You don’t have to be a fan of the Marvel Comics characters to enjoy this sequel to 2005’s Fantastic Four. The sequel features the return of Ioan Gruffudd as Reed Richards (Mr. Fantastic), Jessica Alba as Sue Storm (Invisible Girl), Chris Evans as Johnny Storm (The Human Torch) and Michael Chiklis as Ben Grimm (The Thing). The Rise of the Silver Surfer also sees the return of Julian McMahon as Victor Von Doom, the villain from the first film that was last seen being loaded onto a cargo ship and sent back to his home country.
This film benefits greatly from being a sequel. There is no need to explain their powers or how they got them, that was all taken care of in the first film. Instead, this movie spends more time focusing on the relationships and how they have grown (or not grown) as the case may be.
Reed and Sue are trying to get married. Apparently, they are on their fifth attempt to get their wedding going and are subject to paparazzi, pressure and predicaments. In fact, the first four weddings were all postponed due to disasters and that has Sue on edge. Reed’s grown a great deal from the first film and comic fans will take heart to see that he is more the brilliant scientist than absent-minded professor in this film.
Humor is a strong point in this film, especially in the interactions between Johnny and Ben. The film also features a new character, the titular mentioned Silver Surfer. It seems wherever he goes, the world is destroyed just a few days after. (Don’t try to think too hard about how Reed figures that part out). Now he is on Earth and his presence could indicate an Armageddon.
The military calls on Dr. Richards mental prowess to help them track down the Surfer and then it is up to the team to capture him. There are some typical moments of impetuousness (Johnny) that cause near disaster and there’s some fun that’s had with Johnny’s powers ( I won’t spoil it for you). While there is implied nudity in this film, it’s neither overtly sexual nor graphic.
Kids will enjoy this romp and most parents will too. There is one moment, towards the end of the film that may be hard on younger children. Sue Storm is injured grievously in a battle with Victor Von Doom and dies briefly. When this scene aired, my daughter frowned in consternation and demanded to know how she and Reed would ever get married. There is no blood and while it is emotional, it’s not as troubling as it may sound. The final scenes with Galactus (a huge cloud like being) approaching Earth to consume it are tense and may worry younger children. So be prepared for that.
Overall, The Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer is a good romp and an excellent companion for the first film. It has none of the overall flaws or slow pacing of the first, and clocking in at just 89 minutes, it’s the perfect summer afternoon movie.
This film is rated PG for mild, bloodless violence and sexual innuendo.
Heather Long also blogs on fitness, marriage and Disney