Disappointing

Rating: 5/10 (7 May 2014)

What a missed opportunity. When it was first released, I thought "Meh, it's okay I guess." I gave it a six. But over the years I had zero desire to rewatch this movie or its sequel. For the purposes of this review I finally did rewatch it and was surprised at how bored I was by it. I always knew it wasn't a smart movie, but I had remembered it being more fun than it is. As time goes by, its flaws stand out more.
The cast is mixed. Ioan Gruffudd and Chris Evans are probably the most suited to their parts. Evans is especially good. Jessica Alba looks pretty but her Sue Storm seems like an airhead at times. Michael Chiklis is a little old for the part of Ben Grimm. Ideally Ben and Reed should be the same age yet Chiklis is ten years older and looks it. I would say Julian McMahon was miscast but I can't since I don't know what character he's playing. It sure as hell isn't Dr. Doom.
The movie seems to end just as it's getting started. There are no defining moments or memorable scenes. Most of what made the comic book work is absent; notably the actual 'fantastic' part. The score is forgettable. The script is weak. Tim Story's direction is workmanlike. There are some fun moments, mostly from Chris Evans. I appreciated the lighter tone to the film. A Fantastic Four movie shouldn't be dark. Still, the negatives outweigh the positives. I suppose it's worth watching if you are a fan of comic book movies or of the Fantastic Four in particular. But keep your expectations low.