Fantastic Four Doesn't Live Up To Hype

Rating: 1/10 (9 July 2005)

I just saw the movie last night, mostly because my wife was a fan of the comic books. I knew nothing of the comics, but we both left disappointed. The movie can't compare to Batman Begins, which I have seen twice.
While this movie would have probably been considered a "good" or even "great" movie several years ago, it can't compare to something like Batman Begins or even Spiderman 2.
I have read in other reviews that Tim Story, the director, was trying to create a film from a fan's perspective. Though not knowing the story, my wife told me he stayed pretty true to the comics, but simply made too little of a plot into too long of a movie. I didn't even fully know the plot but it just seemed that I could predict every typical good guy vs bad guy thing that was going to happen.
As far as the actors reviews... well Chris Evans stole the show, I think. He added the much needed humor in the movie; his scenes being the only time I laughed. Michael Chiklis also had a few slightly humorous lines but did nothing special to make you love him, either as "The Thing" or as "Ben". Jessica Alba was simply there as a distraction, basically a pretty face. She didn't seem to know anything about science, unlike what her character in the comic books would. And as for Ioan Gruffudd, well... he tried but he just did not come across as believable. He seemed boring and did not bring too much to the Fantastic Four.
I am interested in seeing what happens after the sales come out from this weekend. The cast on FOX News, said that they were already signed on for 2 and 3... but I just don't see that happening if this one does as bad as I fear it will. Happy movie going.