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If you're looking for a fast-paced, entertaining, effects-filled spectacle, but you don't want the angst and artistic aspirations of Batman Begins, or the dispiriting devastation of War of the Worlds, then Fantastic Four may be the summer movie for you.

But those who prefer comic book movies with substantial storytelling, fully-realized characters, thematic depth, and respect for the source material—something along the lines of Spider-Man 2, the X-Men films, or Christopher Nolan's bat-blockbuster—seem disappointed by this rather frivolous feature. One critic in particular, a die-hard fan of the phenomenal foursome's colorful comic book history, is outraged by what he considers to be an insult to the legacy of the Fantastic Four's creators.

Regardless of the reviews, Tim Story's adaptation of one of the most beloved Marvel Comics series has opened to big box office numbers, almost guaranteeing that a sequel will be made. Newcomers Ioan Gruffudd, Chris Evans, and Julian McMahon, and TV stars Jessica Alba ("Dark Angel") and Michael Chiklis ("The Shield") may not have seemed like big enough names to topple Steven Spielberg's War of the Worlds from the top spot, but fans of the comic turned out in large numbers across the nation this week, surprising the studio and reportedly ending the box office slump.

Russ Breimeier (Christianity Today Movies) applauds the movie. "Fantastic Four succeeds in spite of its faults. It's often silly, but it's still somehow all palatable and acceptable. Spider-Man, Batman, and X-Men are all great films, but they tend to rely on heavier drama and angst. Fantastic Four plays more like a television program that's both sitcom and soap, mixing comedy with action and drama." He adds, however, that even The Incredibles "carried more weight and emotional resonance than this."

Steven D. Greydanus (Decent Films) feels differently … to say the least. "To call it a train wreck would be putting it politely. It hasn't the drama, spectacle, or human interest of a train wreck." There's more. He finds fault with every single central characterization, and ultimately concludes, "Had the filmmakers deliberately set out to insult, demean, and trample upon [Stan] Lee and [Jack] Kirby's legacy, they could hardly have done a more efficient job."

He's not the only one giving the movie a 'thumbs down' vote. "Fantastic Four … is anything but fantastic," writes David DiCerto (Catholic News Service). "At times it borders on schlock, though it's not a complete failure as summer popcorn entertainment. There have been far better comic-book adaptations such as Spiderman and Batman Begins." He specifically criticizes "ham-fisted dialogue, bad acting, chintzy sets and, at times, cheesy special effects."

Tom Neven (Plugged In) says, "For older teens and adults … it's a fun summer popcorn movie with positive things to say about family, calling, self-sacrifice and teamwork."

Michael Elliott (Movie Parables) says, "Tim Story … gives us most of the requisites that we demand of a superhero flick: interesting but conflicted heroes; a dastardly villain; and amazing visuals. But he doesn't tie them all together sufficiently to transport us to the Marvel-ous world of comic book fantasy."

Kenneth Morefield (Christian Spotlight) agrees with many of the criticisms. "The characters are one dimensional and often act for no discernible (or contradictory) motives, the dialogue is wincingly bad (though no more than Revenge of the Sith's), the adult characters act like adolescents … and the crowds have often been shot separately from the principles, creating the typical disconnect that can occur when actors aren't sharing the same space." But he "couldn't quite raise myself to the level of indignation and outrage held by many of my friends and peers towards this film." He argues that it shouldn't be faulted for failing to elevate the series to something superior, the way Batman Begins does.

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July (Web-only) 2005, Vol. 49