This is yet another version of the Jean Grey storyline from "X-Men: The Last Stand." That movie was enjoyable until the final act, when it shifted to a standard confrontation between heroes and villains on Alcatraz Island, moving away from what was a more compelling central narrative about Jean. “Dark Phoenix” has a similar issue; Jean’s internal struggle with good and evil is the most captivating aspect, alongside the other mutants' concern over her transformation and their attempts to understand how to deal with it. What’s disappointing, as with "X-Men 3," is that the filmmakers felt compelled to include an extended, predictable battle sequence. Although this one is better and more emotionally resonant than the previous iteration, a clear example of its predictability comes when Magneto (Michael Fassbender) uses numerous rifles to attack Vuk (Jessica Chastain); you instinctively know those bullets won’t have any effect. The conclusion isn't terrible, just drawn out and routine, comparable to the large-scale battle in "Avengers: Endgame," though less boring. The original ending for “Dark Phoenix” was set in space and shared too many similarities with “Captain Marvel,” which had already been released. So, they were forced to reshoot the finale as a train-based action sequence, but it didn’t feel completely out of place, even if the Juk/alien subplot did seem somewhat disconnected. I find Sophie Turner more appealing than Famke Janssen in the lead role; she's simply a pleasure to watch. However, her acting isn't yet on par with Fassbender, James McAvoy (Xavier), or Jennifer Lawrence (Raven)—not even close. Regardless, I found the Phoenix story engrossing, just as I did with "The Last Stand," but it’s more developed here, which elevates it in some respects. It would have been preferable if those involved had the courage to try something different instead of adding a conventional “big battle” ending to what could have been an excellent film. If you appreciated “First Class,” “Days of Future Past,” and “Apocalypse,” then "Dark Phoenix" is comparable in overall quality. I personally favor “Days” and “Apocalypse,” but “Dark Phoenix” isn’t significantly flawed, despite the criticisms; and it surpasses “First Class.” The film has a running time of 1 hour, 53 minutes. GRADE: B+

Source on TMDB