Pretty Fantastic Four

Rating: 7/10 (31 July 2005)

As a kid, years ago, I remember being a fan of "The Fantastic Four" comic and the cartoon series. Predictably, I had an affinity for Reed Richards, the cool scientist guy. So for years I had been curious regarding the comic's translation to the big screen. "The Fantastic Four" had been swirling in the motion picture winds longer than other Marvel Superheroes including X-Men and Spider-Man. Director Tim Story's retelling of the comic in his movie, "Fantastic Four", rekindles fond memories, and updates the tale with a playful feel and edge. In a departure from previous Superhero movies like X-Men and Spider-Man, "Fantastic Four" is not high drama, nor an exploration into the nature of hero. "X-Men" and "Spider-Man" are superior movies. This is Superhero lite. This is not a bad thing, only different. Really. Much like one of it's characters, Johnny Storm (The Human Torch), it's all X-Games edge. These are the Gen-X Superheroes. It's all about the rush. Writers Michael France and Mark Frost deliver the difficult Act I narrative of the origins of the Fantastic Four. The story is frenetic, although weak on character development. This pitfall is overcome mostly, by excellent casting. Ioan Gruffdd has the right "dork" touch for brilliant scientist Reed Richards. Jessica Alba, though seemingly too young for the role of Sue Storm, is strong and sensible. Chris Evans steals the movie as Extreme Sports Astronaut washout, Johnny Storm. Michael Chiklis elicits pathos as Ben Grimm, who becomes embodied in the rock of the Thing. Julian McMahon as Victor Von Doom is very cool evil.
Richards and company along with Von Doom, embark on a venture to study the affects of a Radiation Storm passing Earth aboard Von Doom's space station. Due to Reed's miscalculation, the crew is caught unprepared for the storm's early arrival. All five members are exposed to the severe radiation; thus, altering their DNA. My bud Ron, reminded me that Doom in the comics had a different fate. However, this revision actually is more compelling. Back on Earth, Reed, Sue, Johnny, Ben, and Victor develop astonishing powers. Victor takes a decidedly dark turn. Reed's body has amazing stretching ability. Sue can become invisible and project force fields. Johnny can ignite into flames at will. Ben becomes a rock-like monster with incredible strength. Victor transforms into a metal creature able to harness and disperse great energy. So the Fantastic Four must battle the now powerful Dr. Doom (Victor).
In another extreme culture departure as illustrated by Johnny Storm, he embraces his Superhero status like that of being a rock star. It is not a curse. Reed asks Johnny whether there is any higher pursuit than making a lot of money and meeting girls. Johnny says, "No." Props for Johnny. Chris Evans as Johnny Storm has the right elements of bravado, and playfulness. That can also be said for rest of the movie. Ioan Gruffud has the canny stiffness that is appropriate for Reed Richards, providing a contrast. Jessica Alba is believable as Sue. She is also very hot. She is even naked in the movie, unfortunately her character is invisible. Michael Chiklis is very sympathetic as the tortured Thing. Julian McMahon revels as the evil Victor Von Doom.
"The Fantastic Four" is great summer entertainment. There will be sequel. Perhaps, FF2 retains it's extreme sports sensibilities, and focuses a little more on character.