If not utterly fantastic, at least quite good and entertaining

Rating: 8/10 (10 July 2005)

You've probably heard lots of movie critics say that "Fantastic Four" isn't all that great, but I saw it, and I disagree. Sure, it's not up to the near-perfection in plot, character development, etc. of "Spider-man" and "Spider-man 2", but from what little I know about the comic books, "The Fantastic Four" is supposed to be quite different. I hear that the comic books (never read them, but heard from reliable sources) were supposed to have an air of humor that is not present in most other Marvel comics. The movie fits that description quite well.
In a nutshell, the movie tells the story of Reed Richards, a brilliant scientist who's not doing well financially, Sue Storm, Reed's former love interest, Ben Grimm, Reed's faithful friend and bodyguard-type, and Johnny Storm, Sue's younger brother who loves adventure and getting girls, who persuade millionaire Victor Von Doom to finance an experiment in space. The cosmic storm whose effects they go up to study causes them all to undergo changes in DNA, transforming them into stretchy Mr. Fantastic, the Invisible Woman, the rock-like Thing, and the Human Torch, respectively. The storm also gives Von Doom powers, and it soon becomes evident that he means to use them with villainous intent. It is up to the Fantastic Four to stop him, while they work out their relationships with each other.
Now, critics have said that the acting isn't stellar, and the plot isn't realistic enough. I won't say the acting IS wonderful, but most of the actors do a fine job, especially Chris Evans as Johnny/Human Torch. However, saying an action/sci-fi/comic book movie isn't realistic enough is foolish - it isn't meant to be realistic. I came away from "Fantastic Four" entertained and pleased with a very good superhero movie. There are lots of laughs to be had, and many very cool scenes. My only complaint is that I wish we could have seen the Four use their powers more in the movie... but if there is a sequel, which seems quite possible, there will be plenty of time for that.