How much did I like this? Let me count the ways!

Rating: 8/10 (8 July 2005)

1) The updating of how they get their super-powers. In the comics, it was a side-effect of the Cold War's "race into space." But, the Cold War ended fifteen years ago! So, instead, the audience witnesses the fateful cosmic storm hitting a corporate version of the International Space Station. 2) The updating of Sue Storm's personality. Instead of being Reed Richard's blindly loyal piece of arm candy (as she seemed to be in the 1960's), she is a modern woman who has just as many smarts as him. But, far more capable of showing her emotions, when the situation calls for more than intellect. 3) The faithful rendering of Johnny and Ben's clashing personalities. The former is almost incessantly insensitive and "show-offy," especially after becoming the Human Torch. And, the latter's heartbreak at being rejected by his fiancé'--while everyone else is applauding him for saving that firetruck--was so convincing, everyone in the audience who saw this with me gave a collective "Awww!" *If Michael Chiklis isn't one of the nominees for Best Supporting Actor, at next year's Oscars, I'm changing channels.* 4) Last, but not least? Julian McMahon outdoes the great job he did as "Cole" on CHARMED. Where that character could arouse sympathy in 49% of the show's viewership, as Victor Von Doom, he arouses _none_! You love to hate him, and don't feel guilty about doing so. I think this is partially due to portraying him as a ruthless techno-businessman. Something that was done, quite successfully, to the post-1985 Lex Luthor at Marvel Comics' Distinguished Competition. *A direct lift-cum-homage, perhaps?* My only complaint is the way Dr. Doom was given his armored look. Instead of it being a robotic exo-skeleton, it's depicted as more of a mutation. One that makes him resemble a sort of Colossus/Magneto hybrid! So, that's why I only award this movie eight-out-of-ten points. It's not perfect. But, it's definitely FAN-DIRTY-WORD-TASTIC!