It's here--the most anticipated Marvel superhero team, the Fantastic Four (2005). Long before the 1990 animated TV series, I’ve been a fan of the Fantastic Four when collecting comic books as a kid during the 1970’s. I could not believe my eyes when viewing Mr. Fantastic, The Invisible Woman, The Human Torch, and The Thing on the big screen. This was like a dream come true as the dastardly Doctor Doom unfolded in all of his cinematic glory. Watching this movie provided a nostalgic moment as I relived some of the comic book memories Stan Lee introduced to me as a child. The movie's adaptation of this forty-year-old comic book series was a satisfying treat for real Marvel fan.
This comic book tale of love, heartbreak, super powers and family values revolves around siblings Sue (Jessica Alba) and Johnny Storm (Chris Evans), Dr. Reed Richards (Ioan Gruffudd), Ben Grimm (Michael Chiklis) and Dr. Victor Von Doom (Julian McMahon). The power and money hungry Victor likes, the lovely Sue, but Sue likes the nerdy Reed, in the midst of all of this, each character is discovering they have special powers caused by a comic storm. Let me back up, so I can toss in all of the characters. The film opens with Ben Grimm, an astronaut who is suppose to pilot their mission into space, with hotshot astronaut Johnny Storm joined by, scientist Sue Storm, Dr. Reed's ex-girlfriend. Sue has worked for Von Doom for two years doing genetic research. Doom comes along for the ride, in addition he is pursuing the lovely Sue, but nothing works out as planned. While this drama unfolds, Ben Grimm’s character provides the films subplot adding an extra bit of compassion to the movie, brilliantly pulling the audience into each characters dilemma.
While the story does not strictly follow the comic book, the film's impressive special effects more than makes up for some of the editorial liberties taken by writers Michael France and Mark Frost. The dazzling computer graphic technology is breathtaking when seeing the powers of The Invisible Woman, and the Human Torch. One can easily excuse the predictable plot when The Things finally says, "it’s clobberin time." Director Tim Story does a nice job pulling things together keeping the pace of the film moving as it flows adventurously from scene to scene. Director Story also does an excellent job of keeping the actors attitude and the entire groups chemistry true to the comic books flavor.
In all honesty, don’t worry about the early critics that give this film low marks, this is the Fantastic Four movie I've been waiting for. The characters echo the comic book superheroes, I discovered as a kid, with a climatic battle scene where the team comes together to fight against evil. In addition, I appreciate, among other things; the way the movie explains each hero’s special powers and how awkward they felt when discovering their supernatural abilities. The special effects drive this film and the moral core is appropriate for teenagers.
The biggest hullabaloo I’ve discussed with my friends is the cast and character selection. While Jessica Alba was a good looking Invisible Woman, and Chris Evans a perfectly cast Human Torch, Ioan Gruffudd dry wit and quirkiness was underutilized. Michael Chiklis smoldering intensity brought his character to life resuscitating the pages of Stan Lee’s creation. Julian McMahon who plays the evil Doom, is entertainingly creepy reminiscent of Darth Vador when he put on his mask. Additionally, actress Kerry Washington’s role as the blind and attractive Alicia Masters, who deeply cares for Ben who was rejected by his girlfriend Debbie McIlvane (Laurie Holden) was splendid. The only negative with the film is its violence, mildly suggestive sexuality and scenes of death.
If you enjoyed or tolerated films like the X-Men, Spider-Man and Batman Begins, then you’ll be delighted with this computer-generated masterpiece of special effects. The "can’t we all just get along" theme is alive and well as the squabbling, Fantastic Four put aside their difference to save the world as they remove the proverbial "i" from team to save the day. Just like the X-men appealed to the comic crowd, this film should appeal to those fun loving team spirited folks that remember the good old days of Marvel Comics. The films conclusion and final scene purposely lays the groundwork for a sequel, I just hope it doesn’t take another four decades.
Epinions.com periodically updates pricing and product information from third-party sources, so some information may be slightly out-of-date. You should confirm all information before relying on it.
- Add to My Yahoo!: 
- Add to Google Homepage: 
© 1999-2009 Shopping.com, Inc.