“Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer”
Rated PG-13
Now playing
**

THE PLOT: Just as Reed Richards (Ioan Gruffudd) and Susan Storm (Jessica Alba) are set to be married, disaster strikes in the form of the Silver Surfer, who crashes their wedding. But, the chaos doesn’t end there. After an encounter with the Silver Surfer, the Fantastic Four switch powers. Then there’s the return of enemy Victor von Doom (Julian McMahon) and appearance of a new enemy, Galactus.

(Photo: Sue Storm [Jessica Alba] and Reed Richards [Ioan Gruffudd] meet up with the Silver Surfer. Credit: Diyah Pera -- 20th Century Fox.)

SPECTACULAR POWERS: What sets this movie apart from its prequel are the Fantastic Four’s developed powers. Although they do not gain any additional powers, they all gain more insight into and control of their abilities. Johnny Storm, the Human Torch, can now “flame on” and fly at will; Storm, the Invisible Girl, can place her attackers into a force-field bubble. However, the Fantastic Four’s powers do not take the spotlight and are rarely featured in the film, unlike its daring prequel.

TOO CLICHÉ: The most disappointing part of “Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer” is that its plot seems to come straight out of a Disney flick, even though it was created by Marvel entertainment. The theme of sacrificing oneself for the good of humanity practically rears its head in every scene. The PG rating should have been a warning, but an action film should focus more on action instead of a hokey side plot. Why would a once-PG-13 movie turn PG anyhow?

THE BOTTOM LINE: For die-hard fans of “Fantastic Four,” this sequel might not reach the expected high standards, even with the help of the Silver Surfer.

-- Jasmine Ta, Milpitas High