Surprisingly enjoyable

Rating: 10/10 (11 July 2005)

I had made the mistake of reading too many critical reviews of the movie before I saw it this weekend. Fortuanately, they were wrong as usual. Most movie critics just don't seem to get it anymore, in that some movies are supposed to be fun. As with any movie with an ensemble cast, it is hard to build characters quickly and in depth. Luckily, for long time fans of the comic, we already have some insights. Reed is so brainy that he is constantly distracted and almost inept at personal relationships. Susan Storm is ambitious, brilliant, and still in love with the hapless Reed. Johnny Storm is as expected, a young brash adrenaline junkie, who seldom thinks before acting or saying anything. Ben Grimm is the lonely, irritable, misshapen Thing. While the others can turn their abilities on and off, Ben is forced to face the loss of his former life and friends as some are repulsed by what he has become. Ben, also becomes the foil for Johnny's immature pranks and comments. Pretty much as was written in the comic's over the years, and they do it well. I do applaud Michael Chiklis's performance. It is hard to convey emotion under all those prosthetics and he makes it work. Also, Ioann Griffudd's slightly bewildered Reed works well. It is fun to watch this super genius struggle with everyday normal occurrences. Ioann plays Reed as distracted and befuddled very well, without making him a parody character.
The special effects were of good quality. I have read some complaints because they weren't more ground breaking. I disagree in that, not every film has to break new FX ground, but effects as in this film must be quality. This movie does use them when needed and as needed for the story, and the movie does not get lost in trying to be an FX film. Lets face it, the Torch on fire is just plain cool.
The story is basic, and with and ensemble cast, unable to create the depth that one would like, but that is what the sequels will be for. With an expected 56+ million dollar opening weekend I am sure there will be more. This movie was a good start and I recommend it to any fan of the genre. Lets face it, everyone waited for Johnny to finally shout "Flame on!" and take to the sky.
Victor Doom is much less regal than in the comics, he comes off as just another corporate exec wanting power in the beginning. But his character slowly takes the downward path to total self serving evil through the movie.
Take the kids, re-read some of those old classic copies of the FF, and have a good time. I enjoyed the film, and as usual, was pleased to see Stan Lee's cameo appearance.