5 Ways ‘Dark Phoenix’ Aged Poorly (And 5 Ways It Aged Masterfully)

When ‘Dark Phoenix’ was released in 2019, expectations were high. Fans of the X-Men franchise were eagerly awaiting the conclusion to a story that had been building over the course of multiple films. However, despite the anticipation, the film’s reception was mixed. Some praised the performances, while others criticized the plot and pacing. Over time, it has become clear that the movie has both aged poorly in some areas and managed to shine in others.

As time passes, it’s often easier to see which aspects of a film hold up and which ones don’t. In the case of ‘Dark Phoenix,’ certain elements now seem out of place, while others have proven to be surprisingly enduring. Here’s a closer look at how the film has aged, both poorly and masterfully.

Aged Poorly: Underwhelming Special Effects

The special effects in ‘Dark Phoenix’ were a standout feature in the marketing, but over time, they have lost some of their impact. The visual spectacle that once seemed impressive now feels dated, especially compared to other blockbuster films released around the same time. The CGI-heavy sequences, such as the moments involving Jean Grey’s powers, look noticeably artificial in hindsight. What was once cutting-edge now appears a bit too over-the-top and unconvincing.

Additionally, the film’s action scenes, which were supposed to be the centerpiece, often feel flat and lack the excitement that fans expect from a superhero film. As technology advances, it’s easy to see how the special effects in ‘Dark Phoenix’ haven’t aged as gracefully as some of its predecessors in the X-Men franchise. The visual elements that once impressed now detract from the overall experience.

Aged Masterfully: Sophie Turner’s Performance

Sophie Turner’s portrayal of Jean Grey is one of the film’s most praised elements. As the story focuses heavily on her character’s inner conflict, Turner carries the weight of the film with skill and depth. She portrays Jean’s struggle with her powers and the emotional turmoil she faces in a way that resonates with the audience. Her ability to convey such a complex character is remarkable, and it helps elevate the material even when other aspects of the film fall short.

As time has passed, it’s become clear that Turner’s performance stands out as one of the highlights of ‘Dark Phoenix.’ The emotional depth she brings to Jean Grey has only grown in appreciation, and her ability to humanize a character that could easily have been seen as a villainous force is a testament to her acting chops. In a movie that has had its share of flaws, Turner’s performance remains one of its strongest features.

Aged Poorly: Weak Script and Pacing

One of the biggest issues with ‘Dark Phoenix’ is its script. The story feels rushed, with key plot points being glossed over or underdeveloped. The pacing is uneven, with some parts of the film dragging while others feel unnecessarily compressed. The dialogue, at times, comes across as forced, and the lack of depth in certain characters’ arcs makes it difficult to become fully invested in the narrative.

As time goes on, the film’s weak script becomes even more apparent. What was once seen as a slight issue has become a glaring flaw, especially when compared to the strength of earlier X-Men films. ‘Dark Phoenix’ lacks the sharpness and emotional engagement of its predecessors, and its pacing issues have only become more noticeable with time.

Aged Masterfully: The Emotional Core of the Story

Despite its flaws, ‘Dark Phoenix’ does manage to capture an emotional core that resonates with viewers. The film’s focus on Jean Grey’s internal conflict and the impact of her powers on those around her adds a layer of emotional depth that is often missing from superhero films. The relationships between the characters, particularly Jean and the X-Men team, are central to the plot and give the film heart.

This emotional depth has allowed ‘Dark Phoenix’ to hold up over time. It might not be the action-packed thrill ride some hoped for, but the film’s focus on personal growth and sacrifice elevates it in ways that other superhero films may not. The emotional complexity of Jean’s character has only become more appreciated as audiences reflect on the film in hindsight.

Aged Poorly: Lack of Strong Villains

A key issue with ‘Dark Phoenix’ is its weak villains. While the film tries to introduce the D’Bari alien race as the antagonists, they are poorly developed and lack the necessary depth to make them compelling. Their motivations are unclear, and they don’t have the presence needed to pose a real threat to Jean Grey or the X-Men. This lack of a strong villain makes the stakes feel lower than they should be for such an important story.

Over time, the absence of a memorable villain has become more evident. ‘Dark Phoenix’ suffers from a lack of a truly menacing antagonist, and this flaw significantly impacts the film’s overall tension. The absence of a strong villain to challenge Jean’s powers makes the conflict feel less urgent and less engaging as the story progresses.

Aged Masterfully: A Fitting Conclusion to the X-Men Saga

Despite its flaws, ‘Dark Phoenix’ serves as a fitting conclusion to the X-Men saga. The film brings closure to long-running character arcs, particularly that of Jean Grey. The final moments of the film, while bittersweet, offer a sense of resolution that resonates with fans of the franchise. After years of storytelling, ‘Dark Phoenix’ ties up loose ends and provides a sense of finality to the X-Men’s journey.

This sense of closure has allowed ‘Dark Phoenix’ to age more gracefully than some might have expected. It might not have been the film that fans wanted, but it still manages to offer a satisfying end to the saga. In hindsight, the film’s conclusion stands as a testament to the years of character development that preceded it, and it offers a sense of closure to the X-Men franchise as a whole.

Aged Poorly: Underused Supporting Characters

One of the major disappointments in ‘Dark Phoenix’ is how underutilized the supporting characters are. While the film boasts a strong ensemble cast, many of the X-Men team members are given minimal screen time or weak storylines. Characters like Cyclops and Nightcrawler are sidelined in favor of focusing on Jean Grey’s journey, but their lack of development makes them feel more like background players rather than integral parts of the story.

As time passes, it becomes more apparent how much potential was wasted with these characters. Fans of the X-Men franchise expect to see these heroes in action, but many of them are relegated to the sidelines. The lack of development for supporting characters makes the film feel less like a team effort and more like a solo story, which detracts from the strength of the X-Men as a collective.

Aged Masterfully: Jean Grey’s Journey from Hero to Anti-Hero

Jean Grey’s transformation from a beloved hero to a powerful anti-hero is one of the most intriguing aspects of ‘Dark Phoenix.’ The film takes a bold step in exploring Jean’s darker side and the consequences of her powers. Her struggle to control her abilities and her eventual descent into chaos are depicted in a way that feels both tragic and compelling. This shift in Jean’s character adds complexity to the narrative and makes her journey feel like a natural progression from the previous films.

Looking back, Jean’s journey remains one of the most captivating elements of the film. The emotional and moral conflicts she faces throughout the movie make her one of the most interesting characters in the X-Men universe. Her arc has stood the test of time, and her transformation continues to be one of the defining moments of ‘Dark Phoenix.’

Aged Poorly: Unconvincing Action Sequences

While Dark Phoenix had some impressive visual effects, its action sequences were often criticized for being flat and unconvincing. The choreography felt stale, and many of the fight scenes lacked the intensity and excitement expected from a blockbuster superhero film.

The underwhelming action moments detracted from the stakes of the movie, making it harder for the audience to stay engaged during these sequences. For a film about powerful mutants, the lack of thrilling action was a major disappointment.

Aged Masterfully: The Heart of the X-Men

At its core, Dark Phoenix still captured the essence of the X-Men. The themes of friendship, loyalty, and sacrifice were ever-present, reminding audiences why the franchise had been beloved for so many years. The film may not have fully delivered on its potential, but it still managed to honor the heart of the X-Men story.

Despite the narrative issues, Dark Phoenix managed to hold onto the spirit of the X-Men films. It reminded viewers of the importance of the characters’ relationships and their shared journey, making it a fitting, if imperfect, part of the franchise.

Share your thoughts on ‘Dark Phoenix’ in the comments below – what do you think has aged well, and what hasn’t?