'Silver Surfer' builds on the first 'F4' flick

Rating: 7/10 (5 July 2007)

Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer is everything you would hope for in a comic-book movie. The characters are fun and interesting, the action is mind-blowing, the villain is intriguing, and it actually "feels" like a comic book experience.
With an improved plot from the first "Fantastic Four" film, "Rise of the Silver Surfer" makes you want another "F4" flick. The Silver Surfer is a more interesting villain than Doctor Doom, and the character's stories are enriched with new elements. For example, Reed Richards and Sue Storms' marriage is delayed by the arrival of the Silver Surfer. However, by the end of the movie Sue becomes willing to sacrifice what would be the perfect wedding to her and does what is sensible for a superhero trying to live a normal life. Johnny becomes more of a team player and not so obsessed about himself. Obviously, the Thing has come to accept who he is. When you add in incredible flying sequences at the end of the movie, and new weapons/vehicles to the lexicon of the Fantastic Four, and a plot with more depth, it makes for a fabulous sequel. Jessica Alba's acting is poor and the dialogue is sometimes weak, but everything else that's good about the film overcomes those minor discrepancies. 3/4 stars