Fantastic Four

Fantastic Four tries to be super, but ends up feeling more like a mediocre four. It's as if someone took a group of somewhat talented actors, exposed them to cosmic radiation, and the result was this lukewarm superhero flick.

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We follow the origin story of four scientists who gain extraordinary powers after being exposed to cosmic radiation during an experimental mission in space. Reed Richards (Ioan Gruffudd) becomes Mr. Fantastic, able to stretch and contort his body at will; Sue Storm (Jessica Alba) gains the ability to turn invisible and project force fields as the Invisible Woman; her brother, Johnny Storm (Chris Evans), transforms into the Human Torch, capable of engulfing himself in flames and flying; and Ben Grimm (Michael Chiklis) becomes The Thing, a hulking, super-strong creature made of rock. As they struggle to come to terms with their new abilities, they must band together to stop their former colleague Victor Von Doom (Julian McMahon), whose own exposure to radiation has transformed him into the power-hungry villain, Dr. Doom. What could have been an engaging battle between superheroes and a classic comic book villain is weighed down by formulaic storytelling and underwhelming character arcs.

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The film's main flaw is its lacklustre character development. Sure, they have cool powers, but where's the depth? Reed Richards can stretch like rubber—great for reaching the remote without leaving the couch. Ben Grimm becomes a rock monster, which is handy for redecorating but not much else. Sue Storm can turn invisible, a skill she uses mostly to sneak out of boring conversations. And Johnny Storm can light himself on fire, making him the world's most impractical candle.

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The villain, Dr. Doom, is less menacing and more like a grumpy neighbour who yells at kids to get off his lawn. Julian McMahon does his best with the role, but he's ultimately overshadowed by the film's dull  script and uninspired direction.

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Special effects? Check. Action sequences? Check. Compelling story? Not so much. "Fantastic Four" feels like a missed opportunity, a film that had the potential to be fantastic but settles for being just okay. In the end, Fantastic Four is like a superhero version of a fast-food meal—satisfying in the moment but ultimately forgettable. It's a shame, really, because with a bit more effort, it could have been truly fantastic.