Solid set-up, but falls apart in the second half

Rating: 6/10 (4 April 2016)

Released in 2007, "Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer" continues the adventures of the Fantastic Four with Reed (Ioan Gruffudd) and Sue (Jessica Alba) getting married, but their wedding is interrupted by a literal herald of global destruction, the Silver Surfer (voiced by none other than Laurence Fishburne). Michael Chiklis, Chris Evans and Julian McMahon return as The Thing, the Human Torch and Dr. Doom respectively, not to mention Kerry Washington as Alicia Masters. Andre Braugher and Beau Garrett are on hand as General Hager and Capt. Frankie Raye.
I've been a fan of the Fantastic Four since my childhood and felt that the 2005 movie was a very good set-up for the series despite fumbling the ball with Dr. Doom and a mediocre action climax. With the presence of the Silver Surfer and Galactus I was expecting a great sequel, but it was not to be. The first half is quite good, however, with the main cast comfortable in their roles and obviously having a good time. But something goes awry in the second half where the proceedings get dull. It's hard to pinpoint the problem, but clearly they needed to work some kinks out in the script. On the positive side, Dr. Doom is better portrayed than in the first film. Despite my criticisms, there's enough good here to give "Rise of the Silver Surfer" a lukewarm 'thumbs up,' just don't expect greatness.
The film runs 92 minutes and was shot in British Columbia, California, New York City, Germany (The Black Forest), China, Japan and Greenland.
GRADE: B-