The release of the latest Fantastic 4 movie has resulted in mixed reactions among audiences and critics. While some viewers appreciated the attempt at a fresh narrative, others felt it missed the mark, particularly when compared to other superhero films.
The reviewer discusses their expectations and how the film, at various points, reminded them of James Gunn's take on Superman, but without the same level of spectacle that some of Gunn's projects bring. The movie faced a significant drop in attendance after its opening week, which many attribute to its lack of repeat-viewability.
The reviewer points out that while box office success doesn't necessarily equate to a good movie, the film's failure to draw audiences back was telling. The story starts with the Fantastic 4 already established, skipping over their origin story, which the reviewer felt was a missed opportunity given the lack of well-executed Fantastic 4 origin stories in previous films.
Credit is given to the film's best elements, such as its retro-futuristic design and some strong character interactions, particularly highlighting Reed Richards' character development, which may resonate with audiences interested in character studies that depict individuals who think differently.
However, the review criticizes the pacing and lack of action sequences, which left the reviewer unconvinced of the film's ability to deliver the excitement typically expected of superhero movies. While some themes and set pieces intrigued, the overall execution seemed lacking in parts that would usually keep audiences engaged.
Despite this, the reviewer sees potential for the characters and hopes for a more compelling story in future MCU installments. The mention of a mid-credit scene offers a glimmer of excitement and indicates potential story directions that fans may appreciate.
The review concludes that while the Fantastic 4 film has its merits and could appeal to certain viewers, it didn't quite achieve the level of excellence expected by many. Suggestions about the release of a director's cut with additional scenes were also made, which some believe could address some of the film's shortcomings.