Another Pass at X-Men Dark Phoenix
This week on Another Pass, Sam and Case are joined by Randy Allain and Kris Ingersoll to tackle the flatscan of a film that was X-Men: Dark Phoenix! Together, they explore where this cosmic finale lost its spark, what could’ve made it soar, and why the Dark Phoenix saga might be one of Hollywood’s hardest stories to get right.
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Another Pass Full Episode Originally aired: October 17, 2025
Music by Vin Macri and Matt Brogan
Podcast Edited by Sophia Ricciardi
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Outline
Introduction and Podcast Setup (00:00 - 11:12)
Hosts Case Aiken and Sam Alicea introduce the episode focusing on X-Men Dark Phoenix.
Guests Randy Elaine and Chris Ingersoll join the discussion; both co-host Media Lit podcast.
Initial Impressions and Beginning of Film Discussion (11:12 - 20:59)
Analysis of the opening space mission scene and its visual/aesthetic choices.
General approval of the X-Men team roster in Dark Phoenix.
Strengths of Characters and Performances (20:59 - 30:59)
Appreciation for Sophie Turner's performance with Jean Grey.
Discussion of Magneto’s portrayal by Michael Fassbender.
Xavier’s Character Arc and Franchise Context (30:59 - 41:10)
Examination of Xavier’s complexities as an idealistic and flawed leader.
Reflection on his manipulation and ego, with a key scene involving him being made to walk up stairs.
️ Critiques: Villains and Plot Issues (41:11 - 50:27)
Strong criticism of the d’Bari alien race as villains.
Weakness of action sequences involving these aliens.
Character Development and Timeline Problems (50:27 - 01:00:35)
Concern over the lack of emotional investment in characters’ relationships.
Confusing timeline spanning decades but not reflected in characters' aging or interactions.
Death of Mystique and Emotional Impact (01:00:35 - 01:11:32)
Mixed feelings about Mystique’s death scene.
Discussion about studio and star politics influencing character presence.
️ Critique of Dialogue and Character Interactions (01:11:32 - 01:22:42)
Criticism of a line spoken by Raven about 'Ex Women' as inauthentic pandering.
Suggestions for how to better write character tension and relationship dynamics.
Pitches for Reworking the Film: Sam’s Pitch (01:22:43 - 01:33:08)
Sam proposes minor tweaks to the film’s first act.
Suggestions to extend screen time for Dazzler and build out Jean’s emotional journey.
Pitches for Reworking the Film: Randy’s Pitch (01:33:08 - 01:43:57)
Randy removes the alien villains and replaces them with Mr. Sinister (Kevin Bacon).
Incorporates Hellfire Club and Magneto’s acolytes to enrich villain roster.
Pitches for Reworking the Film: Chris’s Pitch (01:43:57 - 01:54:56)
Chris focuses on deeper human and emotional connections.
Suggests expanded political and social contexts, with Charles juggling idealism and manipulation.
Pitches for Reworking the Film: Case’s Pitch (01:54:56 - 02:04:42)
Case agrees with removing aliens, focusing on emotional stakes and mutant-only conflicts.
Adds more everyday heroics and character interactions in the school environment.
Concluding Remarks and Show Promotions (02:04:42 - 02:06:15)
Round of plugs for guest podcasts and social media.
Preview of next episode topic (Highlander 2).
Fascinating but Flawed (01:31 - 11:12)
X-Men Dark Phoenix is viewed as 'fascinating but flawed,' with a promising roster and good beginning but faltering in villain construction and emotional depth.
Strong Performances (20:59 - 30:59)
The original cast and comic accuracy provide strong foundations, especially the performances of Fassbender’s Magneto and McAvoy’s Xavier.
Critique of Alien Subplot (41:11 - 50:27)
The alien d’Bari subplot is criticized as confusing and unengaging, detracting from the core mutant stories.
⏳ Timeline and Relationship Issues (50:27 - 01:00:35)
Timeline and character relationship development, particularly Jean Grey’s 10-year arc with Cyclops, lack coherence and emotional impact.
Mystique’s Death Impact (01:00:35 - 01:11:32)
Mystique’s death and screen presence suffer due to offscreen issues, weakening potential emotional payoff.
Pitches for Improvement (01:22:43 - 02:04:42)
Pitches emphasize removing alien plotlines, deepening mutant character interactions, and making Charles Xavier a complex antagonist with a redemption arc.
Need for Better Pacing (01:59:57 - 02:06:15)
Consensus that better pacing, emotional beats, and clearer motivations would strengthen the film’s impact.
️ Chemistry Recognition (20:59 - 30:59)
Recognition of Sophie Turner and Ty Sheridan’s chemistry despite limited script support.
School Renaming Suggestion (01:54:56 - 02:04:42)
Recommendation to rename the school to honor Raven (Mystique) rather than Jean Grey due to emotional significance.
️ Podcast Engagement (02:04:42 - 02:06:15)
Acknowledgement of the podcast as a space for deep media discussion and fan engagement.