The Fantastic 4, The rise of the Silver Surfer

The Fantastic 4 -The rise of the Silver Surfer.

( Now part of the Marvel Universe) Updated in 2024

I saw the orginal film, with my two sisters. I enjoyed it. They found it funny. I think in a so funny it's bad way. 

Well I will get down to it. This film is  about  a  set of Marvel Comics superheroes.:4 people, who have gained extraordinary powers. Reed Richards, who can now bend, and twist like ``Stretch Armstrong 
His friend Ben Grim  , who now is the Thing.  Who posses super human strength, 

The cast list is just great. Chris Evans, (The Hollywood actor, not the nefarious DJ) 
( Update 2023. Mr Chris Evans- UK has been overshadowed  by Chris Evans USA)

Jessica Alba




Yes I like Jessica ( We see less and less of her in 2024)

Michael Chiklis,  is playing Ben Grim (Vick Mackie)....and Ioan Gruffund- plays Reed Richards

So the film starts with some nice special effects. Some Japanese fishermen, and tourists at the Sphinx, are buzzed bya silver light. The Japanese sea freezes, and the Pyramids, are covered with snow

Our Heroes, are (re)introduced quickly.
the world, has noticed and embraced the Fantastic 4. The Thing, gets his picture taken with Children. The Human Torch, is accosted by cheerleaders. In the background, E, entertainment TV talk about Reed, and Susan Storm's forthcoming wedding- ( A power couple)

There is a set piece. About the joys of air travel. The Thing, a one ton mean machine is given the middle seat of an aisle. ( Ben Grim)
Reed Richards, uses his super arms, to steal space in an over head locker. This was fun


Johnny Storm, declines, to fly coach ( sorry I mean economy) and goes to New York, under his own steam

The film, has some nice digs at our celebrity culture. Johnny Storm, tries to get coporate sponsors, on the Fantastic's uniforms. If I recall correctly, one was Dell. Johnny did suggest getting an Airline to sponsor them too. 

One of the things that was dispointing about the last film- was  Ioan Gruffud. Who is playing the leader of the team. Reed Richards. In universe Richards is supposed to be a WW2 Veteran. A super genius as well as the roommate of Victor Von Doom  I like Ioan. I watched Hornblower. A TV series about the Royal Navy's golden years. I remember him in Warriors- BBC series about the Bosnia war. Strong meat that. However as Mr Fantastic in F4, Ioan seemed a bit stunted

Here he has relaxed in the role. Or is simply written better. Reed is still obessed with his work. He is tied to his
``crackberry''  Yes it is 2008. Reed  allows himself to be cajoled into a batchelor party here follows a nice scene. With Reed dancing with pretty ladies, Explaining the big bang, with his expanding fingers.
All is not well. The US Army have business with Mr Reed. In the form of General Haugher
General Hauger, is played by the great Andre Braugher. The star of Homocide Life on the Street. I remember that show. Great performances, by a great actor
This is what he is doing these days?  ( Alas-2024)

General Hauger, much to Susan's chagrin asks, Reed for help. Another interruption to their nuptials. ( I can understand her being upset-editing this as divorcee when I 

Stan Lee, has his cameo, being turned away from the wedding. 

The golden or perhaps flexible couples happy day is ruined, by the coming of the Surfer. The Silver Sufer, sweeps into New York, The lights go off in Times Square. 9-11 was only 7 years ago
The media circus, which included a newscoper, blaring good luck to the happy couple are scattered and endangered

Johnny Storm, chases the surfer, down Highway 95. Down, 36th Ave, through the Jersey Tunnel, across to NJ

Silver Surfer takes Johnny to the top of world. (He loses his flames and crashes to Earth, and doesn't asphixate) The same strategem is used against the Hulk, and later in Iron Man 2- Voice of 2024

Susan, while flicking channels, catches an E ! Special on her (Susan Storm) fashion disaters.
#Superheros, can't leave there underpants over their trousers anymore

Being able to switch powers, is a boon, for the Thing, who is human in form again. No longer a rock man -My brother used to call the thing, ``rock man'' One of his character traits in the comics, is being depressed- and grieving due to his transformation. The Thing looks inhuman. 
Ben, is visibably altered. Here, the person, who is on the downer, is Johnny storm. 

The B plot t is Victor Von Doom's return. Julian Mahon. Whom I think was the reason why my sisters went to see the first  film (Balazzar from Charmed, and star of Nip tuck. Not seen for a decade-2024  Von Doom fought our heroes in the first movie Yet is  revived. and by the molecular changes brought by the Surfers Wake.
( I hope Hitler didn't get a second chance)  

The Silver Surfers next target is London. Accompanied by the US Army. The British Army are elsewhere. Along with Juristiction lawyers- Truly Bush's ppodle
Victor Von Doom is brought into help our heros, Boo hiss, Boo Hiss. He and Richards, work on a trap for the Surfer.

There is a great scene where. Richards, confronts Hauger. Hauger makes a crack at Richards having never played football.
He (The general) is the Quarterback- In our world- Richards as a Brit would have played Rugby. 

Richards replies yes I was a Nerd I stayed in and studied. I am now engaged to the hottest girl on the planet.....

Grizzly's in Germany? Nope. 

The Surfer s brought to Siberia. Where he can be interrogated thoroughly. A nod to renditon.
( This would not happen in 2024)  


When our  4some, escape.( I remembered where they were, and thought, why aren't you cold?)I know a Siberian lady :)

Von Doom double crosses the American General. The supervillian steals the super sur board, and runs amok. The Fantastic 4, have to join forces, to stop him! 


I'll leave it there. Its a nice movie. I am glad I got out it. Some of my favorite actors. Though I would rather we saw more of Victor,
and Jessica  had worn  less. It

Despite the simple plot- This film  has a few sly things to say about celebrity. It is a little smarter then it seems. But isn't the 4 Freedoms plaza in Philly 

I like that

Comments

Popular posts from this blog