A Strategic Review **SPOILERS**

Rating: 10/10 (26 May 2006)

I saw the midnight showing of this film and I thought it was without a doubt, incredible. Sure, some of the dialog was WAY too scripted--but it wouldn't be a comic book movie other wise. However, the special effects? The PLOT? It was utterly BRILLIANT.
Magneto not only lives up to his stoic evil supremeness from the first two films, but he becomes the utmost chilling villain as he realizes what potential of power he could wield by having a power house like Jean Grey on his side. Xavier as per usual will stick up for humanity and his codes on morals and ethics, just as he expects his precious X-Men to do in turn.
The true villain here is Jean Grey or most known as the Dark Phoenix--a smart little plot change for movie rights to work by making Jean Grey have a split personality disorder. (It's from this stand point we also get a taste of Professor Xavier's alterer motives as he is involved in her training because he knows she could used to do great things...) So brilliantly put and so brilliantly played--Jean Grey becomes the true evil entity in this masterpiece.
Though Magneto is ever powerful and makes that statement by relocating the Golden Gate Bridge, he is no match for Dark Phoenix. Neither is Xavier. As a viewer, it was vastly incredible to see the Professor himself become dissembled molecule by molecule all due to Jean Grey. That scene was mind boggling--if not a bit disturbing. Once she takes out the very person who made her what she is today? Clearly you have no idea what side of the fence she's on.
It seemed fitting that Wolverine would be the only one to put an end to all the madness... Magneto out of commission due to a fatal dart stab filled with Leech's nulling DNA... Most of the X-Men out of commission... Cyclops dead, Rogue trying to be cured. However because Wolverine could regenerate and apparently held some sort of brief contact with that woman once known as Jean... It was poetic justice that he be the one the sink the blades in. (This is a special treat to any who has read Origin of Wolverine...)
The scene in which Warren as a child is literally cutting and slicing his feathers off in order to remain normal was astounding and powerful. Indeed, something of a "cure" is found--the DNA of yet another mutant. DNA so potent it nulls out ANY power.
There are many enemies here; Though I am inclined to think this... Who truly is the "evolved" of the species? The mutants? For being able to perform the feats they can? Or the humans? For learning how to harness the one thing and market it to stop the mutants in their tracks?
Once again, a very well done flick. Best of the three--and clearly the darkest of the three. Make Marvel Mine.