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Fantastic Four

Fantastic Four (2015)

Four young outsiders teleport to a dangerous universe, which alters their physical form in shocking ways. Their lives irrevocably upended, the team must learn to harness their daunting new abilities and work together to save Earth from a former friend turned enemy.

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Directed by Josh Trank

Cast

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Crew

Director
  • Josh Trank
Producer
  • Matthew Vaughn
  • Gregory Goodman
  • Simon Kinberg
  • Robert Kulzer
  • Hutch Parker

Reviews

Reno
7/10

> Too slow and dramatised superhero flick, but acceptable.

I can't say I liked the previous films and not this one. In fact, I kind of enjoyed watching this reboot. It was much better than what I have heard about it. At least it did not sound like a loud and lousy like any modern sci-fi flicks, chasing bad guys, bombing cities and downing buildings. But as a superhero and sci-fi film, it had its moment, only at the end.

Obviously the film was too slow and dramatisation was a backslash keeping the youngsters (audience) in mind. I actually expected hefty stunt sequences. Without actions, a superhero movie is like a limbless spider and toothless shark. If the web and tooth are the superpowers, then they must handle it quite smartly. So that is where this film failed to be a clever. This film had 4 superheroes and until the climax they were impotent. Which means the only superhero movie in the recent time that meant for older people. Precisely to say, if you are a 30+, you might enjoy it as I did. I know I can't talk for you and what kind of movies you like, but I know todays youngsters who refuse dramas and accept action-adventures.

I agree it did not deliver as it should have been as a theatrical feature where surround speakers are ready to give us a breathtaking sound mix. I felt it some kind of a television episode. Because that is how the modern television series are presented. Personally, I would like to say that don't mind my words and the review, because I usually enjoy all the films I watch. So this one was average to me, but definitely not a bad and I won't slam it. Though I recommend it for old people who does not like modern high-octane stunts.

6/10

Dec 14, 2015

RodJ
8/10

I just saw this and I wasn't expecting much as I have read some really negative reviews about it online and elsewhere. Honestly, I think they were wrong. It's not a bad film at all, just not as fast paced as the previous version which I quite liked too ... mind you, I am 60+ so maybe that has something to do with it. A scifi/action film for the older generation perhaps? I really enjoyed it. I gave it 4/5 stars here.

Aug 6, 2017

Per Gunnar Jonsson
6/10

I was actually not having great hopes for this movie giving how Hollywood have screwed up with a lot of my favourite super heroes (Spiderman, Fantastic Four, Dare Devil and a few others). Having said that maybe there was still a glimmer of hope given that some of their latest Marvel work have been rather okay. Unfortunately this is not the reboot of the Fantastic Four that I, and a dare say the fans, hoped for.

One thing that I do not understand is why the dumbass script writers that Hollywood employs always have to change the basic story of a set of characters that have a solid fan base? There was nothing wrong with the original story, and thus origin, of the Fantastic Four and the source of their powers. Maybe I am just old-fashioned but still.

The second gripe I have with this movie is the nonsensical stuff with members of the Fantastic Four, especially Ben, being deployed by the US military. It is just so cliché. Lazy script writing plain and simple. Unfortunately this also causes the movie to not really feel like it is a Fantastic Four movie. The team is split up and it is not until the very end that they actually become a team, gets a headquarter and so on. Big fail as far as I am concerned.

Having said all that, I do not think it is as bad as some people claim. There are some good stuff in there. The story is not all bad after all even though it is not exactly to my liking and the special effects are quite okay. One thing that annoys me with the story is that the role of Reed is really diminished and he is never really allowed to show of his powers. Yes, I know, there are some “stretching” moments but, well, meh! To add to the pain the actor cast as Reed is, in my mind, totally unconvincing.

The bad guy is also somewhat underwhelming and thoroughly predictable. As I said a classical Hollywood concoction aimed towards the less intelligent viewers. I do not understand why Hollywood seems to be so bent on repeating the same mistakes over and over again?

Well, as I wrote, the movie is not as bad as some people claim but it is far from great. Given the abysmal reviews I am afraid that we will not be getting a sequel which is a shame. This is one of the (few) Marvel comics that I read as a kid (in Sweden we did not get treated to that many of these kind of comics) so it is indeed a bit of a disappointment that they managed to screw this movie up…again.

Feb 15, 2018

tournelhenry
8/10

**Better remake but with unneccessary hate**

Better story than the first film with less of the annoying hollywood romantics. Could do better with the humour.

Accompanied with better graphics too as it's 2015. Of course, the mainstream hate exists because our hollywood world has its dumb morals.

Dec 12, 2022

CinemaSerf
5/10

It'd have to be a pretty bad film for me to think it was worse than anything featuring Ioan Gruffudd, but ten years after that attempt - this 2015 version of the Marvel franchise is as bad as they get. Michael B. Jordan is in a class of his own as "Johnny Storm" (admittedly, the best character from this rather limited choice) but the remainder of the team deliver a performance totally devoid of humour - there is simply no fun to be had in this dark, dreary telling of the four youngsters who are involved in an accident on a parallel world that leaves them with some rather interesting quirks. Soon everyone is trying to cash in on their skills - from science to the military - until their erstwhile colleague "Victor von Doom" (Toby Kebbell) arrives determined to seek his revenge for them leaving him behind... The effects are great, colourful and professional but that's about the height of it - Miles Teller and Kate Mara have no chemistry at all and Jamie Bell's appearances aren't long enough before he turns to stone to merit much comment either. Maybe the 2025 version will be better...

Jun 4, 2024

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Thematic Analysis

This high-octane Action/Adventure/Science Fiction film balances spectacular sequences with character-driven moments. Unlike many films in the genre, Fantastic Four distinguishes itself through a unique visual style and creative action choreography.

Director Josh Trank brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.

Released in 2015, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.

Did You Know?

  • The production of Fantastic Four took approximately 20 months from pre-production to final cut.
  • With a budget of $120.0 million, the film proved to be a financial success, earning back its investment and more.
  • The final cut of the film runs for 100 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 133 minutes long.
  • The screenplay went through 13 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
  • The cast underwent specialized training for 8 weeks before filming began.
  • The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.

Historical Context

  • In 2015, when this film is released:
  • Climate change awareness was becoming a central global concern.
  • Political polarization was intensifying in many countries.
  • Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.

How This Film Stands Out

While Fantastic Four shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.

Unlike Superman III, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, Fantastic Four subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.

While films like Scanners and Darkman explore similar territory, Fantastic Four stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.

This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.

Details

  • Release Date: August 5, 2015
  • Runtime: 1h 40m
  • Budget: $120,000,000
  • Revenue: $167,977,596

Where to Watch

Disney Plus

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