X-Men: Dark Phoenix Delivers: A Superior Sequel to The Last Stand

Recently, I finished watching X-Men: Dark Phoenix. Does anyone else think this film was way better than The Last Stand?

Better than The Last Stand is a pretty low bar. Over the course of 2 movies, screenwriters Simon Kinberg and Zak Penn didn’t develop Famke Janssen’s Jean Grey enough for her to “earn” the Phoenix force. At least Kinberg bothered to set up the shuttle rescue in the 2019 version.

For those who have never seen X-Men: Dark Phoenix, it is the sequel to X-Men: The Last Stand, and it is a significant improvement. While The Last Stand was a disjointed mess with a convoluted plot, Dark Phoenix tackles the same themes but executes them with far more elegance.

Character Development

One of the most significant changes between the two films is in character development. In Dark Phoenix, Famke Janssen’s portrayal of Jean Grey is nuanced and emotionally rich. Her arc is well-crafted, and while she eventually unleashes the powerful Phoenix force, the journey there is believable and deeply moving. The movie manages to balance tragedy and triumph in a way that engages the audience on an emotional level.

Additionally, the screenplay, written by Simon Kinberg, improves significantly from the 2006 film. Gone are the convoluted love triangles and the overcomplicated plot. The screenplay in Dark Phoenix flows smoothly, providing a cohesive narrative that keeps the audience guessing without leading to too many plot holes.

Action and Visual Effects

The action scenes in X-Men: Dark Phoenix are a feast for the eyes. Unlike its predecessor, which suffered from a lack of scale and excitement, Dark Phoenix offers a heightening of the action, thanks in part to the use of cutting-edge visual effects. The battle sequences are not only spectacular but also well-integrated into the story, adding to the sense of urgency and drama.

The Phoenix force itself is rendered with impressive visuals, immersing the audience in an epic struggle that is both visually stunning and emotionally powerful. It's a treat for fans of the series who have been eager to see these characters in action.

Plot and Storytelling

While The Last Stand is remembered for its chaotic plot, Dark Phoenix tells a story that is far richer and more complex. The movie delves deep into themes of power, loss, and redemption. The narrative is strategically structured, with the buildup to Jean Grey’s transformation serving as the catalyst for the film's climactic fights and emotional moments.

One particularly well-executed aspect is the shuttle rescue scene, which was mentioned as an improvement in the 2019 version. This scene not only adds tension to the plot but also provides a much-needed subplot that enriches the overall narrative. The characters come together in a mission that matters, providing a sense of camaraderie and purpose that the previous film lacked.

Final Thoughts

Overall, X-Men: Dark Phoenix stands as a significant improvement over The Last Stand. It brings a level of depth, character development, and action that earlier in the series had been lacking. For fans of the franchise, it’s a must-see, even if you haven’t watched the previous films. The legacy of this franchise can only benefit from such a well-crafted installment.

Will you be watching X-Men: Dark Phoenix anytime soon? Share your thoughts and opinions in the comments below!

Keywords: X-Men: Dark Phoenix, X-Men: The Last Stand, Famke Janssen, Phoenix Force, Screenplay