Fan-tastic!

Rating: 10/10 (6 July 2005)

Directed by: Tim Story Starring: Ioan Gruffudd, Michael Chiklis, Jessica Alba, Chris Evans, Julian McMahon
The Fantastic Four have been a lot of things over the years, since their comic debut in 1961.

A dysfunctional family.

A group of scientific explorers challenging the unknown.

A reluctant team of "superheroes" thrust into the spotlight.

Without a doubt, it can be said that this film succeeds in satisfying all three incarnations presented above which should make fans of the comic quite happy.
Tim Story, a relative newcomer in Hollywood, has delivered a film that is very faithful to the characters created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby for Marvel Comics. Gone are the memories of the Roger Corman direct-to-film adaptation, and in its place is a very impressive blockbuster debut from a relatively unknown cast and crew.
The story follows a group of scientists who go into space to examine the effects of cosmic radiation upon plants, in order to further understand our own DNA. As expected, the experiment goes horribly wrong, and the 5 return to Earth with their lives forever altered.
Alas, with fame, comes tragedy, juxtaposed in the forms of Victor Von Doom and Ben Grimm. With the Fantastic Four's meteoric rise to fame, so comes Doom's fall from grace and transformation into vengeful, iron-clad misanthrope. The rest of the film largely centers around the five coming to terms with their new status quo and the conflicts that arise as a result.
The pacing is fairly brisk, and avoids the pitfall of many comic adaptations of taking themselves too seriously. Story remembers what made the comics fun to read, and lets the cast revel in this rich universe populated by very human characters. In doing so, the audience really comes to empathize with the cast. The story is more about the characters, than some convoluted plot involving an artificial threat to the city which typifies most summer superhero flicks.
The acting is believable, and never goes over the top into melodrama or overacting. In particular, Chiklis does an amazing job of emoting through his bulky costume. The humor is very believable and isn't forced, especially the interaction between Ben and Johnny throughout the film. Each character is given equal time to shine, although Chiklis and Evans steal every scene in which they appear.
The special effects team did an admirable job at bringing the Fantastic Four to life, from Johnny's living flame to Ben's rocky hide. The foley and camera work brings Ben Grimm to life, giving his form weight and plausibility. All in all, from Sue's force shields to Reed's body alteration, everything blends well into the environment and doesn't stray into absurdity.
In the end, this film is one that should appeal to both new and older fans. In a summer packed with darkness, it's refreshing to be surprised by what was previously thought impossible to make -- a funny, action-packed superhero film with heart.