The Thing, Johnny Storm (Michael B. Jordan), Reed Richards (Miles Teller) and Sue Storm (Kate Mara) can only watch as “Fantastic Four” veers off-track. (20th Century Fox via AP)
AT THIS POINT, with all its success, Marvel Studios seems to have a ready seal of approval from most Marvel comic-book fans. In this arena, 20th Century Fox has mostly performed admirably just to stay in the superhero-film business with its Marvel properties. The X-Men movie universe is still robust (“X-Men: Age of Apocalypse” is the third X-Men movie to be made since the disaster that was “X3″), And of course, there’s a Deadpool movie on the way. Fox has its X-mojo back.
That may explain why Fox attempted to bring back the Fantastic Four when it appeared few were asking them to. With everything that was going on with live-action comic book adaptations, there wasn’t a large hew and cry or hankering for more clobbering time from Fom.
But here we are with this weekend’s opening of a new “FF,” which is less “fantastic” than it is “frustrating.”
From a fanboy’s perspective, this latest reboot isn’t bad (despite the scathing reviews). If you’re a fan of Reed, Sue, Johnny and Ben, then there are moments in this movie that will get you geeked up (including visually outstanding usage of powers from everyone, especially Sue). Yet it’s unlikely that most of the film will make you feel that way.
When a director tweets out that he didn’t get to make the film he wanted to make — in addition to the slew of harsh reviews — there are warning signs to avoid this “FF” outing. But there’s no guarantee that Josh Trank’s director’s cut would necessarily be better — and many superhero-movie fans are accustomed to tuning out critics and forming their own opinions.
This time, though, the critical consensus isn’t wide of the mark.
That’s not to say that comics fans won’t have a good time. Fantastic Four had potential. Elements within this film — depictions of Reed and Sue’s otherworldly intelligence, Johnny’s hothead behavior, and a sadder but more lovable Thing — could seed a good sequel in the right hands. (Bryan Singer, perhaps? Even though he’s busy right now.)
With those disclaimers as prologue, here are Comic Riffs Four (naturally) Takeaways from “Fantastic Four”:
If only Dr. Reed Richards (Miles Teller) could use his intellect to solve the holes in “Fantastic Four.” (Ben Rothstein/Twentieth Century Fox via AP)
1. The good
The cast plays well together. Miles Teller is believable as Reed Richards — who, as a kid, is so smart, it almost alienates him from everyone else (minus best bud Ben). Kate Mara’s Sue Storm is Reed’s mental equal. Michael B. Jordan’s Johnny Storm is fun and hot-tempered, and Jamie Bell is decent in his limited scenes as Ben Grimm, but intriguing as the Thing.
Plus, the powers in action are fun to watch: When the Thing talks, it sounds like gravel; Sue’s invisible force fields are engaging; and Johnny’s flaming-on is deftly turned up.
2. The bad
The film is short — and feels slight at 100 minutes. It’s engaging getting to watch the Four get to know each other, but when it is time for them to team up, it feels forced. It would have been nice to see a little more pre-team development. And it’s a fanboy gripe, but would it have been so difficult to give the Thing some trunks?
3. The ugly
Director drama has swirled around this project for months. Trank should have at least waited until opening weekend was over before voicing disapproval because of what he says was studio interference. In short: He should have let the fans decide by seeing the flick first.
4. The Doom
It seems that Doctor Doom will get due cinematic justice. Considering he is still such a power player in the pages of Marvel Comics, it’s a pity that he’s revamped and tweaked for the big screen. No, rendering Doom doesn’t always have to be “just like the comics.” But Doom deserves better onscreen. Toby Kebbell is intriguing as Victor Von Doom before his “transformation,” but after that, the characterization feels like an abdication of understanding.
If only sibling rivalry could stoke the narrative fires, with Sue Storm (Kate Mara, and Johnny Storm (Michael B. Jordan), in “Fantastic Four.”(Ben Rothstein/Twentieth Century Fox via AP)
No comments:
Post a Comment