"To me my board!" Movie Review

[3113]

For those of you not in the know, that's a "Silver Surfer" phrase not, alas, used in the movie, but one I like. I also liked the movie.

http://www.canmag.com/images/front/fantastic/silverposter3.jpg​

I am a long-time Silver Surfer fan, and while the movie didn't make good enough use of all the stuff he can do, or give him much to say, he does have mystery, presence, polished chrome plating, one hell of a "cool" factor...and his surfboard (Dude!). That was enough to please me

Plotwise, etc., there are no surprises and more than a few holes in this movie. It is, all-in-all, okay. Not great, but enjoyable, especially in regards to character interaction. It captures the spirit of the Fantastic Four comic, which, unlike heavier superheroes who focus on responsibility, destiny, tragedy, good and evil...is pretty much just about family and cherishing the people you love.

One thing I have to say that I really appreciate about this film is that it is unapologetically PG rated. Apparently there were some folk who gave the creators grief about this (Harry Potter movies are PG-13), but I think they did the right thing. I'm a little tired of how comicbook heroes are taken from the pages and made "darker" on screen, as if this is a positive and original innovation. I'm almost as sick of that as I am of movies that always make the fight between hero and villain "personal"

I'm glad the makers of this movie didn't go that way. To me, it's right where it belongs--not for little kids, but just fine for kids 8 and older, and perfectly fine for adults as well. The one thing that's too often missing from summer movies is...well, a summer movie. One that isn't a blockbuster, just a crowd pleaser, and this is one such movie. It gets my thumbs up

 

[cloudy]

That one's on our list to see after Surf's Up. I'm glad to hear that someone liked it.

How do you think it is compared to the first Fantastic Four movie?

 

[3113]

How do you think it is compared to the first Fantastic Four movie?

If you liked that one, you'll like this one as it's a tad better. I won't lie to you--this is not, alas, The Incredibles Acting, plot, dialogue, are often clunky and simplistic. But the actors are clearly more comfortable in their roles this time around--which gives this 2nd movie better energy and chemistry; and everyone gets to do more, much of it really fun and some of it pretty clever.

It's light, family, popcorn fare

 

[S-Des]

If you liked that one, you'll like this one as it's a tad better. I won't lie to you--this is not, alas, The Incredibles Acting, plot, dialogue, are often clunky and simplistic. But the actors are clearly more comfortable in their roles this time around--which gives this 2nd movie better energy and chemistry; and everyone gets to do more, much of it really fun and some of it pretty clever.

It's light, family, popcorn fare

I agree completely. I couldn't take my 7 year-old to Spiderman 3 or Pirates, and she won't see Harry Potter, but I'm hoping for Transformers. Not all kids movies need to be made to please 17-35 year old men. Fantastic 4 was cute, had some very clever moments, and great special effects. I was very pleased with Gallactus (as opposed to the fan boys who were upset that he wasn't a 200 foot tall guy wearing tights), and thought the Surfer was wonderful. It's obvious there is a push to set up a Surfer movie in the future, which could be very cool (since his powers aren't limited like most of the other super heroes).

I can live with the fact that most of these movies aren't going to be Gladiator or 300. As a parent, I really want to have cool things to do with my daughter that aren't going to give her nightmares for years. There are plenty of good options for "adult" entertainment. FF shoots for the middle, hoping to entertain the adults without terrorizing the kids. I had a good time and was really happy that we left the theater with her raving about how much she loved the Surfer and wanted to see it again. I agree it was a step up from the first, but pretty much the same type of movie. If you liked the first one, you'll have a better time at this one.

 

[only_more_so]

I'll probably see the movie later this weekend (more because I am a movie junkie than I think it will be good), but I still have to wonder at the casting of Jessica Alba. Aren't there enough blonde haired blue-eyed women in the world? They had to cast someone with brown hair and brown eyes instead? Either hire someone who doesn't have to be completely made over, or let her play the role with her "natural" look, or at least her natural eye color!

Also, she is a bit of a waste in a PG movie, she is PG-13 material all the way (although I do appreciate that she hasn't crossed over into R material, only going down to a bikini in Sin City).

 

[S-Des]

I'll probably see the movie later this weekend (more because I am a movie junkie than I think it will be good), but I still have to wonder at the casting of Jessica Alba. Aren't there enough blonde haired blue-eyed women in the world? They had to cast someone with brown hair and brown eyes instead? Either hire someone who doesn't have to be completely made over, or let her play the role with her "natural" look, or at least her natural eye color!

Also, she is a bit of a waste in a PG movie, she is PG-13 material all the way (although I do appreciate that she hasn't crossed over into R material, only going down to a bikini in Sin City).

She did manage to get naked accidentally again (I appreciated it far more than my daughter ). I agree that trying to make her look like the comic book doesn't work. I thought that Halle Berry pulled off Storm, but Alba looks substantially worse than usual with her getup (and really, what other reason is there for her to be in the movie...it's definitely not her acting chops ).

I thought Chris Evans again stole the movie. Chiklis was good, but they didn't give him as much to do as in the first one. Oh yeah, Stan Lee finally had a decent appearance in one of these movies. Now will they please retire him???

 

[TheeGoatPig]

I agree completely. I couldn't take my 7 year-old to Spiderman 3 or Pirates, and she won't see Harry Potter, but I'm hoping for Transformers.

I thought Transformers was rater R?

I'm seriously debating catching an afternoon showing of Fantastic Four today. I like that it is just good clean fun as well, and while I think that darkening Batman and X Men was a good idea, I agree that the Fantastic Four should be kept as lighthearted and fun as possible. It really worked the first time around, and looks like it is going to work this time around as well.

 

[3113]

LOL! *LOVE* the AV (and the tag-line!)

I was very pleased with Gallactus (as opposed to the fan boys who were upset that he wasn't a 200 foot tall guy wearing tights), and thought the Surfer was wonderful.

*Spoiler to follow* (If there is such a thing for this film)
*
*
*
I agree that Galactus should not have been as he is in the comics. Even in a movie as light as this one, A 200 foot guy in purple with a coffee-maker on his head isn't going to cut it as a threat to the planet. But I did have a problem with them deciding to make him a literal "dark cloud"--especially one that often looked rather fleecy, like a stuffed animal I think they *could* have maybe come up with something a bit more original and implying intelligence, not just menace. How, afterall, did the Surfer make a deal with this thing?

My husband kept asking me (regarding the Silver Surfer): "How do you work for a cloud?"

My answer: "You put up your resume on Monster.com."

 

[3113]

Also, she is a bit of a waste in a PG movie, she is PG-13 material all the way (although I do appreciate that she hasn't crossed over into R material, only going down to a bikini in Sin City).

They do their best not to waste her in this movie. She not only gets "naked" (though properly hidden in a peek-a-boo way), but also gets to show off her "assets" in a nice, tight cocktail dress while in the lab. Women working in labs tend to do.

You might not be completely satisfied, but you won't be completely disappointed either

 

[only_more_so]

They do their best not to waste her in this movie. She not only gets "naked" (though properly hidden in a peek-a-boo way), but also gets to show off her "assets" in a nice, tight cocktail dress while in the lab. Women working in labs tend to do.

You might not be completely satisfied, but you won't be completely disappointed either

Well, I got my "satisfaction" watching DOA yesterday. Hot women in bikinis doing the splits... er kicking people. Oh and women in bikinis playing volleyball.

 

[flavortang]

I watched ten minutes of FF, laughed in disgust and changed the channel. I suppose the second one will have the same effect on me?

I mean, guy who directed it is the guy behind Barbershop. So, of course, you want to have him direct a huge sci-fi spectacle.... :S

What next? Ang Lee directing The Hulk?... Oops, wait, they did that.

 

[jomar]

So, 3113 - you're a big SS fan. I used to read him back in the day and recall him being this existential angsty type space wanderer. Am I remembering that right or making it up?

 

[rgraham666]

So, 3113 - you're a big SS fan. I used to read him back in the day and recall him being this existential angsty type space wanderer. Am I remembering that right or making it up?

When it came to 'existential angsty type space wanderer' I prefered Warlock.

http://images.wikia.com/marveldatabase/images/thumb/c/c9/Adam_Warlock_003.jpg/300px-Adam_Warlock_003.jpg

 

[jomar]

When it came to 'existential angsty type space wanderer' I prefered Warlock.

http://images.wikia.com/marveldatabase/images/thumb/c/c9/Adam_Warlock_003.jpg/300px-Adam_Warlock_003.jpg

Hmm. I'm not familiar with Warlock.

 

[rgraham666]

Hmm. I'm not familiar with Warlock.

Jim Starlin drew and wrote him in the early '70s when comic books first started to do long story arcs. Both artwork and story were amazing, almost as good as Watchmen.

Discussion of him here.

 

[S-Des]

So, 3113 - you're a big SS fan. I used to read him back in the day and recall him being this existential angsty type space wanderer. Am I remembering that right or making it up?

You're right (at least as to the little I know of his history and how he was portrayed in the movie). A decent man who agreed to assist Galactus in the destruction of countless worlds and people in order to save his own planet and the woman he loves. Quite the burden to carry. They say the spinoff will be darker and more angsty (which I think would be very appropriate).

3113, I'm with you on the Gallactus thing. Some people are saying he wasn't the cloud, it was the way he travelled, not his actual form. Either way, it was a bit of a copout to just have him be formless, but hardly the travesty you're reading about on the fan boards. Perhaps we'll see him again if there's a Surfer movie. I do have to say that Tim Story is a baffling choice for a director. I suppose they wanted him back because the first one made so much money. If there's a third one, I wonder if we'll get a someone else to try a different perspective on the series?

 

[3113]

So, 3113 - you're a big SS fan. I used to read him back in the day and recall him being this existential angsty type space wanderer. Am I remembering that right or making it up?

Oh, yes, angsty beyond belief (angst is what Marvel comics excels--or use to excel in and the SS was their Herald of Angst. His own comic, which wasn't any good because the got wacky an had him fighting the devil (???), was filled with lovely artwork of him kneeling on his board and bemoaning his fate in mock Shakespearian soliloquies.

I make no apologies for liking him. He was silver and he rode a surfboard among the stars. We all have our guilty pleasures.

 

[3113]

Jim Starlin drew and wrote him in the early '70s when comic books first started to do long story arcs. Both artwork and story were amazing, almost as good as Watchmen.

Warlock *was* brilliant and books lie Watchman could not have existed without it. There were a few of those amazing books in the '70's, experimental bridges between the socially conscious '60's comics and the truly literary comics of the '80 on.

 

[rgraham666]

Warlock *was* brilliant and books lie Watchman could not have existed without it. There were a few of those amazing books in the '70's, experimental bridges between the socially conscious '60's comics and the truly literary comics of the '80 on.

His Dreadstar in the 80s was quite good as well.

 

[jomar]

Jim Starlin drew and wrote him in the early '70s when comic books first started to do long story arcs. Both artwork and story were amazing, almost as good as Watchmen.

Discussion of him here.

Thanks Rob. I had different interest in the 1907s I missed the great characters.

 

[jomar]

Oh, yes, angsty beyond belief (angst is what Marvel comics excels--or use to excel in and the SS was their Herald of Angst. His own comic, which wasn't any good because the got wacky an had him fighting the devil (???), was filled with lovely artwork of him kneeling on his board and bemoaning his fate in mock Shakespearian soliloquies.

I make no apologies for liking him. He was silver and he rode a surfboard among the stars. We all have our guilty pleasures.

That's what I recall. I also remember his own comic. Surfing about the cosmos whining a lot, like you said.

I got out my old comic book collection a couple of years ago and looked through them. I had a few worth $50 plus and an array of others, Marvel and DC (and Mad Magazine). Seems like I had a SS or two, but probably wasn't in great shape.

And yes, we do have our guilty pleasures, so no apology necessary. Sounds like it would be a fun thread if it hasn't already been done.

 

[CharleyH]

For those of you not in the know, that's a "Silver Surfer" phrase not, alas, used in the movie, but one I like. I also liked the movie.

http://www.canmag.com/images/front/fantastic/silverposter3.jpg​

I am a long-time Silver Surfer fan, and while the movie didn't make good enough use of all the stuff he can do, or give him much to say, he does have mystery, presence, polished chrome plating, one hell of a "cool" factor...and his surfboard (Dude!). That was enough to please me

Plotwise, etc., there are no surprises and more than a few holes in this movie. It is, all-in-all, okay. Not great, but enjoyable, especially in regards to character interaction. It captures the spirit of the Fantastic Four comic, which, unlike heavier superheroes who focus on responsibility, destiny, tragedy, good and evil...is pretty much just about family and cherishing the people you love.

One thing I have to say that I really appreciate about this film is that it is unapologetically PG rated. Apparently there were some folk who gave the creators grief about this (Harry Potter movies are PG-13), but I think they did the right thing. I'm a little tired of how comicbook heroes are taken from the pages and made "darker" on screen, as if this is a positive and original innovation. I'm almost as sick of that as I am of movies that always make the fight between hero and villain "personal"

I'm glad the makers of this movie didn't go that way. To me, it's right where it belongs--not for little kids, but just fine for kids 8 and older, and perfectly fine for adults as well. The one thing that's too often missing from summer movies is...well, a summer movie. One that isn't a blockbuster, just a crowd pleaser, and this is one such movie. It gets my thumbs up

Was SO looking forward to the Silver Surfer and he did not disappoint. What did disappoint was so much focus on such a dull wedding and really BAD acting. I was thankful when it was over.

My Lit rating? Tits sagging. (edit to add, but only to my navel )

 

[S-Des]

I make no apologies for liking him. He was silver and he rode a surfboard among the stars. We all have our guilty pleasures.

I'll never be the one to throw stones. I own almost every Godzilla movie ever made, most of the Gamera ones, and have read two on-line Godzilla novels. We can keep this between us, right?

 

[TheeGoatPig]

I liked Rise fo the Silver Surfer. Same good popcorn flick as the first one. Just a bunch of fun thrown at the screen, like an 80s movie, only made better.

The stretching effects still suck most of the time though. They just don't know how to do that right.

 

[3113]

My Lit rating? Tits sagging. (edit to add, but only to my navel )

Lucky for those going to the movie to see Jessica Alba, her tits don't sag at all. In fact, I think they defy gravity, yet another superpower the Invisible Woman has but never talks about