Twentieth Century Fox’s X-Men: Dark Phoenix (dubbed from the Hollywood film of the same name; UA) is the 12th instalment in the X-Men film series, seventh and final instalment in the main X-Men series, and a direct sequel to X-Men: Apocalypse.
Jean Grey (Sophie Turner) inadvertently uses her telekinesis to cause a car accident which kills her parents. Prof. Charles Xavier (James McAvoy) blocks the accident from her memory and helps her hone her psychic abilities. Years later, Jean absorbs a solar flare and thereby increases her psychic powers. At that time, her mental block is destroyed and she realises that her father is alive. The X-men, who’ve saved astronauts from space shuttle Endeavour, take Jean home but she accidentally kills Raven Darkhölme (Jennifer Lawrence) and policemen and injures Quicksilver (Evan Peters) before flying away.
Jean now lands in Erik Lehnsherr’s (Michael Fassbender) island of mutant refugees to seek assistance in diluting her powers but she is turned away by Erik. Jean then meets Vuk (Jessica Chastain), leader of an alien race. Meanwhile, Hank McCoy (Nicholas Hoult) joins forces with Erik and his mutant refugees to defeat Jean in New York. What happens thereafter? What do the X-Men do?
Simon Kinberg has written the story and screenplay based on the book The Dark Phoenix Saga (written by Chris Claremont, John Byrne, Dave Cockrum). The story does get confusing at times but it moves at a fast pace. The screenplay keeps the viewers engrossed. However, the emphasis is on action.
Sophie Turner does well as Jean Grey/Phoenix. James McAvoy is good as Prof. Charles Xavier. Jessica Chastain lends fine support in the role of Vuk. Michael Fassbender makes his mark as Erik Lehnsherr. Jennifer Lawrence has her moments as Raven. Nicholas Hoult is effective as Hank McCoy. Tye Sheridan makes a fine impression as Scott Summers. Alexandra Shipp (as Storm), Evan Peters (as Quicksilver), Kodi Smit-McPhee (as Nightcrawler), Scott Shepherd (as John Grey) and the others provide decent support.
Simon Kinberg’s direction is quite nice. Mauro Fiore’s camerawork is good. Hans Zimmer’s background score is impactful. Production designing (by Claude Paré) is of a fine standard. Lee Smith’s editing is crisp. Dubbing is very good.
On the whole, X-Men: Dark Phoenix is a fair entertainer which will do reasonable business but it will not be able to make a big mark at the box-office. The original English version, released simultaneously, will fare better.
Released on 5-6-’19 at Gemini (daily 5 shows) and other cinemas of Bombay thru Shringar Films Pvt. Ltd. Publicity: fair. Opening: so-so. …….Also released all over. Opening was okay everywhere.
