Fantastic 4 (Rise of the silver surfer)

Just watched it. But really have no feelings for this movie despite it being a very entertaining show.

Storyboard (6 out of 10)
Refresher - Fantastic 4 (2005) :
Fantastic 4 consists of 4 superheros (humans turned into super powered beings after being hit by Gamma rays while on a science project in outer space), namely Reed (Plasticman), Susan (Invisible Girl), Johnny (Torch) and Ben (The Thing). They are scientists who have dedicated their own lives to the science of saving the lives of others.

Current episode: Rise of the Silversurfer:

This second installment of the movie mainly shows an insight to their busy lives as Fantastic 4, where they research for ways to understand the molecular substance of their own body to somehow reverse the effects of the gamma rays, and try to return to "normal". Reed and Susan also tries to lead "normal" lives by getting married but their plans have always been interrupted by Reed's commitment to work. Reed's commitment to saving the world is always put to the test by trouble makers aka paranormal super villians such as Victor von Doom(Dr. Doom), Norrin Radd (Silver surfer) and Galactus (an earth eating alien).

The movie does develop each character equally, providing ample explanation on each of their powers and ability and their purpose in the story. Overall story flow is very good for a comic flick (and their jokes were extremely witty and hilarious) but as I mentioned earlier, it's just an entertaining movie, with not much subliminal message.

Special effects/Graphics (10 out of 10)
The best part of the movie. This is a movie made from comics, so you can expect a lot of CGI and special effects. The CGI in this movie is very seemless and it gives live to all the comic characters especially, Silversurfer and Torch. My favourite scene is the part where Torch chased after Silversurfer until Torch ran out of oxigen to burn.... (very good way to teach the youngster to be interested in science.)

Lessons/Issues: (6 out of 10)
Not very significant but the most important issues highlighted would be:

1) Friendship (The 4 friends stay through thick and thin - even though Ben and Johnny may seem to have big differences, but deep inside, they love each other as best friends.)

2) Understanding in a relationship which is highlighted when Susan and Reed's wedding have been postponed and ruined for 4 times, the time Susan caught Reed dancing with other sexy women on his bachelor's night and the time Susan caught Reed hiding his research from her.

3) Making choices in life. The movie highlights that there's always a chance for you to make the right choice in life for the greater good of everyone. It reinforces the idea that we should all take the courage to make that choice....

Casting (9 out of 10)

Overall casting is good as they have used all original casts to avoid confusion and for easier recognition and refresher of the first episode. I guess everyone is waiting to see Jessica Alba (Susan), especially the part where she lost her "Invisible" powers after burning her clothes. Ioan Gruffudd (Reed) have more screen time this time as the leader of F4 and brings out the "kayu" (nerdy) role of a scientist very well. I thought Christ Evans (Torch) wasn't good looking enough to fit in the vain character of Torch but his acting was good to bring out the childish and irrational side of Torch. The combination of Doug Jones and Laurence Fishbone (voice) was excellent in depicting the mysterious and strong character of the Silversurfer.

Overall grading = A- (31 out of 4o)
A very fun and entertaining movie for the whole family (parent guidance needed for childen below 12 due to the fighting, flying, choking, and killing scenes.) A must watch (and worthy watch) at the THX cinemas.

Scoring Guide:
31-40 A
21-30 B
11-20 C
1-10 D

(note: all pictures are quoted from http://www.imdb.com)