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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.

Lisa Rice (Crosswalk) calls it "a fun, campy science fiction flick that not only entertains, but also asks some good questions." But she is bothered by one aspect of the story. "The scientists got their power not from a loving Creator who had a divine purpose for them, but from a random, freak accident. And when the Fantastic Four did prevail, the glory and accolades seemed to fall short when it was just about them, and not about honoring a supreme ruler or advancing a Kingdom in power and divine order." (For the record, you're not likely to find any Fantastic Four comic books where the heroes suddenly start praising God either.)

Mainstream critics rate it as a disappointment, but spare it the ridicule that they hurled at stinkers like Catwoman and Elektra.

Andrew Coffin (World) says, "The dynamic between the characters, mostly played for laughs, keeps the film moving briskly over copious narrative holes and gaps in logic. Unlike the recent Batman Begins, we're not really meant to buy into what's happening on screen—just to go along for the ride."

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One Fantastic Family	Printer view
The Fantastic Four