PREPARE FOR THE FANTASTIC

Starring: Ioan Gruffudd, Michael Chiklis, Chris Evans, Jessica Alba, Julian McMahon, Hamish Linklater, Kerry Washington, Laurie Holden, David Parker, Kevin McNulty, Maria Menounos

DML Rating: ★★★★★★☆☆☆☆ - above average

"Oh, well that's easy: I'm hot. You're... well, you're a little limp. Sue's easy to see through. And Ben's always been a hardass."– Johnny Storm, quipping as to why they each have different powers

Why watch this? It's like old superhero films used to be - fun, simple, cheesy and enjoyable.

Plot Summary: A group of five individuals, including a scientist, his friend, the scientist's ex-girlfriend and her brother, along with a wealthy industrialist, are exposed to cosmic radiation during a space expedition. This exposure grants the four main characters superpowers, leading them to become a team of superheroes who must learn to control their newfound abilities. Meanwhile, the industrialist, also affected by the radiation, develops his own destructive powers and sets out to confront the newly formed Fantastic Four.

Dad's Preview: OK, nerd confession time. I have always loved the first family of comics, The Fantastic Four. Of the four, my favorite is Ben Grimm, The Thing. This film delivers a well-done origin story which concludes with a bombastic battle against the Four's arch-villain, Doctor Doom. Sure the plot is straight-forward, and the cocky Johnny Storm (portrayed by Chris Evans, who later becomes Marvel's Captain America: The First Avenger) can be a little annoying. However, the CGI and practical stunts are pretty darn impressive. The Thing, which in my opinion HAS to be done right for it to work, is believable, strong and sympathetically loveable. This hidden super-gem should be seen and enjoyed. Because, well, "It's clobberin' time!"

Constantin Film, Marvel Ent., 1492 Pictures: 20th Century Fox