REVIEW: Fantastic Four (2015)

20th Century Fox poster

The following is a review of 20th Century Fox’s Fantastic Four (2015)

Fantastic Four is the updated Marvel Comics origin story about its First Family – the Storm-siblings, the incredibly intelligent Reed Richards, and the strong-willed Ben Grimm. Together they team up to defend Earth and its citizens. But before becoming a team, they changed in more ways than one. Does the newest 20th Century Fox superhero film live up to its title? Sadly, no.

However, it did start quite well. This film is loosely based on the 2004 Marvel Comics reboot, Ultimate Fantastic Four, and you definitely see its roots if you’re familiar with the ‘source material.’ Reed Richards is a child prodigy, who is ultimately invited to study and work in the Baxter Building, and he is aided by his good friend, Ben Grimm, who, in spite of his involvement in Reed’s school project, has no real attachment to the Baxter Building.

In fact, I loved this part. There was a certain Batman Begins-feel to the film, and everything worked for quite a while. There can be no doubt, the best character in this film is Reed Richards – as he should be. Also, while I was afraid of what tone Fox was going with, I was pleasantly surprised to see that the film was less grim than the trailer made it out to be.

It is not that the film was perfect for the first hour, or so, but it ran rather smoothly. Sure, the dialogue was a bit wonky and cheesy at times – but it didn’t really hurt the film in its first half. But then things started to fall apart. I can tell you that there is a handful of comic book movie sins in this film – but no sin is bigger than the one they commit at its halfway point. Reed Richards’ reasoning for using the Quantum Gate is extremely dodgy and out of character.

After having reached the point of no return, you start to notice the film’s clear errors. The look of the ‘other dimension’ is not done well, Kate Mara is wearing what looks to be a wig for half of her scenes, and the pacing is awful. When I started to think about the villain, then the film started to be upsetting.

Victor Von Doom (Not ‘Domashev’; apparently, they chose to keep the original name after fan backlash) is obviously the villain. And I’m not just saying that because I know of the comic books. The film hits you over the head with the obvious fact that Toby Kebbell’s character is the villain. He is referred to as ‘Dr. Doom’ sarcastically – as well as ‘Adolf’ (no, I’m not kidding). Sadly, Doom is a forgettable character and his look is awful. Doom should not look like a silver-and-green mannequin.

Josh Trank, Simon Kinberg, and Jeremy Slater had a great plan for this film, but while they handled Mr. Fantastic and the first half of the film amazingly, they ultimately fall short. In the end, the pacing of the final act is what kills this film. The big battle is rushed, the villain is wasted, and Marvel’s First Family doesn’t really live up to its name. An awful reboot for the Fantastic Four.

Final Score: 4.9 out of 10Though promising at first, Fantastic Four completely falls apart in the poorly paced final act.

 I’m Jeffrey Rex

Marvelous Monday #29 – Dos and Don’ts for Fox’s Fantastic Four

I'm Jeffrey Rex' Marvelous Monday - 29

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? Continue reading “Marvelous Monday #29 – Dos and Don’ts for Fox’s Fantastic Four”

REVIEW: Ant-Man (2015)

Marvel Studios and Walt Disney Studios’ poster for Ant-Man (2015).

The following is a spoiler-free review of Marvel’s Ant-Man (2015).

We’ve reached the final film of Marvel Studios‘ Phase Two – Ant-Man is here. If this sounds like Marvel has gone for one of the most obscure comic books they’ve ever done, then you’re not entirely wrong. The general public wouldn’t be that familiar with the character, but he is not unimportant – his film is much more than a stopgap between Avengers: Age Of Ultron and Captain America 3 – in fact, this origin story is a breath of fresh air for the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Continue reading “REVIEW: Ant-Man (2015)”

REVIEW: Secret Wars (Crossover) #4

Marvel Comics – Secret Wars #4 – Cover by Alex Ross

The following is a full review of Secret Wars #4 (Beware of Spoilers) – Written by Jonathan Hickman, with art by Esad Ribic – Release: July 1st 2015.

Full disclosure: For a while I didn’t want to review this issue. If you’ve been reading my Secret Wars-reviews then you know that I strongly dislike Esad Ribic’s faces of astonishment. Dislike isn’t strong enough, I hate them. This isn’t to say that Ribic’s art is bad (it’s really good), but they’ve been annoying me for a while, and they were particularly annoying in this issue. In fact, I think this was Ribic’s worst issue yet of this event. However, I chose to review this issue anyway – why? It was amazing. Continue reading “REVIEW: Secret Wars (Crossover) #4”

Marvelous Monday #24 – I’m Jeffrey Rex Recommends

I'm Jeffrey Rex' Marvelous Monday 24

We’re about to start July, and thus everyone will be needing some reading material (unless you’re not into that kind of thing), so this week’s post is all about comic books! Obviously it’ll only cover Marvel Comics, so if you’re a DC guy or gal – just follow the Bat-family. Nevertheless, I’ve got 3 comic book series that I’ve enjoyed or am enjoying from Marvel Comics, which I am recommending today. Continue reading “Marvelous Monday #24 – I’m Jeffrey Rex Recommends”

REVIEW: Secret Wars (Crossover) #3

Marvel Comics – Secret Wars #3 – Cover by Alex Ross

The following is a full review of Secret Wars #3 (Beware of Spoilers) – Written by Jonathan Hickman, with art by Esad Ribic – Release: June 3rd 2015.

Marvel Comics‘ biggest event yet still has some explaining to do following last issue, and while we don’t get any real answers in this issue – we finally got to see the people we’ve been missing. And I’m not talking about the Cabal. Continue reading “REVIEW: Secret Wars (Crossover) #3”

REVIEW: Secret Wars (Crossover) #2

Marvel Comics – Secret Wars #2 – Cover by Alex Ross

The following is a full written review of Secret Wars #2 – Written by Jonathan Hickman, with art by Esad Ribic – Release: May 13th 2015.

Following the end of the Marvel Universe as well as the Ultimate Universe, the second issue of the biggest Marvel crossover event in a long time has a lot to explain. The thing is, though, it does not. Instead we’re treated to a very different Marvel universe – and somehow it looks like a certain HBO show.

Continue reading “REVIEW: Secret Wars (Crossover) #2”