Fantastic Four (2015) Directed by Josh Trank. Starring: Miles Teller, Kate Mara, Michael B. Jordan. IMDB says: “Four young outsiders teleport to an alternate and dangerous universe which alters their physical form in shocking ways. The four must learn to harness their new abilities and work together to save Earth from a former friend turned enemy.”

Back in 2012 there was a new, low-budget superhero movie out receiving all the praise. Chronicle was the movie and it was directed by Josh Trank, co-written with Max Landis. The film was very well received with it’s fresh original take on the superhero genre. So when it was announced that this same guy was going to bring fans a new Fantastic Four film, everyone was genuinely excited. Towards the end of shooting though, things began to look a bit troublesome as reshoots took place as well as rumors of erratic behavior from Trank. These incidents may have led to his removal as director of a future Star Wars film, as he has since been replaced. So after all that’s been said, lets just get into the film and discuss the good and the bad.

Trank’s Fantastic Four takes a much different direction than it’s predecessor and really any other superhero films as of late. The film as a whole is very much an origin piece rather than an action packed opus like Avengers or Guardians of the Galaxy. The entire first act of the film is setup where we get to know the characters. The film begins with a look at Reed (Miles Teller) as a child and shows his potential for greatness, even at such a young age. We also get an introduction to his classmate, Ben, (Jamie Bell) who ends up befriending Reed and helping him with his first….device. The film then fast forwards seven years as the two are finishing high school. Events unfold and soon Reed is recruited by Franklin Storm to help bring a working-version of his vision to life.

During the first act we also meet the reclusive Victor Von Doom (Toby Kebbell) as Franklin eventually convinces him to return and help finish what he started. We don’t really receive any backstory on Susan (Kate Mara) or Johnny (Michael B. Jordan). As you would expect, they finish the device and successfully transport themselves to Planet Zero. I don’t want to give away specifics, so lets just say things don’t go as planned on their journey.

Now we find ourselves in the second act with characters who find themselves with strange new abilities. This act mainly consists of the characters learning to use their powers. A familiar face is also brought back into the picture at this point, which sets us up for the final act. The final act is where any superhero-type action actually takes place and ends setting itself up for potential sequels.

The first two acts of the film are the strongest aspects of the film in my opinion. The setup during the first act was just what I was looking for, giving us a little more introduction to Reed and Ben. One downfall though is that we don’t really get anything about any of the other characters, they just sort of come into play and are quickly introduced. I will say though, the scene when the characters basically receive their powers was much more intense than I expected for a PG-13 film. The second act was alright for the most part but there was this sort of military involvement storyline that I don’t think added anything to the film. They could have cut some of the second act and I would have been fine with it.

Finally we enter the third act where Doom returns. I was yet again surprised in this act by the violence that occurs during Doom’s escape. Doom for sure leaves a trail of blood wherever he goes and I like the darker tones we get glimpses of. The final portion of the film seems a bit rushed and forced though, which is unfortunate. I would have much preferred they focus even more on the setup of the group and not even have Doom return in this film at all. It was like the studio felt they needed a big action sequence and just squeezed it in at the tail-end of the movie.

Overall, I actually thought the film was pretty good and prefer it over the last set of films. The younger cast definitely helped and the darker tone helps as well. I do like that they never have a name for themselves during the actual film until the last second, and even then the words are never actually spoken. If you like Marvel superhero films, I for sure think you should see this in theatres. Just keep in mind most of the film is setup, so don’t expect any crime fighting or explosions galore.