Movie Review: Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer (2007), a Fun-Filled Comic Book Movie Sequel

Reed Richards and Sue Storm are planning their much-awaited wedding. Unbeknownst to the Fantastic Four, a new enemy, far more dangerous that Dr. Doom, has sent its herald, the Silver Surfer, to Earth to prepare for the eater of worlds, Galactus. At the same time, Victor Von Doom, who was thought dead from the first film, has made his return and plans to use the Silver Surfer's board for his own purposes. The Fantastic Four must use all of its powers to fight both Dr. Doom and help the Silver Surfer to defeat Galactus and save our entire planet!

"Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer" is a fitting sequel to the first live-action "Fantastic Four" in . With a simple and engaging story, humorous lines here and there, awesome action sequences, superb special effects, a great new super villain, and the return of an old enemy, this movie offers a fun and enjoyable ride for the young at heart.

It is your standard action movie, so do not expect heavy thinking or a complex story. It does offer one important them though, not unlike that of Spider-Man's "with great power comes great responsibility." In this case, it is the ever simple "everyone has a choice." Simply put, "FF4: 2" is a fun, action-packed film, which, while it will not win any big awards, does give an entertaining 90 minutes. It is sure to please the little ones and possibly some adults as well.

Writer, Don Payne, says that the story is based on the Fantastic Four comic, issue #48, in which Galactus makes his appearance, and issues #57-#60, in which Doom steals the Silver Surfer's power. Comic fans might be a little disappointed in some of the canon changes and certain liberties taken in regards to the surfer and the true source of his powers. Also, although we see the shadow of Galactus' head (the unique image that we see in comics), we do not get to actually see his face or body. Instead, Galactus is represented by a moving mass of clouds. It is rumored that director Tim Story has said that he would never have giant robots in any of his movies and Galactus is usually seen in comics as being in the form of a giant robot.

Adding to the action and fun of the first film, this sequel creates a chilling mystery of Galactus, the devourer of worlds, and how the Silver Surfer works as his herald in exchange for the protection of his own world.

The cast is great as always. Do not expect Shakespeare, but DO expect fun, likable characters and a fun dialogue. Michael Chiklis, as usual, steals the show as Ben Grimm, with his sarcastic comics. Some of the scenes between him and Chris Evans, as Johnny Storm, are hilarious. Ioan Gruffudd is the serious character, Reed Richards. The beautiful Jessica Alba offers a woman's touch as Sue Storm. And Julian McMahon, as Victor Von Doom, is a bit corny but are not all comic super villains?

New to this movie are Doug Jones, who is the body of The Silver Surfer, and Laurence Fishburne is the voice. His body is CGI, but over Jone's real body. The Silver Surfer looks EXACTLY as he should! Fishburne voice is THE perfect calm and powerful voice for him.

The special effects are awesome! The Silver Surfer is dead on! The FF4 aircraft is just great. His and The Human Torch's effects are the highlight of the film. Mr. Fantastic's SFX are next in line. The Thing's outfit s not the best but it works fine here. The rest of the SFX are adequate with nothing really cheesy.

The music is fitting to each scene.

"Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer" is a fun time killer that should please most viewers, especially the kids. Maybe not a summer blockbuster, it is still a good time.

Just a note on Stan Lee's requisite cameo. Look for him as being the man who is refused entry to Reed & Sue's wedding. It is a great nod to the comics because in the 1960s comics, two characters that represent Stan Lee and Jack Kirby, are also not allowed into the wedding.

Cast (in credits order)
Ioan Gruffudd ... Reed Richards
Jessica Alba ... Sue Storm
Chris Evans ... Johnny Storm
Michael Chiklis ... Ben Grimm
Julian McMahon ... Victor Von Doom
Kerry Washington ... Alicia Masters
Andre Braugher ... General Hager
Laurence Fishburne ... The Silver Surfer (voice)
Doug Jones ... The Silver Surfer
Beau Garrett ... Captain Raye
Brian Posehn ... Wedding Minister
Zach Grenier ... Mr. Sherman/Rafke
Dawn Chubai ... Anchorwoman
Chris Gailus ... Anchorman
Kevin McNulty ... Baxter Building Doorman
Andy Stahl ... Tailor
Debbie Timuss ... Hot Party Girl #1
Moneca Delain ... Hot Party Girl #2
Crystal Lowe ... Hot Party Girl #3
Kenneth Welsh ... Dr. Jeff Wagner
Vanessa Minnillo ... Johnny's Wedding Date
Alicia Thorgrimsson ... New York Pedestrian
Valerie Tian ... New York Teen Girl #1
Patricia Harras ... Fan Four Receptionist
Gonzalo Menendez ... Lieutenant
Suzanne Ristic ... Airline Woman
Giuliana DePandi ... Entertainment Reporter
Malcolm Boddington ... Pub Owner
Stan Lee ... Rejected Wedding Guest
Silver Butler ... Wedding Planner
Michasha Armstrong ... Wedding Security
Peter Kawasaki ... Japanese Fisherman #2
Fareed Abdelhak ... Egyptian Tour Guide

Directed by
Tim Story

Writing credits
(WGA)
Don Payne (screenplay) and
Mark Frost (screenplay)
John Turman (story) and
Mark Frost (story)
Stan Lee (characters) and
Jack Kirby (characters)