It’s possible that I might just be growing out of these sorts of movies, that the novelty might be wearing off, that I might be seeing through the computer effects in search of a more deep and meaningful viewing experience..

It’s possible I might just be getting old.

Whatever the cause, I just didn’t seem to enjoy Fantastic Four as much as I should have done, and it has got me wondering as to why.

Was the story not up to scratch? I don’t think it was. The script was fine too.

Was the acting not up to scratch? Maybe not, but not so much as to ruin the film.

Were the action scenes a little over the top? Of course – it’s a superhero movie.

Fantastic Four follows the lives 5 characters as they go through a major change – Reed Richards, Ben Grimm, Susan Storm, Johnny Storm and Victor Von Doom all head into outer space to do testing on solar flares. When the flares arrive earlier than expected, the 5 astronauts are caught in a solar flare storm which alters their DNA, turning them into Mr Fantastic, The Thing, The Invisible Girl, The Human Torch and Dr Doom.

From there, they save a fire truck and its crew, and end up getting famous, plastered all over TV, and being chased by legions of fans wherever they go. In itself, an interesting twist on the age old superhero movie.

Unfortunately this is where Fantastic Four takes a turn down memory lane, and merely starts regurgitating superhero clichés from countless other superhero movies.

It should have been called ‘Slightly Above Average Four’.

Added to that is the fact that the sudden change in DNA is handled with almost comical acceptance of the characters new circumstances (with the exception of Ben Grimm/The Thing). The characters seem to take delight in their new-found skills, despite being desperate to find a cure.

Another thing which bothered me – and this might be because I’m unfamiliar with the Fantastic Four franchise – is how comical their superpowers were. Mr Fantastic, being flexible, or The Invisible Girl, both of whom were reminiscent of characters from cartoon comedy The Incredibles, or The Human Torch with his “flame-on!” catchphrase – all seemed to be a little bit over the top for my liking.

The only exception to this is Johnny Storm/The Human Torch. Yet, even here, problems arise – namely, Chris Evans can’t act, and his character does things like say the catchy phrase people will remember, get into situations that aren’t explained (like his appearance at a motocross show – what was that all about?!) and generally try to be comic relief.

Don’t get me wrong: his scenes are funny. Its just that I’ve seen it done a million times before. Usually a million times better.

All in all, Fantastic Four is inconsistent – parts feel like a great drama (the back-story is one example), parts feel like a comedy (namely, any scene with Johnny Storm and a girl), parts feel like an action movie (like the scene with Dr Doom fighting The Thing), and parts feel like the superhero movie Daredevil. I’m not sure what that means.

The ending is also a little disappointing, although it does set itself up for a sequel. Dr Doom is present throughout, but his story still feels like it was dealt with badly, and when the big finale comes, no-one is really sure what his problem is.

Needless to say the main action scene at the end leaves a lot to be desired.

As far as the acting goes, it is a little sub-par, as I’ve mentioned. While Michael Chiklis, Ioan Griffidd and Jessica Alba all do as well as expected, Julian McMahon, as Dr Victor Von Doom, and Chris Evans, as The Human Torch, look overmatched.

And did I mention that Jessica Alba is incredibly good looking?

Her looks alone can’t save this movie however, and I give it a solid 6 out of 10. Its not a terrible film, and is slightly above average as far as effects filled action films go, but its not up to the standard of instant classics like Batman Begins, Spiderman or X Men. Those movies are fantastic. As far as why I didn’t enjoy this one, I think it was a combination of things, but the real problem is that I’m getting older, and I’ve seen it all before.