Sorry fans, but this “X-Men” sequel bored and irritated me.

As far as I’m concerned, I’ve been told that “Dark Phoenix” would be the last of the “X-Men” prequels. If I’m wrong, please let me know, because I don’t know much about Marvel’s decisions they way you would.

These “X-Men” movies have been fun on their own terms, and even I thought “Apocalypse” was a guilty pleasure of mine. Unfortunately, “Dark Phoenix” is a major disaster (a borefest if you will) that offers irritating moments, pointless narrative, and lack of enthusiasm.

Don’t expect the ambitions you’ve had for “Avengers: Endgame,” because this Marvel sequel only has the power to drain them. And when a good series closes with a whimper that’s pretty devastating.

The main mutant of this sequel is Jean Grey (Sophie Turner), whose telepathic and telekinetic powers become a threat to herself and the other mutants, after surviving a solar flare attack in space. Even her powers are too powerful for Charles Xavier’s (James McAvoy) mind.

When she finds out the truth about her father (Scott Shepherd) leaving her in Charles’ care after she accidentally kills her mother as a child, she goes ballistic, and costs Mystique’s (Jennifer Lawrence) life. For some reason, I really hate these parts where characters refuse to listen to her friends, and acts out. And the dispositions really get to me.

She then goes crying off to Magneto (Michael Fassbender), who, too, becomes overpowered by her new evil powers. He plans to kill Jean. So, it’s up to Charles, Beast (Nicholas Hoult), Cyclops (Tye Sheridan), Nightcrawler (Kodi Smit-McPhee), and Storm (Alexandra Shipp) to try to set things right.

Obviously, they have to know the good Jean is inside. They’re her friends and family.

Meanwhile, Jessica Chastain plays an alien shapeshifter, who arrives on Earth, taking the form of the woman she murders, and finds Jean. Why? Because the force that took control of Jean attracted her people. I love Chastain dearly, but even she has starred in bombs like “The Huntman: Winter’s War” or “Lawless.” Her character here is totally lackluster, because of her character, dialogue, and expressions.

So, we get some nice special effects here. I mean, what wouldn’t an “X-Men” flick be without them? But they have to be part of sleepy battles, where you basically know how they end. Especially when the mutants have to wear those awful tame collars I’ve seen in “Deadpool 2.” Doesn’t matter what the reason or law is, I hate hate hate hate hate them!!!

The best “X-Men” movie in this particular franchise is “Days of Future Past,” not “Dark Phoenix.” That sequel had a lot of truth, ambition, and fun from start to finish, but this one really grows exhausting. Bryan Singer is a much more affective franchise director than his current producer Simon Kinberg, who takes the director’s chair for the first time.

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Categories: Action, Adventure, Fantasy, Prequel, Sci Fi, Sequel