This week’s Marvelous Monday focuses on the potential of the newest Marvel Comics-based superhero flick coming this summer. Fantastic Four is the last superhero film of 2015. But this isn’t a Marvel Studios film. No, this is one of Fox’s attempts at a stronger superhero universe. The film has had a lot of problems in the press: rumors and comments about the script, Dr. Doom, and the director have stopped the hype-train somewhat. So, today we need to make up our minds: What are the dos and don’ts for the returning Mister Fantastic-led franchise?
Let’s not kid ourselves. Though some might enjoy the campiness of the Jessica Alba-led Fantastic Four-films, we have not gotten the Fantastic Four movie we deserve. Regardless of the Trank-rumors, this film has a talented director and a remarkable cast. Miles Teller can be a perfect Reed Richards, regardless of his age. And I don’t get why people criticize the casting of Michael B. Jordan as Johnny Storm. Jordan is incredibly talented – and quite frankly, he is one of the best young stars in Hollywood. Kate Mara and Jamie Bell are strong actors as well – and I have no doubt that Toby Kebbell can be a solid villain. You simply could not wish for a stronger cast talent-wise. But let’s talk about some of the things they have to make right in this film. I’ve got three words for you: Doom, Thing, tone.
Doom – I would say that Julian McMahon as Dr. Doom was polarizing. I didn’t think he did that bad, but I’ve heard from people who swear by the Latverian that he was terrible… So, obviously, they need Toby Kebbell’s Doom to be perfect. But I’m worried. One of the worst things that I’ve ever heard an actor spill in an interview is the fact that Dr. Doom is now a hacker, or at least a blogger, named Domashev. Just don’t. Let’s hope that they somehow changed that part of the film due to fan reaction – because that is silly. Oh, and this should go without saying, but don’t kill off Dr. Doom in the first film. Don’t be that stupid.
Thing – Some would say that the Thing is the worst thing about the Tim Story Fantastic Four-films. I don’t necessarily belong in that camp, but from what I’m seeing they’re going in the right direction. Heavily inspired by Cronenberg, rather than… Orange. Good start. Just don’t mess up the voice, and… For crying out loud! Get him a costume too, or – at the very least – pants…
Tone – Finally, let’s talk about the tone of the film. This film looks much darker than the campy Tim Story-films, and that’s just fine. These people are, to some, heroic monsters… Freaks. But here’s the thing. Don’t be too dark. One of the things people have criticized DC’s Man of Steel for is having only two-to-three jokes (literally), and when you have Johnny – freaking – Storm in this film, then you have to have some jokes.
Ultimately, every comic book fan should want this film to be good. While we’d all love a full Marvel universe, this is what we have – Marvel Studios separated from the Fantastic Four and the X-Men – but that is still more than we could’ve ever hoped for. Let’s now hope that the Fantastic Four are being perfected.
What do you think? Sound off in the comments.
I’m Jeffrey Rex
I'm Jeffrey Rex 