'Fantastic Four' the whole family;

Rating: 7/10 (23 July 2005)

The trend of Marvel heroes being transferred from the comic books to the big screen continues with Tim Story's adaptation of the 'Fantastic Four'. By having an ensemble of popular TV actors rather then any big names, Story allows the audience to concentrate on the movie and the incredible special effects.
The sexy Jessica Alba from Dark Angel and Sin City fame takes on the role of the Invisible girl and although the male audience will be disappointed to learn they'll hardly see Ms. Alba, rest assured when you do see her, the wait is worth it.
To see Michael Chiklis from 'The Shield' as straight up 'good guy' is both strange and refreshing. Casting Chiklis as the 'The Thing' could have been considered as a risk but both the producers and Chiklis must be smiling to learn their gamble paid off and then some.
Julian McMahon who plays the slick Dr. Troy in Nip/Tuck excels as the villainous electric Von Doom while on the other side of the intensity spectrum, Chris Evans dons the 'flame' of 'The Torch' and has the audience chucking with his witty, Ryan Reynolds-esquire performance.
The enjoyable and atypical plot enables the audience to gradually learn about the characters, their powers and the emotions they endure as they come to terms with their fate. Even though the final confrontation between good and evil leaves a lot to be desired, one can't help feeling that this is a solid foundation to build a successful franchise on.
With humour, incredible stunts and effects, 'Fantastic Four' has something enjoyable for the whole family.