The Fantastic Four [PG]

When four astronauts take a trip into space to research DNA, they are exposed to a radioactive storm cloud that fundamentally alters their DNA, giving them dangerous, but amazing abilities. Unfortunately, the mission’s sponsor was also zapped by the cloud and transforms into a powerful and lethal super villain, and so begins a great confrontation between Dr Doom and the Fantastic Four. 

This, right here, is your perfect action-packed family movie! Like Men In Black or Back to the Future, it’s a perfectly balanced film that is equally enjoyable for both kids and adults. I love it! 

When four astronauts take a trip into space to research DNA, they are exposed to a radioactive storm cloud that fundamentally alters their DNA, giving them dangerous but amazing abilities. Unfortunately, the mission’s sponsor was also zapped by the cloud and transformed into a very powerful and lethal super villain, and so begins a great confrontation between Dr. Doom and the Fantastic Four. 

Let me just take a little minute here to tell you something personal; through high school, I was rather good at standard English. I say this because,

 if you haven’t already picked it up, you’re soon about to see why standard English was “my bag baby.” What I particularly like about this movie is that the powers that the heroes get are reflective of their personalities and own internal struggles. You’ve got Reed Richards, also known as Mr. Fantastic, who can stretch and shape his body into amazing contortions. This power is reflective of Reed’s work attitude, “always reaching for the stars with the weight of the world on your back”. Susan Storm, aka the Invisible Girl can, obviously, go invisible and can create powerful shields. This is reflective of her being overlooked by her former flame, Reed, and having to protect herself. Johnny, or the Human Torch, gets the ability to burst into flames and fly, reflective of his arrogant personality; “you know Johnny, he’s always been a hot head”. And finally there is Ben, also known as the Thing, who was transformed into a huge rock-man, internal organs and all. This is reflective of the fact that, whilst working with Reed, he was basically the bodyguard. The same can be said for Victor Von Doom who gets transformed into an impervious metal man who can conduct and store electricity; “I’ve always wanted power, now I have an unlimited supply.” See, analysing underlying meanings of the text was something that I was good at in school. 

Mushy and emotive meanings aside, the movie is perfect as a family film, mainly because there is a lot of light-hearted comedy and banter between the members of the dysfunctional super group. The violence is kept to a minimum, the characters are awesome, and there is also a little romance story running along the sidelines. Not to mention its great script. It’s just perfect. 

Starring Ioan Gruffudd, Jessica Alba, Chris Evans, Michael Chiklis, and Julian McMahon, The Fantastic Four is a great film packed with action, comedy, awesome powers, memorable characters, great jokes, and romance. It’s just a great flick and I’m glad to have it in my collection. 

Now picture that...but everywhere. It was... everywhere... WHAT?!