DVD Review: Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer

The Fantastic Four meet their greatest challenge yet in Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer, as the enigmatic, intergalactic herald, The Silver Surfer comes to Earth to prepare it for destruction. As he races around the globe wreaking havoc, Reed, Sue, Johnny and Ben must unravel the mystery before all hope is lost. Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer is the second installment of the live-action film series based on what fans around the globe known as “The World’s Greatest Comic Magazine.”

The Silver Surfer joins the returning family of superheroes from the Marvel Comic’s universe, including Ioan Gruffudd as Reed Richards, who can stretch and contort his body into any shape he can imagine and, as the group’s leader, is known as Mister Fantastic; Jessica Alba as Sue Storm, who is able to render herself invisible and both create and project as powerful a force field as Invisible Woman; Chris Evans as Johnny Storm, or The Human Torch, who can engulf his body in flames and take flight at will; and Michael Chiklis as Ben Grimm, whose freakish transmutation into a rock-like, super strong creature led him to be called The Thing. Julian McMahon reprises his “Fantastic Four” role as the Four’s steely-eyed, iron-fisted nemesis, Dr. Doom and Kerry Washington is back as Ben’s love interest, the blind sculptress Alicia Masters.

Review:
I wasn’t that impressed with the first Fantastic Four movie, so perhaps that affected me a bit coming into this film. By comparison, I have to say the second film is quite good, I would even say a good platform for a 3rd film. To my surprise, I actually enjoyed watching the dvds. I was absolutely blown away about the special effects which honestly were my favorite part.

There were moments of humor and of course action and even a little compassion throughout the movie. However, something didn’t really fit with me, I’m not sure if was the casting or the overall story. I didn’t really feel that there was much chemistry between the main 4, but in addition to that something just felt like it was lacking to me. I couldn’t exactly put my finger on it, but I was able to look past this to enjoy the overall release. Perhaps it had a little to do with all the special features that are included on the second disc. I was more than entertained with all the extras which are listed out below. This release does deliver what it promises though, entertainment. The Silver Surfer himself makes sure of that.

So if you enjoy superhero movies or if you’re just a fan of really well executed special effects, you will without a doubt enjoy this title.

Review by Emma Loggins

Grade: B
Official site: http://www.fantasticfourmovie.com/
Buy on Amazon: Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer