4 TIMES THE ACTION. 4 TIMES THE ADVENTURE. 4 TIMES THE FANTASTIC.

Sometime in the future, five astronauts gain superpowers after being exposed to cosmic radiation; little do four of them know that the fifth (Julian McMahon) plans to use the powers for evil.

This film adaptation may not be all that faithful to the comic book, but that’s not a problem. One-dimensional acting is however, hurting the emotional impact of seeing the astronauts’ friendships come apart.

It’s a thin and silly story, so one’s viewing pleasure may ultimately depend on the quality of the visual effects. They’re a mixed blessing, but we do get moments of tension. 

2005-U.S. 104 min. Color. Widescreen. Directed by Tim Story. Screenplay: Michael France, Mark Frost. Comic Book: Stan Lee, Jack Kirby. Cast: Ioan Gruffudd (Reed Richards/Mister Fantastic), Jessica Alba (Susan Storm/Invisible Woman), Chris Evans (Johnny Storm/Human Torch), Michael Chiklis (Ben Grimm/The Thing), Julian McMahon, Hamish Linklater, Kerry Washington. Cameo: Stan Lee. 

Trivia: Chris Columbus (who’s an executive producer) and Peyton Reed were considered for directing duties; Robert Downey, Jr. as Doctor Doom. In the extended, 20-minute longer version, Hugh Jackman appears as Wolverine. Followed by 4: Rise of the Silver Surfer (2007). The franchise was rebooted as Fantastic Four (2015) and The Fantastic 4: First Steps (2025).