Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer (2007) User Reviews

The surfer deserves better

[Jay_Exiomo · 5/10 · 13 June 2007]

In all its silliness and tongue-in-cheek disposition, the first "Fantastic Four" movie wasn't really a landmark as far as comic book films go. But it wasn't so bad either; it's just that after Marvel Comics' recent domination of the film genre, it's natural for one to expect that each of its characters having a shot at the big screen would present something legitimately entertaining to the audience. Something the first installment failed and the second struggled to achieve.

In "Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer," the four superheroes are back once again to help everyone solve their gamut of problems. Reed Richards aka Mr. Fantastic (Ioan Gruffudd) is about to wed Susan Storm aka Invisible Woman (Jessica Alba). However, an unknown cosmic entity is causing a screw-up in earth's natural phenomena, prompting the couple to postpone the wedding, and work with Johnny Storm aka Human Torch (Chris Evans) and Ben Grimm aka The thing (Michael Chiklis) to find out the cause of the mysterious occurrence. They soon come face to face with the Silver Surfer (Doug Jones, voiced by Laurence Fishburne) and realize that the world's survival is hanging on the balance. In addition to this, Victor Von Doom aka Dr. Doom (Julian McMahon) returns and is intent on destroying the Fantastic Four.

Granted, "Rise of the Silver Surfer" has a greater scale than its predecessor. But for all this, it's still very... middling. The title and the trailers suggest something of a grand battle between the eponymous characters but aside from the chase sequence involving the Human Torch and the Silver Surfer (which, by the way, has been shown numerous times in the teaser trailer), nothing much exciting still happens. Not even the team's rescue attempt in London. The quality of the special effects are inconsistent and all the visual polish expectedly goes to the Silver Surfer. (And while I personally don't think it's an issue, I imagine how some fans of the comic book might sneer at how the characters of Silver Surfer and Galactus were handled.) Instead, director Tim Story and screenwriters Don Payne and Mark Frost opt to flesh out the characters more but the end result feels less natural and more repetitive. Gruffudd does an okay job with Mr. Fantastic but there's really no feeling of chemistry between him and Alba, who manages to adequately portray a tough yet vulnerable character. In contrast, Evans and Chiklis continue to generate an easy rapport between them and the two get majority of the film's most amusing moments.

"Rise of the Silver Surfer" barely does what it sets out to do. It fares a little better than its predecessor with a more serviceable story and a little more enjoyable action sequences. But taken on its own terms, the film doesn't present anything to its characters that has been done much better with other characters of their ilk. The movie is entertaining to some extent but in the end, it doesn't really rise to something special.

Good but not great!

[nsterjo · 6/10 · 15 June 2007]

I think it's safe to say that when it comes to special effects we have no more expectations, they all nail it these days. This movie was no exception, good graphics and pretty colors as another guy here said. Unfortunately, the moment the special effects kicked in the world of the movies, the good old script got a good kick in the nuts and can barely stand now let alone hold a whole movie on it's feet. This movie again, it's no exception. I have to admit, the plot was OK, the lines good, there was humor, romance, action, a reasonable balance to everything. Yet, I could not feel it taking me in; I remained a spectator, while the short dialogs even though containing the essence of the story, were still dry and well, short. No wonder the movie was a mere 92 minutes. Conclusion, a good PG movie, a bit better than the first one, but which still failed big time to impress, just like the rest of this summer blockbusters.

'Bomb-Bastic' ... Shame too.

[FilmFan777 · 5/10 · 16 June 2007]

What is wrong here? You'd think the director and writer second time around would get better right? Yea, you'd think but no such luck. Tim Story directed this thing like a newbie while both writers could'not seem to shake corny near senseless dribble. If I was Exec Prod, I'd be one ticked off guy for spending more than 130 million on this. Hell, for 10 million and real talent they could have done so much better.

I never felt taken away by this film in any way. No drama, sense of danger or urgency, even from the actors. Like eating spicy buffalo wings made of pink flavored bubble gum. Simply the whole film was a paper tiger of itself.

The best about this film... Every scene with the Silver Surfer and the magnetic Dr. Doom, Julian McMahon, whom was used far too less, made you feel like you were took along for the ride. They're the only charismatic, interesting and professional energies in this film.

Some effects, like in most fight, Surfer and earthly scenes were pretty impressive. However in the corny, "oh, let me stretch over here to get those papers" scenes, it looked like Barney Budget scale. And the unfunny cliché after cliché was embarrassing and frustrating.

And what's up with Alba's distractingly fake colored Lil Kim contacts? I mean, every time she was on screen, you'd have to fight being distracted from what's going on.

Or Mr. Fantastics gray hair changing density and shape with most every shot.

That the larger than life 'Thing' Ben Grimm is seemingly reduced to a pint size butterball party favor.

The interaction and perception of our hero's with the general public is tapered down like a cheap parlor trick leaving no sense of drama or superiority.

Ioan Gruffudd's acting was wimpy and stylized by director Tim Story as if he was in a day time soap opera.

Too bad the great possibilities for one of the best comic groups ever thought of, were laid to rest on such an incompetent team that possibly could have ruined it's chances forever.

I would have enjoyed myself better watching the animated series from decades ago.

Hugely entertaining sequel that's a significant improvement on it's predecessor .

[WelshFilmCraze · 7/10 · 4 January 2010]

The Fantastic Four are back in action, trying to save the world once more, this time from mysterious alien 'The Silver Surfer' whose creating havoc by inflicting blackouts and huge craters throughout the World,

Reed Richards (Ioan Gruffudd) & Susan Storm (The rather tasty Jessica Alba) are due to get married, but their nuptials are disrupted by the arrival of the Silver Surfer, and so along with Johnny Storm & Ben Grimm (Hunky Chris Evans & Michael Chiklis respectively) go into battle.

A lot of money was spent on this sequel ($130M +) and it shows with amazing special FX, The story being a PG rated film is family friendly and doesn't require a PHD in comic books to follow, and also being PG rated the violence is pretty much non-existent so anybody expecting something in the vein of 'The Punisher' this isn't for you... but. everybody else - young or old should find a lot of light hearted enjoyment from the Fantastic Quartet... which is FAR better than the original.

Highly Recommended.

The Silver Surfer's First Film Appearance Deserved Better Treatment

[brando647 · 6/10 · 16 January 2010]

I don't know what it is about this movie that keeps me watching it every few months. It almost as if I need to watch it on occasion to remind myself how mediocre it is. It was hard to believe that a Marvel film utilizing one of the most interesting characters from the comic universe, Galactus, could be so bland. I suppose one of the reasons I keep returning to this film is that I want so badly to see the Fantastic Four franchise survive. I know it has potential; I love the characters, it has an interesting collection of villains to select from, and the comic series provides some great stories as starting material. It just isn't happening, thanks to poor writing and a little too much creative license at the hands of director Tim Story and writers Don Payne and Mark Frost.

The second installment in the F4 franchise suffers from the some of the same problems as the first film, while adding some new issues on top. The story potential is high: Reed Richards and Susan Storm's wedding is postponed (again) when the Earth receives a visit from the Silver Surfer, herald of Galactus. Further complications arise when Victor von Doom returns with plans of his own. Just writing that synopsis made me want to watch the film again; it sounds like the foundation for a great F4 film. My issues began with the fact that we wasted the first 30 minutes of the film preparing for Reed and Sue's wedding instead of getting to the meat of the Silver Surfer plot. Then, once the plot kicks into gear, we're rushed through the next hour to a deus ex machina ending that fails to satisfy (and may even aggravate some of the comic series' fans). When the film was over, I felt as if the Surfer was never given the opportunity to reach his full on-screen potential and I've been left hoping he's given another shot.

Just as in the first film, this movie is plagued with some cringe-worthy one-liners (once again, Doom is given some of the worst). I know the F4 was a bit goofier than some of the other Marvel properties but the filmmakers need to tone it down a bit. Though, I can deal with corny dialogue; what I can't abide is blatant slap-in-the-face product placement. I loved that the filmmakers were able to work the Fantasticar into the script (especially since I'd considered it a bit too cartoonish to work in a film) but the shout-out for Dodge when Johnny first sees it and excitedly exclaims "A hemi!" went a bit too far.

All of the original cast from the first film return, which is both good and bad. Just as before, Ioan Gruffudd, Chris Evans, and Michael Chiklis are perfect choices for their characters and do a (no pun intended) fantastic job bringing their characters to life. Also, just as in the first film, I was unimpressed with the performances of Jessica Alba and Julian McMahon. Alba is a beautiful woman and fits the image of Susan Storm, but I've never felt her to be too talented an actress and she remains the weak point of the series. McMahon, again, does not feel right in the role of Dr. Doom; he has a hard time doing insidiously evil without coming across as a hammed performance and I just can't take him seriously. These are not traits I want in the man given the role as one of the best Marvel villains.

For what time we're given with him, the Surfer is the most impressive aspect of this film. The visual effects team did a great job with creating the iconic character and Laurence Fishburne was an inspired casting choice for his voice. Galactus, unfortunately, does not receive the same treatment and we are never given a real glimpse at the demigod through his surrounding cloud. In my opinion, it was a waste but the director Tim Story clarified in the film's supplemental material that he chose to keep Galactus vague so that future filmmakers could do him justice. After two average films, now we need to hope someone is even given the chance.

Honestly, this film will only appeal to fans of the series and, even then, don't expect to be wow'd. The second F4 film isn't a bad movie, but it never rises above mediocre. The impressive special effects and production design fall victim to plot holes, poor writing, and under-use of the film's assets. It's a quick, mildly entertaining means of spending 90 minutes but, if you're anything like me, you'll walk away from this film wondering what could have been if the epic introduction of the Silver Surfer and Galactus had been put in better hands.

Not too shabby

[toutouguy · 7/10 · 11 February 2019]

Potential for a great movie, the Surfer is a great character and has underrated and amazing abilities. I'd say he's one of the strongest characters in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The chase scene between the Human Torch and Surfer was amazing.

Overall, the movie touched a bit on that greatness but fell short. My personal rating is probably leaning more towards a 6.5 than a 7.5 but obviously we cannot include decimals in our rating so the movie earns a solid 7. Perhaps production costs prevented what could have been an amazing movie.

Anyone saying, "it sucked" are exaggerating but those saying it was amazing have probably not seen many films to judge appropriately.

If you're looking for mindless big-budget fun, this is the place for you and your bucket of popcorn

[saarvardi · 5/10 · 9 June 2007]

Like many other people, I was also thrilled upon watching the Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer trailer at the cinema. Similar to numerous people who adore CGI, read the comic books when they were kids and thought the first installment was decent enough to justify a sequel, I was more than willing to get myself ready to be overwhelmed by the mere strength of the eye candy and CGI effects within the film. And then I watched it at a special press screening in Ramat Gan, Israel.

To make a long story short, FF2 is not a bad film. I was actually quite entertained throughout wide parts of the film (particularly at the beginning - but more on that later). Problem was, once I stepped out of the theater, I couldn't actually recall anything specific or special about what I have just seen (other than that cool CGI Silver Surfer, that is). It was just so mediocre in terms of plot, direction and acting (somebody really ought to give Jessica Alba some acting lessons a.s.a.p), that I didn't even care enough to remember it. Furthermore, while the original film required some suspension of disbelief, let's just say the plot in its sequel stretches this boundary one step too far, IMO.

As I've already mentioned, FF2 actually starts up in quite a promising manner. While Reed (Ioan Gruffudd) and Sue (Alba) get ready for their media circus wedding (think Tomkat style - but bigger), strange electronic and climatic disturbances occur across the globe. From here on out, you have this huge build up that pays off about half an hour into the film, continues with a bang and some dazzling CGI shots, and suddenly ends abruptly while the initial novelty of the Silver Surfer's appearance wears off. As usual, Chris Evans as Johnny Storm steals the show as the only character to truly evolve during this film, Mike Chiklis as Ben is seriously under-used, my 1.5 year-old nephew could play better than Gruffud's Reed and Alba isn't even that pretty anymore. Then you have all these villains (Silver Surfer is definitely not working alone, as implied in the IMDb official plot line) and some twists and turns that leave you feeling mildly entertained, but also incredibly under whelmed.

You see, if you're looking for mindless big-budget fun, this is the place for you and your bucket of popcorn. However, don't expect to find the heart of Spider-Man 3 or epic feel of Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End. Don't even look for credible acting or intelligent plot. Only decent thing you'll find are some good looking money shots, and mindless action sequences. This formula of a film may work well as a matinée, but not as something you'll want to come back and watch again in the coming future.

A great improvement over the first. Fantastic fun again.

[The_Amazing_Spy_Rises · 8/10 · 14 June 2007]

Tim Story stays true to the roots of the 2005 film, keeping this sequel fun and clean, while developing a new story with a couple new characters and making our favorite 4 heroes grow even more. Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer is better than its predecessor, and one of the better sequels of recent memory.

Things appear to be going great for the Fantastic Four. Reed (Ioan Gruffudd) and Susan (Jessica Alba) are in love and ready to be married, Johnny (Chris Evans) is still on fire with the ladies, and Ben (Michael Chiklis) has finally found happiness with Alicia Masters (Kerry Washington). However, their happiness will be tested when strange occurrences around the globe point to one culprit: a mysterious being known only as The Silver Surfer (Doug Jones and Laurence Fishburne).

One of the biggest improvements 'Rise' has over the first film is the fact that the Fantastic work more as a team in this film. Yes, in the first movie they fought together, but it seemed as if they each were fighting different battles within one big one. Here, they take a different route and take on even the smaller events together. Also, the writing is much better, making Reed aka Mr. Fantastic out to be the leader of the Four, much unlike the first movie, which bothered me. Ioan Gruffudd really seems like a leader in this movie, which was a definite strength. Chris Evans also flexes some acting muscle, as The Human Torch is also well written this time around, giving him a wake up call and turning him into a more believable human character this time around. Alba and Chiklis are both good as The Invisible Woman and The Thing respectively. Doug Jones and Laurence Fishburne portray the Surfer brilliantly as body and voice respectively. Fishburne has this incredible ability to say the deadliest of lines (All that you know is at an end) with unbelievable ease and charismatic calm. He is the perfect choice as the voice of one of the most powerful comic book characters. I liked how they wrote the Surfer as well. He does become vulnerable in the film, but at the same time, you'll have no doubt that he is the most powerful character by the time the ending rolls around. Doug Jones always impresses me with how he captures and creates a character while doing so little, and after successful turns in Pan's Labyrinth and Hellboy, Jones gives the Surfer life just as he did Abe Sapien in Hellboy. Kerry Washington and Julian McMahon are also good reprising their roles as Alicia Masters and Dr. Doom, McMahon especially. He's even better as the evil and manipulative Dr. Doom this time around.

Tim Story really did a good job with the atmosphere of 'Rise'. He really explores every corner of the planet, with action scenes in Germany, New York, China, outer space, and the heroes' kitchen. All the action scenes are well done and the special effects are used smoothly and effectively, even though it looks as though most of the increased budget was spent on The Silver Surfer and Galactus, who look amazing. They forgot to make Mr. Fantastic look as realistic as possible, because most of the time you can see the visual effects. All in all, Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer (PG) is a fun movie experience that anyone over age 11 or 12 should enjoy. There is some mild sexual innuendo, but it's not too bad.

--spy 8/10

This is an over hated movie

[logancrane-71337 · 7/10 · 8 February 2021]

I liked this film. I had seen it before but not for a while and I really liked it. I may be a bit biased as I absolutely love marvel but still, this film does not deserve the hate it gets, the character development in this movie is phenomenal. Yes, the film does have it's bad moments, but that is completely normal. I get it people can be sad that things aren't perfectly adapted from comics, but how are the studio supposed to adapt a cosmic sized human in purple armour into film, you tell me.

Entertaining sci-fantasy action for a wide-ranging audience

[jonojet · 7/10 · 27 June 2007]

After watching lots of action hero movies, you almost always expect the nice guys to win in the end. Almost. It's the twists that make a suspenseful, entertaining action hero movie. For those of you who don't know the plot, you are in for quite a few, believable surprises, which will leave you guessing as to who the goodies are, who the baddies are, and whether the goodies will win in the end!

Sure, there were lots of lines which probably sounded lame in comparison with subtle drama, and the performances won't be winning any Oscars. However, this is a film which is enjoyable the adults as well as the kids, on the SAME LEVEL,which is quite difficult to do. That means that adults are not laughing at in-house jokes that the children don't get - everyone is invited into believe the action. Remember, this is the first action hero movie to receive a PG rating for a while, which is a nice change from the increasingly violent movies we are subjecting kids to these days. The movie also has a moral bent; of cooperation, reconciling differences, and not judging others too quickly.

On the special effects side, I would say that they were, indeed, very well done, with one exception: that is, I felt that Mr. Fantastic's powers were not done justice by the special effects team, in comparison to some beautiful effects which we see in the other characters. The dance scene was particularly disappointing.

An entertaining film that everyone will enjoy, together.

Fantasitc Fun!

[moviewizguy · 6/10 · 18 June 2007]

With Von Doom back in his homeland of Latveria the fantastic four have new troubles when Galactus has decided that Earth is his next target. When his henchman, The Silver Surfer, is sent to Earth he discovers that he's getting more than he bargained for when he encounters the Fantastic Four. But that's not all when Dr. Doom decides that after two years in the homeland he is ready to return.

With it's short running time, FF2 is a fast paced movie. It doesn't waste anytime on anything and gets right to the point. It's more or less a popcorn film because it's really not all about the action. This film is even better than the first film (although not as good as the extended cut of the first film). There is more character development, more intense, and more dramatic.

With more dramatic scenes, there are also more comedic scenes, most for both the children and the adults to enjoy. The problem is that this movie switches from drama to comedy in scenes. If you want it to be funny, go with it and vice versa.

Although with the PG rating, there is even more intense action sequences and a death scene that pushes the PG rating a bit. The CGI in here ranges from being bad to fantastic with some things you can feast your eyes on. I like the acting by cooler Ioan Gruffudd, the sexier Jessica Alba, the handsomer Chris Evans, and the, well, Michael Chiklis.

I also want to attack a "problem" in this film that people are complaining about: Galactus. Yes, many will be disappointed on how he appears in the movie or that he appears at all but isn't this film called "Rise of the Silver Surfer"? So please, don't be surprised of how Galactus appears.

Although not as good as Spider-Man 3, this film is harmless fun for the family. There are more action sequences and comedy. It doesn't take itself seriously like the more serious superhero films (ala Batman Begins, Superman Returns, Spider-Man). It's an okay adaptation for Silver Surfer (there will be a spin-off), but many people will be surprised this film will exceed their expectations.

Nothing here has risen folks.

[TheDarkPhoenix85 · 4/10 · 24 July 2007]

After the critics and comic-book aficionados gave the first Fantastic Four film a "bitchslap" of bad reviews, it became a surprise hit nonetheless. But some of you already knew there was going to be a sequel on the way. And since there were a lot of mistakes made, there must've been some lessons learnt from everyone involved—not that they could care less about "negative reception", since the movie has made 330 million worldwide. 2 years later, the promise that the sequel will be darker (so they say), and more serious (so they say), have been hype to death, though this is the same hype that has damaged both Spider-Man 3 and X3. Then, there's the publicity stills of the Silver Surfer as the next FF baddie, helping me leave my lowered expectations behind. I decided to give this one another shot, and that's because the Silver Surfer—who is one of the coolest Marvel creations ever.

Rise of the Silver Surfer is an improvement over the first film (And that's saying a lot for those of you who have ever seen the first film), since its source material is a reasonable one. The Fantastic Four must save Earth after the Silver Surfer, who is the herald of the planet eating being Galactus, signals it's destruction—while Mr. Fantastic and Invisible Woman prepare for their upcoming nuptials. Seems fair doesn't it? This could've worked, but the problem is that a brief 96 minutes running-time isn't enough to pull it all off. How are you going to pull off an "Independence Day" under 96 minutes? Not only is the running-time a huge problem, but the film is just too lackluster for me to fancy. And because of everything being so brief, arbitrary and perfunctory, there's wasn't enough action, fighting, or confrontational battles between the heroes & their foe(s). This is a film about an extraterrestrial being coming to destroy Earth, but you don't see too many things being blown up; devastation of landscapes or set pieces with an atmosphere filled with intensity, peril or panic: all of the things that can give this film a dramatic affect. Like the first FF film, FF2's suffers from a limited imagination, and I honestly think that Tim Story lacks the vision that it takes to handle such material that's supposed to be filled with thrills, excitement, darkness, drama, and for the faithfulness to the FF camp—light-hearted "fun". The "over-hyped" nuptials of Mr. Fantastic and Invisible Woman turned out to be a disappointing subplot, due to the fact that it's just a set-up for the Surfer to have his first encounter with the heroes by intruding on the ceremony. Though I was hoping they could get it over with—since it has taken up most of the film's time; they have been yapping about it throughout the entire film. But thank god Stan Lee came to make his usual cameo appearance. Was it light-hearted? Yes. Seeing as how there's a goofy dance number with Reed Richards, and the typical slapstick moments—which one scene includes Sue's body helplessly rendered in flames because of Johnny's molecules being unstable after his encounter with the Surfer, causing him to switch powers with anyone he touches. Was it funny? Nope. Chris Evans (Human Torch/Johnny Storm) is typically "comedic relief" with all the dull-witted jokes he can carry, but tries to make it work with decent delivery. Michael Chiklis (Ben Grimm/The Thing) isn't given much to do here but stand behind and be the goofball.

The attempt at tenderness between Sue Storm/Invisible and Reed Richards/Mr. Fantastic is unrealistic, with both the film's hackneyed script and the lack of chemistry between Jessica Alba and Ioan Gruffudd. Whenever these folks are supposed to kiss and show affection, it seems rather forced then natural. Alba (now looking like Lil' Kim with her blonde-hooker wig and scary-looking blue contact lenses), is just cold and uninteresting for me to stomach. It seems that she is always in this emotionless state. It's like she's this walking mannequin: she does nothing, but stand around, look hot, and wear tight-fitting outfits—while wearing eye-glasses to give off the effect that she has some sort of intellect—without the intellectual babble (doh!). The script does nothing to help her express her words, but she doesn't have the altitude to express emotion either. Gruffudd seems to always be in this state of lost. It's quite difficult to understand why such an amazingly gifted actor can be so boring in this film. Were any of the heroes fantastic this time? Not a chance. The Fantastic Four are treated are bland super-dummies, while their nemesis, the Silver Surfer, upstages all them in terms of awesomeness and coolness. Too bad this isn't his movie. The Silver Surfer rocked, no doubt about it, and brought to life by amazing special effects, he's even more fantastic then the four who carry the moniker. Do we really need Julian McMahon returning as Dr. Doom? People have truly underestimated him in the first film, but here, he doesn't provide much for the story, while the idea of the big bad-ass Galactus turning into a dust storm doesn't work.

My advice for the next installment……

1.) Let see these guy do more fighting

2.) Let these characters show their full potential when they perform their super-powers.

3.) Never let the next FF baddie cramp the heroes' style

4.) Enough with Doom 5.) And please upgrade on the special effects, they still look cheap—even for a big-budget film.

Of course, this is supposed to be a "light-hearted" family film, and like a Diet Coke it's "Half" the calories (PG folks)—while the hardcore comic-book fans with avoid it like the plaque. They deserve better. And by the title being Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer, it's really more about the Silver Surfer. In the good words of wisdom from Flava Flav: "Don't believe the hype."

with its GP appeal, expect it to deliver good, clean fun and passable entertainment

[jemps918 · 7/10 · 11 June 2007]

This was better than the first of the series, but still campy. While the title highlights the Silver Surfer, the plot in fact still revolves around the two-dimensional issues of the Fantastic Four.

As Dr. Reed Richards (Mr. Fantastic, played by Ioan Gruffudd) and Susan Storm (The Invisible Woman, played by Jessica Alba) try to get married in the midst of the hoopla as superhero celebs, the team discovers that they aren't the only super-powered beings in the universe when they come up against the mysterious Silver Surfer and the Earth-threatening Galactus.

Chris Evans as Johnny Storm/Torch is the only one who lights up the screen with his sizzling screen presence (pardon the pun), and Michael Chiklis as Ben Grimm/Thing is his reliable foil.

Julian McMahon (of Nip/Tuck and Charmed fame) reprises his role as the evil Victor Von Doom; it's a pity he did not get more screen time.

I have not read the comicbooks, but F4 was different in that unlike other superhero stories, the foursome are open celebrities and lead no secret lives. Yet, they unrealistically squabble about their issues as if they are not used to being on call to save the world at a moment's notice (hello, that's what superheroes do!). Also unlike other such stories, the military/police are not grateful for the Fantastic Four's help and do not seem to collaborate with them, treating the superheroes as brats they have to deal with.

Nonetheless, with its general patronage appeal, expect the movie to deliver good, clean fun and passable entertainment.

Better than the first, but could be a little better

[algjgg · 7/10 · 16 June 2007]

I just got back from seeing this on the big screen, and was it worth it: yes and no. All comic book movies have everybody talking ("Is it going to kick ass?", "Is it going to suck?"), and FF: RotSS doesn't kick ass, but it doesn't suck either.

I was expecting a pretty moderate superhero movie, because I know that the FF ain't as popular as Spiderman or Batman or Superman, but they couldn't be worse than Daredevil either. My point is this movie isn't horrible, but it's plagued with a few mistakes that came right out of Spiderman 3.

First off, the GOOD:

1: visual effects are pretty awesome. They aren't better than Spiderman 3, but they are good.

2: Johnny's humor is actually better than the first one (somewhat), along with Grim's as well.

3: Jessica Alba being partially naked in a PG movie is just a BLAST to think of!!! Bravo Tim bravo!!! Now the BAD: 1: there are very little fight seqeunces in this movie, and pretty much all of them don't beat the first movie's fight scenes.

2: Johnny's humor is pretty funny, but some of it is pretty lame and mediocre.

3: Galactus. He suffers just what Venom did in Spiderman 3: TOO LITTLE SCREEN TIME!!!!! I admire the fact they changed his appearance (from a giant monolith with a crown to a cloud of dust and energy), and he's a good character to put into the movie, but they could of put a little more background into him besides "Some call him Gah Lac Tus, the destroyer of worlds." Ooooo scary.

4: Last, but certainly not least is the Silver Surfer. He's also an outstanding character. Doug Jones did a pretty good job of portraying him, but there's just one problem: LAWRENCE FISBURNE DOES HIS VOICE-OVER!!!! Horrible. JUST. PLAIN. HORRIBLE!!!! His voice doesn't even match the Silver Surfer's look!!

But overall, it's a darn good superhero movie, just ignore Morpheus's voice the entire time.

The Comic Book Movie Genre Takes a Huge Hit

[deanbean317 · 1/10 · 19 June 2007]

This is one of the first movies I can say I hated from beginning to end!

After the opening fifteen minutes, I felt like going back out to the lobby and staring at the cardboard cutout display, knowing I would find better acting there than was present on the screen.

Perhaps I have reached the point of CG overload, but it seems the more things blow up, fly through the air or transform miraculously, the more I yawn. People are falling all over themselves drooling over the physical appearance of the Silver Surfer. I too was impressed...BACK IN 1991 WHEN I SAW THE SAME EFFECT IN TERMINATOR 2!!! In the sixteen years that have transpired, they haven't improved on that original effect one iota. What they have managed to do is make Jessica Alba look like a bad special effect, not when she's invisible mind you, but in her live action scenes. The poor girl seems to be the victim of bad collagen injections in the kisser and a drive-by spray painting with five minute tanning solution.

The only thing that amazes me more than this total creative vacuum of a movie, is the number of ten star reviews that it is getting! The only reason I didn't rate this movie lower is because zero stars was not an option. YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED!

Silver Surfer stole the show.

[FlyDineSteve · 7/10 · 27 April 2019]

The follow up to the first F4 proves to be much more entertaining and engaging, good pace, good story line and none of those cliche script unlike the first one. Seeing it again after many years didn't let me down.

Every time Silver Surfer appears, I'm mesmerised by his movement and body expression though he deserves a more important role than merely just a scouter for Galactus. Didn't do enough justice for him and Galactus to be honest. And that gas giant as Galactus is a big no no.

Doug Jones played Silver Surfer deserves a massive applause. But the voice of Silver Surfer by Laurence Fishburne just sounded weird for the character. Could have just used Doug's voice and would fit better in my humble view.

I hope now that F4 is back in the Disney/Marvel family, we can truly do justice for Silver Surfer and Galactus again. Laurence Fishburne as Galactus... now we're talking. They are so important for us Marvel fans. And please cast Doug Jones again, this time including his voice.

Solid

[studiosthebros · 7/10 · 13 June 2022]

A bit worse than the first one, but still pretty good. The movie was based on The Silver Surfer, but it feels like I didn't get enough screen time of him. Definitely should've gotten more Galactus, plus, the movie was too short.

Norin Badd

[jgreed-49807 · 7/10 · 19 December 2020]

I've watched a decent amount of old 70s fantastic 4 cartoons, haven't read comics much though. However fantastic 4 is very campy to me in general.

With that said this movie was par for the course imo. The saving grace is silver surfer. His character is awesome, he's a man without a home, drifting through the cosmos, a lost soul. And if you can't appreciate the character development I don't have anything to say. But surfer totally makes the movie to me. I literally googled "silver surfer movie" for three years after fantastic 4 sequel was released. And now 14 years later this is all we have. So rather than gripe I choose to enjoy this cinematic experience.

I think you will enjoy it!

Blandtastic Bore: The Ruse of the Silver Screen

[dmh7-1 · 2/10 · 19 April 2008]

I am a comic book reader of longstanding, and have enjoyed several of the screen adaptations of comic books, but both Fantastic Four films have been textbook examples of how NOT to translate a comic book to the screen. Seriously, I thought they couldn't make a worse film that the original Fantastic Four, but I have been proved wrong.

From the gratuitous attempts at showing Alba as naked as possible, to the less-than-convincing physical presence of the Thing, to the miscasting of Alba and whoever plays Reed, to the pointless changes in the story, to a bland visual style (performed upon one of the most visually dynamic creations in comic book history) to the endless scenes of dull dialogue. Nothing goes right, here as in the first film. Galactus is a hungry cloud with no actual personality at all, and the obnoxious military man seems totally unaware of who and what the Fantastic Four are. Plot holes, flat acting, uninvolving action scenes. The movie acts as a sort of fraud pulled on comic fandom.

Why so many hates

[zhyarTheChosen · 7/10 · 22 October 2019]

Yeah it is not that good but not that bad I watch it it was good a actually

Have They No shame?

[brentfernandes · 1/10 · 15 October 2007]

This movie takes Crap-tastic-ness to new and previously un-explored heights.I'm not going to give you a synopsis or get into specifics about why I hated this disgraceful excuse for entertainment so much. Go watch the movie and discover that for yourself. Instead of touching upon the acting, the plot lines, and the dialog ( all of which were laughable ), my biggest problem with this movie is the total lack of respect shown to the source material by the writers and producers. The Fantastic 4 are a wonderful group of heroes, fun and interesting. Their enemies are some of the better villains in the comic book world. Yet even with this wealth of characters and ideas, this movie turned out like garbage. Why? Because the people responsible DON'T CARE about the comics or the fans. I realize that movies are made so that they can bring in money. This is perfectly fine, nobody can dispute that if films aren't financially viable then they won't get made at all. Fantastic 4 was a cash grab plain and simple, so pleeeeeease Hollywood, stop ripping us off. If you don't want to invest your full effort into a film, then I don't want to invest my money. Remember, you get what you pay for, and downloading is free.

Grossly Under-Rated

[caseynicholson · 9/10 · 13 August 2015]

I just watched this movie on Blu-Ray, and it was the first time I'd seen it since viewing it in the theater during its 2007 release. Then and now I found this movie to be much better than the reviews and reception it received. The only thing I can figure is that in 2007 people were just beginning to grow tired of the first wave of superhero movies.

The movie is a bit hokey--but that is in staying true to its source material. As in the original film, "Rise of the Silver Surfer" features a "Thing" costume that could have been a bit better done, and an actor playing Mr. Fantastic who doesn't look a whole lot like the Reed Richards of the comic books. But the movie features a dynamic and fun plot, a well-paced storyline, extraordinary effects, and an altogether good movie experience.

That being the case, I'm going to give this film 9/10 stars, after having given its predecessor 8/10. "Rise of the Silver Surfer" is actually one of the better comic book adaptations that I've seen--yes, MCU movies included. Galactus is neat (even if a complete reimagining of the comic character), the Silver Surfer storyline is neat, Doom's return is neat. It's just a neat movie all in all! If you haven't seen it or haven't seen it in a while, give it a shot. You may be surprised at how much you enjoy this film that tends to get lots of criticism.

A little tastier but still far from a gourmet feast.

[robfollower · 7/10 · 5 March 2019]

The Fantastic Four learn that they aren't the only super-powered beings in the universe when they square off against the powerful Silver Surfer and the planet-eating Galactus.

While an improvement on its predecessor, Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer is nevertheless a juvenile, simplistic picture that has little benefit beyond its special effects.

Again our friends Super-heroes use their supernatural powers to battle Galactus and Doctor Doom

[ma-cortes · 6/10 · 6 February 2009]

This exciting second part has again the extraordinary quartet taking on the threats to the world with his incredible force. It begins when occur weird events on faraway planets .Meanwhile our friends are living of comfortable manner, as Reed Richards(Ioan Gruffud) and Sue Storm(Jessica Alba) are planning to marry themselves. Mr Fantastic goes to a funny bachelor-party where uses dancing his ability to stretch his body to any shape . But a new dangers appear, as Galactus, an incredible space entity, he has decided that Earth is its next aim and sends Silver Surfer(Doug Jones with voice by Laurence Fishburne). Then the Fantantic four led by Mr Fantastic, the Invisible girl with telekinetic powers, the Human Torch, Johnny Storm(Chris Evans) spreading blazing balls and the super-strong rock hunk named Ben Grimm or Thing(Michael Chiklis and enamored to Alice Masters: Kerry Washington)fight against Silver Surfer, the Galactus's henchman. But again the dangerous enemy Doctor Victor Van Doom(Julian McMahon)is ready to return . The Four are the only ones along with the military(Andre Braugher,Beau Garret) can defeat Galactus, the worlds devourer.

This spectacular comic-books movie contains fantasy, noisy action, humor,romance, thrills and is pretty bemusing. Breathtaking array of technical effects with impressive set pieces illuminate the 4 fantastic's full-blown adventures. The amazing plot is pure entertainment and correctly based on characters created by Jack Kirby and Stan Lee, as usual appears in a sympathetic cameo. Atmospheric and appropriate musical score, fitting to action by John Ottman. Overwhelming production design , though full of digital effects by Petruccelli. Colorful cinematography by Larry Blanford and rousing visual and special effects by Weta Digital.The motion picture is professionally directed by Tim Story(Barber Shop, Taxi), first part's director.There are several rumors a following with Silver Surfer as starring but is hard to tell if that will happen. The picture will like to Marvel heroes fans.

A Little Better Than The 1st But Still No Contest

[SonicStuart · 7/10 · 21 September 2008]

Fantastic Four 2: Rise of the Silver Surfer

Starring: Ioan Gruffudd, Chris Evans, Jessica Alba, Michael Chiklis, Julian McMahon, Kerry Washington and Doug Jones

Genre: Action/Adventure/Sci-Fi/Fantasy

Rated PG

After the so-so turnout of the first Fantastic Four movie, I was wondering how were they going to make the sequel better than the first movie? They brought in the Silver Surfer into the plot. So basically the movie picks up two years later from the last movie, Reed Richards (Ioan Gruffudd) and Sue Storm (Jessica Alba) are about to get married and things couldn't seem better. However, the Silver Surfer (Doug Jones) is sent from Galactus to destroy the earth and Doctor Doom returns to steal the powers of The Silver Surfer and now The Fantastic Four must save the Earth from disaster. Compared to the first movie, this one had a little more action and the addition of The Silver Surfer was a nice touch but still the Fantastic Four movies are not going to match up to the success of the "X-Men" or "Spider-Man" movies. Plus I also don't understand why they gave this movie a PG rating instead of keeping it PG-13? I didn't see a reason for them to lower the rating for this movie. I don't think there will be a Fantastic Four 3 because somehow I think it would only make it worse for the movies since they've turned out with two decent movies unless they can make it extremely better to blow our minds. But I would like to see a spin-off movie for The Silver Surfer. I also enjoyed some of the funny moments from Johnny Storm (Chris Evans) and Ben Grimm (Michael Chiklis). Overall it was decently better than the first but it still won't match up the high success to "X-Men" or "Spider-Man".