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Fantastic Four By David DiCerto Catholic News Service NEW YORK (CNS) -- "Fantastic Four" (20th Century Fox) is anything but fantastic. At times it borders on schlock, though it's not a complete failure as summer popcorn entertainment. There have been far better comic-book adaptations such as "Spiderman" and "Batman Begins." But, then again, this isn't a flat-out turkey like "Daredevil" and "The Hulk." Directed by Tim Story, the film involves a close-knit, if dysfunctional, clan of spandex-clad superheroes: One can stretch like rubber, one can disappear, another is superstrong and one can burst into flames at will. Pixar's "The Incredibles," whose quartet of do-gooders had similar abilities, was clearly inspired by "The Fantastic Four," the longest-running Marvel comic-book series, created in 1961 by Stan Lee (who has a brief cameo) and Jack Kirby. Like the comic book, the film centers on four scientists who become genetically endowed with superpowers while studying solar flares in outer space. They include: egghead and team leader Dr. Reed Richards (Ioan Gruffudd), the elastic "Mr. Fantastic"; brainy love interest Sue Storm (Jessica Alba), the "Invisible Woman," who can also project impregnable force fields; her hotheaded young brother, Johnny (Chris Evans), the self-combustible "Human Torch"; and lovable lug Benjamin Grimm, aka "The Thing" (a heavily latexed Michael Chiklis), a walking wall of orange rock with superhuman strength. When not bickering among themselves, they battle archnemesis Dr. Doom (played with villainous glee by Julian McMahon), a billionaire industrialist -- and former colleague of Reed -- who finances and accompanies the foursome on their ill-fated expedition to outer space. He also gains super capabilities. His conversion to evil conjures Hayden Christensen's descent to the dark side in "Revenge of the Sith" (he even ends up donning a Vaderesque iron mask to cover his scarred face). Yet it isn't world domination that fuels Doom's megalomania -- at least not initially -- but his unrequited love for Sue. (Ain't it always about a girl?) "Fantastic Four" isn't helped out much by its ham-fisted dialogue, bad acting, chintzy sets and, at times, cheesy special effects. But there is also a goofy campiness to the film that precludes it from taking itself too seriously (and cues viewers to do the same). It has what the superior films "X-Men" and "Batman Begins" lacked: precisely the sense of lighthearted fun that attracts kids to comic books. The movie has some amusing sight gags, as when Johnny uses his palm to heat-up popcorn. It also has moments of pathos, mostly involving Ben, who, like countless movie monsters, suffers rejection -- even by those who supposedly love him -- because of the way he looks. Themes include teamwork and accepting those who are different. There is quite a bit of consequence-free comic-book violence -- lots of cars are tossed around, but no casualties -- which some viewers may feel sends the wrong message. What makes "Fantastic Four" appealing is that it is about something most moviegoers can relate to: a squabbling family. As with all families, even though they argue, in the end their greatest "power" is the bond of love that holds them together. The film contains intense comic-book action violence, some sexual innuendo and brief mildly crude language. The USCCB Office for Film & Broadcasting classification is A-II -- adults and adolescents. The Motion Picture Association of America rating is PG-13 -- parents are strongly cautioned. Some material may be inappropriate for children under 13. - - - DiCerto is on the staff of the Office for Film & Broadcasting of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. END Copyright (c) 2005 Catholic News Service/USCCB. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or otherwise distributed. CNS · 3211 Fourth St NE · Washington DC 20017 · 202.541.3250 |
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