One of the big comics debates has come into play with the sequel to 2005′s lackluster but mildly entertaining Fantastic Four, and is in regards to a classic comic book villain being represented mostly by the eye of an intergalactic storm cloud. Yes, it is something of a disappointment. But man, the uber fanboys and hard to please ‘comics fans’ should really give it a rest. Because other than that, there is very little wrong with Rise Of The Silver Surfer

In fact, I’ll lay down the gauntlet even harder: not only is this sequel superior to the first film in regards to special visual effects, but it also includes better humor, a better threat, better story (for what it is, anyway) and more notably, a better Jessica Alba. I have heard nothing but dismay for her acting; I have read nothing but outrage over the film’s running time (92 minutes) and the PG rating so “younger viewers” might access it more. When the credits rolled at the end, I was stunned. It didn’t seem like 92 minutes (minus end credits) but longer; yet it still moved at a brisk pace. Despite a few plot holes, Surfer is not as bad as everyone is making it out to be. I also strongly question the online fan base- and even some professional critics- mentality in regards to this film being PG. What’s the problem here? They make it sound like PG is taboo or something. I don’t know. Maybe in my mid to late 30′s I’m too old fashioned, I suppose. After finding out that there is a Surfer spinoff film in the works (’tis Marvel, after all, big shock there, right?) and possibly a third adventure for the Four, the appearance (or lack therof) of planet drainer Galactus is not only the least of problems, it’s practically a teaser for films to come later. No big deal.

Yes, there are some problems. Plot holes include slightly changed rules (powers for Mr. Fantastic now extend to his other wardrobe), the mention of life on other worlds (FF haven’t been that far into space yet) and how Doctor Doom got his hair back. There was also the cliched entrance of The Army Intellegence, led by General Hager (Andre Braugher). So cliched the are announced as not only going where they want, when they want, but having the old rummy-dum-dum snare drum music playing over the soundtrack. There’s also a character who can’t wait to torture a prisoner, and an attractive Army Ranger who refuses the playful advances of Human Torch John Storm (Chris Evans). She’s got a cute face; I’m not fooled. She’ll be another Storm conquest for sure. Likewise, Doom, although more menacing, finds Julian McMahon having about as much lack of Doom like screentime as he did in the film previous. He’s not fooling anyone either.

But then there is that main new character, who works so well onscreen, that Silver Surfer (the combo of Doug Jones of Hellboy and Pan’s Labyrinth in body; Laurence Fishburne in voice) was clearly the main draw for the film, and his delayed appearance works for the film, in spite of the promotional trailers and U.S. coins that plastered Norrin Radd’s image all over the real life planet. The encounters with the Surfer leave the FF with a neat side effect, having to swap powers with each other upon contact with one another, specifically The Torch. It adds for some mild laughs and interesting payoffs in plot and FX; the running gag also becomes a life lesson for John. Not unlike Wolverine from X-Men, he has to learn the true values of teamwork.

I actually wished the film was longer. I wished for Galactus to be something other than a otherworldly hurricane. But since I didn’t get those things, I’m not going to take a number and complain like all the other folks. Because what I did get for an hour and a half is a surprisingly entertaining sequel, much improved than the film before it. I don’t know about anyone else, but that’s all I require.

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Fantasic Four: Rise Of The Silver Surfer
Directed by: Tim Story

Starring: Ioan Gruffudd, Jessica Alba, Chris Evans, Michael Chiklis,Julian McMahon,Andre Braugher, Doug Jones and the voice of Laurence Fishburne.