92 minutes/ PG
20th Century Fox/ Marvel Comics

Starring Ioan Gruffudd, Jessica Alba, Chris Evans, Michael Chiklis, Julian McMahon, Andre Braugher, Laurence Fishburne (as the voice of the Silver Surfer)

Written by Don Payne (screenplay), Mark Frost, and John Turman (story)
based on the characters and comics created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby

Directed by Tim Story

It was a given that the Fantastic Four would face the Silver Surfer and the planet eater Galactus in the first sequel to the successful film FANTASTIC FOUR. Yes, it would be silly if Galactus turned out to be a giant human in a purple costume with a big hat in the film (like he did in the comic book which somehow worked). Glactus is more ominus in FANTASTIC FOUR: RISE OF THE SILVER SURFER. The story wisely focuses on the four heroes (Reed Richards, Johnny Storm, Sue Storm, and Ben Grimm), the Silver Surfer, and Dr. Victor Von Domm (back for another round of evil). The Fantastic four end up teaming with Victor to stop to the Silver Surfer despite the team's mistrust. Reed and sue are trying to get married, but the coming of the Silver Surfer wrecks havoc on the planet and leads to ominious news.

FANTASTIC FOUR: RISE OF THE SILVER SURFER has the same tone and humor as the first film. The sequel flies by at good pace and it is over before you know it. Excellent popcorn entertainment for the summer movie season. The team faces all types of conflicts (including Johnny being able to switch powers with any of the other members is he comes into contact with them, Doom's motives, Reed wanting to be a hero while wanting to make Sue happy, and more). Humor is helps make the sequel a fun trip (Reed's bachelor party, Johnny's troubles with his powers). I do think it is faithful in spirit to the issue of the comic book that introduced the suilver Surfer and Galactus. Watch out for the Stan Lee cameo and stay around for a few second during teh end credits for an extra bit. I just wonder what the third FANTASTIC FOUR will bring (maybe a son for Reed and Sue- hopefully not the silly robot from the first cartoon).

this review is (c)6-19-2007 David blackwello and cannot be reprinted without permission. Send all comments to lord_pragmagtic@hotmail.com