All Reed Richards (Mile Teller) wanted to do was
make a difference. When he finally receives the chance to make a difference,
the US government decides to give the glory to their people instead. Convinced
by his colleague, Victor (Toby Kebbell), to “stick it to the man” and get
ahead, Reed and the rest of his team decide to break the rules and make
history.
The
Story
This 2015 reboot of the Marvel franchise sees yet
another origin story come to fruition. Moving away from 2005’s lighter take on
the beloved comic book superheroes, this film leans towards the murkier side of
story telling.
Instead of an intergalactic storm that alters human
DNA, we have a completely separate world to play with altogether. Dealing with
collegiate geniuses with their own quirky specialisations, this film plays with
“bio-matter” and its potential to energise and rejuvenate our (apparently)
dying planet.
Now, the story has a basic plot that simply outlines
how these heroes become the Fantastic Four, so I can’t fault its premise based
on its simplicity. What I can fault
it on, on the other hand, is it’s lack in depth in regards to characterisation
and missing “wow” factor.
Although I understand that this is an origin story,
I wish the story had more depth into Doom’s lonely character. I didn’t believe
that he was an outsider because the majority of the mid-section of this film
has him part of the team rather than
apart from the team. But…I think I’m getting way ahead of myself. In truth, I think the writing let the cast
down.
The
Cast
Miles Teller was an incredible choice as the leading
mastermind behind the ingenuous invention that teleports people and things
through to different dimensions. Where the writing faltered was in his ability
to be the leader. Overshadowed by his
father-like figure, Dr. Franklin Storm – a.k.a. Reg E. Cathey – Teller simply
had no chance in really encompassing a leading role.
Kate Mara was believable in her role as Sue Storm,
the adopted obedient daughter, but her character lacked depth beyond her
ability to “follow patterns”. Her superhuman abilities of being able to be
invisible and create force fields were rendered useless by her innate ability
to hack into different computer systems.
Michael B. Jordan had a more rounded character as he
took on Johnny Storm. He had it all – from daddy issues, to sibling issues and
heck even loyalty issues. I think they used his super powers to its full
capacity more so than anyone else’s in this film. So for that, I give the
writers and Jordan two thumbs up for their redeeming factor with this
particular character.
Jamie Bell needs to be given a pat on the back for
his underdeveloped character. Although we see an abused child at the beginning
of the film, this concept is never returned to as the film progresses. Instead
Bell’s alter ego, “The Thing,” is somewhat underused as he was excused be a
weapon for the US government…only after being slightly dejected by Teller’s
character’s momentary abandonment of him – which again was ignored towards the end
of the film.
Toby Kebbell was the most disappointing
underdeveloped character altogether. What should have been the perfect
counterpart for Teller’s lead, fell through as Kebbell’s antagonist was simply
given a sloppy introduction and an abrupt ending. There was nothing scary about
Kebbell’s ‘Doom’ – gory, yes, but not scary
as his name suggests. What the writing missed in this character was the looming
presence of hatred and resentment. Instead, we get an image of a lazy and
resentful post-teen collage student.
Special
and Visual Effects
These departments receive a dishonourable mention in
regards to their lack of attention to detail. The graphics in this film were
poorly executed as some – if not most
– of the scenes with green screens and/or other graphics were obviously spotted.
It was more distracting than awe-inspiring as the big screen only magnified
their underdeveloped digital enhancements.
Overall, regardless of my disappointments, I didn’t mind
this film. I’ll forgive its faults since it is
a reboot and a re-origin of the Fantastic Four. But in future – please give
your actors something to work with and get your special effects “on point”! And…what
happened to the end-of-film preview scene?! C’mon!
Star Rating: ★★
Next on sL: Maze Runner:
The Scorch Trials