"Fantastic Four" truly is, well, FANTASTIC

Rating: 9/10 (11 July 2005)

I walked into the theatre expecting a piece of cinematic garbage. I am a comic book FREAK, and I read all of the reviews on "R. Tomatoes." Did I see the same movie as everybody else?! From the opening scene to the almost cliché Superman 2-esque "street battle," I was taken on a wild ride. I enjoyed it much more than the overly-hyped machines that were "Spiderman 2" and "Batman Begins." The special effects were severely underrated. Critics bashed the effects as being too cheesy and fake, but they could not have been more wrong. The storyline does deviate from the actual comic book lore, but I don't remember Dr. Octavius EVER having a wife or a female character named RACHEL DAWES in the Bat series. Changes are essential. The movie is loaded with comedy, whether it's a sight gag or a one-liner. Some may frown upon the sitcom approach, but ALL comics are loaded with witty banter. The characters were also bad-ass. Chiklis, Gruffud, Evans, and Alba are fantastic together. But the real star of the movie is Julian McMahon. This Adonis of a man represented the subtle nuance required for Von Doom. I am now a "Nip/Tuck" fan. Thanks Julian! The only thing that prevents this movie from earning a 10 is the aforementioned climax with Von Doom. It could have been a little longer. Oh, and that theme music! It sounds like "Roll out the Barrel" with an 86-piece orchestra. Ottman should be ashamed of himself. Don't believe the negative feedback. Granted, this movie is no X2, but in this comic book lover's opinion, the critics should leave their egos at the door. Grab a bag of stale popcorn drowning in artificial butter flavoring, a watered down soft drink, and some costly Jujifruits and enjoy the funnest ride of the summer. Please keep all hands and feet in the ride at all times. FLAME ON!!!!