Fantastic Four

Fantastic Four (2005)

6 out of 10

Running time: 1:50

MPAA rating: PG-13 (Sequences of intense action, and some suggestive content.)

Peruvian rating: Mayores de 14

Cast: Ioan Gruffudd, Michael Chiklis, Jessica Alba, Chris Evans, Julian McMahon, Kerry Washington.
Director: Tim Story
Script: Michael France and Mark Frost, based on the comic book by Stan Lee & Jack Kirby
Photography: Oliver Wood
Score: John Ottman
Distributor: 20th Century Fox

Having already experienced such compelling and thrilling comic-book-based films such as Spider-man or Superman Returns, Fantastic Four disappointed. It’s not as crappy or incompetently-made as its sequel, but it’s pretty average nonetheless. The film, being based on one of the first comic books ever released by Marvel, should have been more impressive. The movie tells a pretty lackluster story and, although most (but not all) performances are compelling, the special effects are solid and the action sequences are pretty fun, the movie as a whole seems “small” and lacks the epic scope films like Spider-man or X-Men have.

The movie tells the story of scientist Reed Richards (Ioan Gruffudd), and his best friend, Ben Grimm (Michael Chilkis), who approach billionaire Victor Von Doom (Julian McMahon) about financing a project. Reed wants to be in Doom’s space station to study the effect of cosmic rays on living material. Victor agrees. Sue Storm (Jessica Alba), Doom’s assistant and an old flame of Reed’s, and his brother Johnny Storm (Chris Evans) come long with the two buddies and the billionaire. Things go wrong, though, when the scientists are exposed to the rays and their DNA is changed: Reed’s body becomes elastic, Ben turns into a strong, rocky creature, Sue can now turn invisible at will, and Johnny can turn into a “human torch.” Victor, on the other hand, gains the power to control electricity and, instead of fighting crime and impose justice, becomes a bad guy and calls himself “Doctor Doom.”

The movie’s main problem is the lack of epic scope and the fact that it’s an origin story. Yeah, Spider-man was an origin story too, but spent less time in “developing” “undevelopable” characters, and more on the story itself. The Fantastic Four, on the other hand, have a lame beginning, and the bulk of the film is dedicated to corny dialogue and plot “development.” The main action sequence comes at the end and, although it’s pretty fun and good-looking, is too short. The film feels small and, at times, seems more like a soap-opera than a superhero movie.

In terms of acting, the movie’s kind of a mixed bag, and that doesn’t help either. Ioan Gruffudd, Michael Chilkis and Chris Evans are al pretty good. Gruffudd underplays his character and, given its nature, works. Chris Evans is energetic and never becomes annoying. Chilkis is worthy to single out. He makes his “Thing” the only three-dimensional character, giving him some humanity and making the audience feel for him. On the other hand, Jessica Alba and Julian McMahon are both weak. Alba looks really cute, but isn’t right for the role. (I mean, who would believe her as a scientist?) McMahon is too over-the-top. His Dr. Doom is not menacing and, being one of the most famous bad guys in the comic book world, should have been more memorable.

In technical terms, the film’s all right. The special effects look convincing, especially during the movie’s climax where the Four have a chance to shine, and the action sequence itself is pretty fun and sometimes suspenseful. The direction is not perfect, but it’s pretty competent. I’m pretty sure, though, that if the film had had a more experience director, the performances (especially Alba’s and McMahon’s) would have been more believable. John Ottman’s score is lighthearted and fun, and the movie’s main theme is pretty memorable and recognizable.

Fantastic Four is not a bad movie, but it should have been better. The special effects are good and the direction is competent, but two of the main characters are miscast, and the film as a whole feels “small.” The filmmakers could have followed many other directions with the characters to make the movie more interesting and entertaining. (And it seems they didn’t learn the lesson for the sequel either.) With its sometimes-good and sometimes-bad performances and lame storyline, Fantastic Four is an enjoyable-but-flawed motion picture.