done to her progression and her inability to control the power and the justification for where the power comes from."

The hosts appreciated the continued development of Magneto's character, highlighting his internal conflict between seeking peace in his mutant commune and being drawn back into conflict by events like Raven's death. This added depth made him a more interesting figure.

Michael notes, "Objectively I love what they've done with uh Magneto and this weird kind of like this kind of waffling between am I out for revenge? Am I not? like it's it's made him a really interesting and complex character."