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Movie Review: Fantastic Four (2005)

Fantastic Four (2005)

Starring: Ioan Gruffudd, Jessica Alba, Chris Evans, Michael Chiklis, Julian McMahon

Directed By: Tim Story

I don't know if anyone realises this about me, since I hide it so well, but I'm a comic book geek. I've collected off and on since I was probably 12 or so. I was an X-Men fan primarily, but would dabble throughout the Marvel Universe from time to time, making me familiar with most of their characters. I stopped a few years ago, but the movies brought me back. I don't collect weekly titles, but do go in from time to time to buy back issues, trades, and Astonishing X-Men. As a result of my fandom, I've seen all of Marvel's recent theatrically-released movies other than Elektra and the Blade sequels. So when they announced the Fantastic Four movie, I knew I'd be seeing it, even though the early trailers looked terrible (but not Elektra-terrible).

I have a confession to make: I've enjoyed every comic book movie that I've gone to a theatre to see, other than the Batman-movie-that-shall-not-be-named. I loved the X-Men movies, the Spider-Man movies, Hulk, even Daredevil. I can't help it. They're my weak spot. Some people like spaghetti westerns, some people like teen slasher flicks, some people like gross out comedies. I like super hero movies, as long as they're based on super heroes that I grew up on (which is why I've yet to see Hellboy, League of Extraordinary Gentlemen, or Constantine), and as long as they stay true to the essence of the characters. I can't help it. When I see my childhood up on the big screen, I completely mark out and lose all ability to form critical thought. After subsequent viewings, at home, I eventually gain it back (as evidenced by my Daredevil review). But when I see the characters and powers and comic book nods for the first time, I geek out.

How'd I do with this one? Well, Fantastic Four is a big, dumb, action-adventure, special effects movie with hammy dialogue, a loose plot, and average acting. And... I really liked it. I want to see it again. Go ahead, flame me if you want, I don't care. I had a good time watching it. I liked how they used their powers for different things. It felt like the comic book. Ben Grimm and Johnny Storm fought. Reed Richards was really smart with science, but a hopeless dork elsewhere. Susan Storm was protective of her little brother. Doctor Doom wanted to get that damn Richards, and he was from Latveria (or at least his family was). The Baxter Building was there, complete with Stan Lee as Willie freaking Lumpkin! Johnny Storm was brash and cocky, Sue was shy, Ben was lovable and gruff. Things blew up. The Thing said "It's Clobberin' Time", and Jessica Alba looked good (another personal weakness of mine). The action was big, as it needed to be. The Fantastic Four the comic was always on the grandest scale in the Marvel Universe. Spider-Man fought weird smaller guys, the FF fought Galactus and Prince Namor and hung out with the Silver Surfer. I was happy.

So, was it a good movie? I dunno. I really couldn't tell you that right now. I have no objectivity. Maybe after a few more viewings I could. All I can say right now is that I enjoyed it, and that there will be repeated viewings for me.

3.5/5

Related:
Daredevil (2003)
Hulk (2003)
Top Five Marvel Comics Titles (Current)