Fantastic Four

Year: 2005
Director: Tim Story
Cast: Ioan Gruffudd, Jessica Alba, Chris Evans, Michael Chiklis, Julian McMahon

Comicbook heroes the Fantastic Four have been dubbed as Marvel's first family by fans worldwide. Created by Stan Lee & Jack Kirby, it tells the story of four astronauts: the brilliant Reed Richards, his girlfriend Sue Storm, her brother Johnny Storm, and their friend Ben Grimm, who gain extraordinary powers after being exposed to cosmic radiation in space. They decide to use their abilities to protect the world from evil, and more often than not, they cross swords with their arch-nemesis Dr Doom, who has been Reed's rival for a very long time.

This film adaptation stays true to the comicbook in almost every aspect, save for the origin of Dr Doom and a few other things. The story begins with Reed and Ben asking Doom for assistance in going to outer space to observe a cosmic storm. Doom has the equipment and financial resources to do so, whilst Reed is broke, hence the request from the latter. So Doom ropes in Sue and Johnny for the mission and all five go up as planned. However, a miscalculation on Reed's part causes them to be bombarded by the cosmic storm and as a result, their DNA goes through massive changes.

Reed acquires the ability to stretch his body like a rubberband. Sue can turn invisible and create force fields. Johnny can generate flames all over his body and fly. Ben on the other hand turns permanently into a rock covered being with massive strength. When the four successfully stop a catastrophe on top a bridge, they immediately become media sensations. Despite Reed & Sue's attempts to hide their identities, Johnny embraces his newfound glory and basks in it, much to the chagrin of Ben, who only wants to return to normal. However, little do they realise that there is a bigger problem at hand. Doom was also transformed by the incident, and after losing his financial support from the bank, he uses his new powers to take his anger out on the four....

Tim Story successfully directs a film that everyone can enjoy, whether they're a fan of the comicbook or not. He balances the humour and drama of the story perfectly. You will enjoy the hilarious scenes involving Johnny and Ben as much as you'll feel for Ben as he tries to get used to being who he is. Check out the scene where he tries to pick up the engagement ring left behind by his fiancee, but he can't because his fingers are too big.

Chiklis, Evans and Gruffudd play Ben, Johnny and Reed respectably, just the way their comicbook counterparts have been portrayed in the books. Alba also does fine as Sue, but I still feel she is way too good looking for the part. McMahon portrays Dr Doom as arrogant and vain, which isn't quite like the comicbook version. Doom in the books has more than just arrogance, he has stubbornness and a overwhelming feeling of superiority over Reed, which is missing in this film. As for the special effects, they are astounding, especially for Sue and Johnny's powers. The action sequences are also well executed.

All in all, it's a well-balanced fantasy adventure film for the avid movie watcher. (4/5)