Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer MPAA Rating: PG Entertainment: +3 Content: +3

Ioan Gruffudd, Jessica Alba, Chris Evans, Michael Chiklis, Julian McMahon. Sci-fi action adventure. Written by Don Payne, Mark Frost. Directed by Tim Story.

FILM SYNOPSIS: Besides having to deal with their returning nemesis, Dr. Doom, the fearsome foursome must now contend with a new threat, an intergalactic being known as the Silver Surfer. Lots of havoc ensues as an alien force threatens to destroy Earth.

PREVIEW REVIEW: Marvels first family of superheroes returns, perhaps to redeem themselves for the 2005 installment almost as much as to cash in on the comic book genre. Director Tim Storys first attempt at bringing the blue-suited super-crime fighters to the silver screen was uneven. It had some humor, but the special effects were so-so and the dialogue less than. Due to sloppy writing, that production had little heart. The heroes didnt seem to do much for others, the story constrained to their own desires to return to normalcy. Surly, narcissistic and charmless, the foursome was not so fantastic. All that has changed. The effects here are as good as Ive seen. And the pacing, the humor, the action, and even the dialogue are superior not just to the first installment, but to many action/adventure wannabes. Quite simply, 2 is Fantastic!

My only complaint is the casting of Jessica Alba. Oh, I love her. Shes talented and a beauty, but Hollywood is full of blue-eyed blondes who could fit the look made famous in the comic book. So what do the producers do? They cast a dark skinned woman, going as pale as possible on the Max Factor, cover her striking brown eyes with blue contacts, and helmet her gorgeous brunette hair with wigs that look like they were made from Triggers tail. Go figure.

Preview Reviewer: Phil Boatwright
Distributor: 20th Century Fox