Rise of the Silver Surfer: It Is Fantastic
“Let's go surfin' now
Everybody's learning how…”
Brian Wilson of the Beach Boys from “Surfin’ Safari,” 1964.
I hate to admit it, but I really enjoyed the Fantastic Four Rise of the Silver Surfer film. Usually I am not as big of a fan of Marvel hero movies, but this one was well-done.
First of all, Jessica Alba looked great! The less she is “invisible,” the more I like it.
OK, got that off of my chest and I wish she would take some things off of her chest as well—wink wink, nudge nudge.
The storyline was entertaining and not overly deep. Granted Galactus is only mentioned and never seen, but still—it fit the genre of Marvel films and the comics as well.
The Silver Surfer CGI was fantastic. Lawrence Fishburn as the Surfer’s voice—perfect. The Surfer’s powers were incredible, and it looked so much better than I thought it would. Added to that, the film captured the character well.
Reed Richards/Mr. Fantastic was great, as was my major flaw with the first Fantastic Four film—the guy playing Reed and the writing of Reed was lame. This time, both remarkably improved.
Johnny Storm/Human Torch was fantastic as always. Perhaps a bit cockier than the comic’s version; still characterization is evident and he was the most engaging of the actors on the screen.
Brian Wilson of the Beach Boys from “Surfin’ Safari,” 1964.
I hate to admit it, but I really enjoyed the Fantastic Four Rise of the Silver Surfer film. Usually I am not as big of a fan of Marvel hero movies, but this one was well-done.
First of all, Jessica Alba looked great! The less she is “invisible,” the more I like it.
OK, got that off of my chest and I wish she would take some things off of her chest as well—wink wink, nudge nudge.
The storyline was entertaining and not overly deep. Granted Galactus is only mentioned and never seen, but still—it fit the genre of Marvel films and the comics as well.
The Silver Surfer CGI was fantastic. Lawrence Fishburn as the Surfer’s voice—perfect. The Surfer’s powers were incredible, and it looked so much better than I thought it would. Added to that, the film captured the character well.
Reed Richards/Mr. Fantastic was great, as was my major flaw with the first Fantastic Four film—the guy playing Reed and the writing of Reed was lame. This time, both remarkably improved.
Johnny Storm/Human Torch was fantastic as always. Perhaps a bit cockier than the comic’s version; still characterization is evident and he was the most engaging of the actors on the screen.
As I mentioned, Jessica Alba as Sue Richards/Invisible Woman is a plus. She has the potential, not only by her good looks, but by her understanding of the character of Sue, to steal every scene she is in during the film. I really was impressed by her way to capture Sue's disillusionment as well as Sue's spirit of humanity.
Now the major flaws: Ben Grimm/Thing is still silly to look at—perhaps a bit bulkier this time around, but still silly. The Thing’s characterization was again improved but the makeup/costume is to the point of distracting.
Dr. Doom is annoying again. The characterization of Victor Von Doom is missed entirely. I also did not see a need to bring him back, but they do what they do.
The “commercialization” of product endorsement was a bit annoying and noticeable, but it is what it is and it is a modern annoyance of film marketing.
Other than that and without giving away the farm, this was much better than the first: better special effects, more action, and more emphasis placed on characterization. The cameo by Stan Lee, by the way, was somewhat humorous. At least he can poke some fun at himself.
See for yourself and let me know what you think.
Now the major flaws: Ben Grimm/Thing is still silly to look at—perhaps a bit bulkier this time around, but still silly. The Thing’s characterization was again improved but the makeup/costume is to the point of distracting.
Dr. Doom is annoying again. The characterization of Victor Von Doom is missed entirely. I also did not see a need to bring him back, but they do what they do.
The “commercialization” of product endorsement was a bit annoying and noticeable, but it is what it is and it is a modern annoyance of film marketing.
Other than that and without giving away the farm, this was much better than the first: better special effects, more action, and more emphasis placed on characterization. The cameo by Stan Lee, by the way, was somewhat humorous. At least he can poke some fun at himself.
See for yourself and let me know what you think.
posted by Eric Sweetwood at 1:47 PM
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