5 Things About ‘X-Men: The Last Stand’ That Made Zero Sense and 5 Things That Made Perfect Sense

X-Men: The Last Stand (2006) is the third film in the original X-Men trilogy, and it’s a mixed bag for fans. The movie tried to wrap up big storylines like the Phoenix saga and the mutant cure, but it left many scratching their heads with confusing choices and rushed plots, while other moments landed well with clear themes and strong character beats.

This list dives into five things in the film that made no sense at all and five that worked perfectly. By alternating between the head-scratchers and the highlights, we’ll unpack what went wrong and what went right in this divisive superhero flick.

Magneto’s Bridge Plan (Zero Sense)

Magneto’s decision to move the Golden Gate Bridge to reach Alcatraz is a head-scratcher. He’s a master of magnetism, so why not just levitate his army across the water or use metal objects to build a simpler path? The plan feels overly flashy and needlessly complicated, wasting time and energy for no clear gain. It’s a spectacle that looks cool but falls apart when you think about the logic.

Jean’s Phoenix Transformation (Perfect Sense)

Jean Grey’s turn into the Dark Phoenix is a highlight of the film. Her struggle with overwhelming power feels raw and human, tying back to her emotional core from the earlier movies. The visuals of her unleashing chaos, especially in the final battle, capture the tragic weight of her losing control. It’s a moment that resonates with the comics and gives the story real stakes.

Cyclops’ Sudden Death (Zero Sense)

Killing off Cyclops early in the film feels like a cheap shock. He’s a key X-Men leader, yet his death by Jean’s hands is rushed and lacks emotional buildup. The movie barely gives him screen time to process Jean’s return before he’s gone. It’s a wasted opportunity that leaves fans frustrated and the story feeling unbalanced.

Wolverine’s Emotional Arc (Perfect Sense)

Wolverine’s journey in the film hits all the right notes. His love for Jean and his struggle to confront her as the Phoenix show his loyalty and pain in a way that feels true to his character. The final scene where he faces Jean is heartbreaking and powerful. Hugh Jackman’s performance carries the emotional weight, making it one of the film’s strongest moments.

The Cure’s Instant Effect (Zero Sense)

The mutant cure’s immediate impact on characters like Mystique is hard to believe. A single dart strips her powers permanently, with no explanation of how it works so fast or why it’s so absolute. It feels like a plot device to weaken Magneto’s team without much thought. The lack of scientific or emotional grounding makes the cure’s role in the story feel hollow.

Professor X’s Mentorship (Perfect Sense)

Professor X’s role as a mentor shines through despite his limited screen time. His scenes with Jean and the X-Men show his wisdom and care for mutants, reinforcing his core beliefs. Even his death carries weight, pushing the team to grow without him. It’s a moment that feels true to his character and sets up the stakes for the team’s future.

Angel’s Pointless Subplot (Zero Sense)

Angel’s storyline feels tacked on and goes nowhere. His dramatic escape from his father’s lab sets up an arc that never develops, and he barely impacts the main plot. He shows up for the final battle but does little beyond flying in. It’s a missed chance to explore his character or tie him to the cure storyline in a meaningful way.

Magneto’s Betrayal of Mystique (Perfect Sense)

Magneto abandoning Mystique after she loses her powers is cold but fits his character perfectly. His obsession with mutant supremacy drives his choices, and this moment shows his ruthless side. It adds depth to his leadership and makes Mystique’s loss more tragic. The scene is short but effective, highlighting the cost of his ideology.

Leech’s Power Limits (Zero Sense)

Leech’s ability to nullify mutant powers is central to the cure plot, but its rules are inconsistent. It works instantly on some mutants but not on Jean, with no clear reason why. The film never explains the limits or range of his powers, making the final battle’s stakes feel murky. It’s a plot hole that undermines the cure’s threat.

The Team’s Unity (Perfect Sense)

The X-Men coming together to face Magneto’s army feels like a natural payoff for the trilogy. New members like Kitty Pryde and Iceman step up, showing the team’s strength even without key leaders. The battle on Alcatraz highlights their teamwork and determination. It’s a satisfying climax that captures the spirit of the X-Men fighting for a better future.

What’s your take on X-Men: The Last Stand’s hits and misses—share your thoughts in the comments!