Though not aspiring to the artistic heights of that other Marvel Comics franchise, Spider-Man, Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer (Fox) nonetheless proves an entertaining enough 95 minutes for the younger set and comic book fans of all ages.
As the film begins, preparations are under way for "the wedding of the century" between Reed, aka Mister Fantastic (Ioan Gruffudd), and Sue, aka Invisible Woman (Jessica Alba).
But you know there's going to be trouble as a mysterious cosmic force — Galactus — is wreaking devastating havoc in diverse locations across the globe.
The US Army — in the person of the imperious General (Andrew Braugher) — demands Reed help defeat the evil force. Reed has promised Sue he won't let anything interfere with the wedding, but he secretly works on a detection device that will signal where the planet-devouring Galactus will next strike.
The New York wedding is well under way, but when destruction threatens to decimate the Big Apple the pair quickly ditches the nuptials moments before taking the final vows to join with Johnny, aka the Human Torch (Chris Evans), and Ben, aka the Thing (Michael Chiklis), in saving the world.
Their most tangible enemy would seem to be Galactus's emissary, a silver man (voice of Laurence Fishburne) on a flying surf board (the character looks something like a silver Oscar statuette come to life), while they must also contend with their old nemesis, Dr. Victor Von Doom (Julian McMahon), who, seemingly reformed, is now helping the General.
Apart from the flagged elements below, director Tim Story's superior sequel (from a script by Don Payne and Mark Frost) — with its personable leads, above-average special effects, and not-taking-itself-too-seriously tone — makes for an engaging B-level adventure with a commendable message on making the right choices in life.
The film contains some mild innuendo and crass expressions, moderate action violence and implied nudity. The USCCB Office for Film & Broadcasting classification is A-II — adults and adolescents. The Motion Picture Association of America rating is PG — parental guidance suggested. Some material may not be suitable for children.
