It appears that many reviewers (in my opinion) jumped the gun on Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer and failed to keep their expectations in check. Sure the movie is NOT very deep and character development could use some work but the lack of these qualities does not make for a bad movie.

ROTS starts out with a planet being shattered and the Silver Surfer riding away towards an unsuspecting Earth. Shortly after his arrival on Earth strange occurrences start to happen around the world and no one really panics except for the Army (who constantly asks for help throughout). When Oceans freeze and it snows in Egypt, the world should be in serious panic but instead the whole is focused on the marriage of Reid Richards and Sue Storm. I have to admit, the coverage they receive in the press is ridiculous and the time could have been better spent focusing on the Surfer or his boss, Glactus.

With the movie lacking seriousness it relies on humor and FX to carry the massive weight of the film and for the better part the movie is pretty funny (never anything wrong with that). Johnny Storm is comical as usual and the Thing is nothing but humor. Sure, some believe the Thing should be more serious but it is amusing to see him accepting who he has become making the best of this celebrity. Early in the movie he is taking pictures with kids at the Airport, holding two kids in the air while the parent snap photos. It is a major change from everyone’s fear of big Ben in the first film. I do wish Ben was more involved in the scientific side (instead of just Reid) as the only data he offers on the Surfer is his opinion on satellite images (of the Surfer).

Von Doom returns and how is a major mystery. Sure some things are implied (very lightly) but there is never a real explanation to how he returns from the dead. I do get the feeling that they may come forward in the next movie with an explanation as he refuses to answer “how” when he is asked by Reid and Sue (on two different occasions). The Surfer himself who is voiced by Lawrence Fishbourne is mysterious and a dude of few words (which is probably best). I do like the visual appearance of the Silver Surfer and his Board. The chase scene with Johnny is great as the FX really shine with the Surfer passing through objects and surfing the side of a building. My Big problem with the Surfer is that they should have shown more about this past and why he serves “Glactus” but you can only do so much with 90 minutes. Why 90 min? Every director and producer should know that us movie going public will always give you 2 hours, so please use IT (always).

In the end, the Army makes a mess of things after the Fantastic Four helps them to capture the Surfer and Johnny finally grows up a little (after nearly getting the team killed) to bring us a satisfying battle with DOOM (that should please all fans – even though the scene is short). The movie is entertaining (no worst than Spiderman III) which is really what we pay and another sequel will arrive in two years (that is for sure). I am off to Watch UFC 72.

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