Fantastic Four: Rise Of The Silver Surfer (Tim Story, 2007) **1/2

Rating: 6/10 (15 July 2007)

While slightly superior to the original, this is still essentially bland and juvenile stuff  and entirely forgettable once it's over. The film is obviously a special effects bonanza and sees the emergence of a new anti-hero (as opposed to an out-and-out villain  that requirement is filled by the reappearance of the Four's old nemesis, Dr. Von Doom, with whom they're forced to collaborate in order to 'understand' the Silver Surfer!). Certainly the most novel and engaging element about the plot is the fact that, on contact with the alien, our superheroes are able to exchange 'gifts'. On the debit side, the Surfer's ominous ruler is a big disappointment when it finally makes its very belated appearance, the military personnel are pompous and downright obnoxious (ditto Chris Evans' relentless strutting and inane antics) but, thankfully, Jessica Alba is on hand to provide the redeeming and expected eye candy.