A tragedy!

Rating: 5/10 (10 May 2008)

In the wake of recent Marvel comics adaptations, this one was waited for fans for a long time and just ended up in the dump.
Since it's an origin story, there should be some character development prior the "super accident" that makes the hero super, and why not some after it. The problem is that in this movie, there was too much development. And it wouldn't be any problem if there was some five or six action sequences to balance. But, there's only two, yes, TWO action sequences, and they fall short.
The effects were rather average, but the most incredible disappointment was The Thing. It's almost unbelievable that in 2005, what, ten years or more after Jurassic Park, they would still use prosthetic make up for such a character as The Thing. Even worse, considering the fact that "Hulk" which included a far more awesome and properly animated CGI character (although the movie sucked too) was made before Fantastic 4.
The performances were good coming from Ioan Groaffurd (or whatever way it is spelled), as he is British, and British actors are good from birth. The rest, while having their almighty star power, don't live up to any of the Fantastic 4. The guy from Nip/Tuck couldn't manage how cool yet dreadful Doctor Doom really is, his transformation was too slow, and had to show his stupid face for an hour and a half with only wearing the classic metallic mask and his emblematic green hood just at the end, when he's beaten. But we don't want to see the guy from Nip/Tuck. We want Dr. Doom! Chris Evans as the Human Torch may be the only one who did portray his character's personality well, but that's because he's like all the characters he has played before. As for The Thing's personal story, it just went on for too long and too tragic to be enjoyable or interesting. When Chiklis is in his normal appearance, he can sort of act properly, but when he is The Thing, he looks awkward and not dramatic. It's impossible to feel sorry for him. And with Alba, it's more than obvious that whatever talent she has, it's not acting, but just to have a "nice" body (she is pretty, though).
John Ottman, while making an uplifting and spectacular end credits suite, hasn't made any part of his score worth remembering. There's nothing to discuss.
Some of the humor I liked ("Little Buttons!"), but it wasn't enough. And it is kinda tragic to see such an awful treatment for one of the beloved classic superheroes in old comics and 90's TV, specially when both Spider Man and X-Men were both so respectfully and masterfully treated.
It's family friendly, so if you see it with your kids it'll be a delight. But don't expect the same experience as you would have with watching the above mentioned superhero movies (and it's first respective sequels).
If you could have your list of the worst Superheroe movies, this one could easily be on the top 5.
I'm sad for trashing it, because I know the movie came with good intentions.