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Fantastic Four

21 August 2015English1h 46m
ActionAdventureSci-Fi
out of 10
Unfavorablemost critics didn't like it
Monk Score · 8 scored reviews · 1 not rated

A superhero origin that loses its footing the moment the powers arrive.

Verdict tier Unfavorable, most critics didn't like it, on a scale of Unfavorable, Mixed, Recommended, Exceptional.

  • Praised: steady early build-up pace
  • Criticised: lack of action and character development

Audience

User score 4.0 out of 10 from 2 ratings, not enough ratings for a verdict yet

Top cast

Full cast & crew

Critic consensus

What 8 critics are saying

Critical reception for Fantastic Four is largely negative, with most reviewers finding little to recommend in the film. The most consistent criticisms center on studio interference, weak character development, and a lack of action or dramatic momentum. A minority of reviewers acknowledged a reasonably paced first act, but the consensus is that the film falters significantly once the characters acquire their powers. Several critics described it as a poor example of superhero filmmaking overall.

How the 8 scores spread

1 not-rated review isn't plotted

Positive / mixed / negative reviews

Positive = 6.5/10 and up · negative = below 5/10

AI-generated summary of 8 critic reviews · may contain errors

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From the papers

Critic reviews (9)

Top critics first, then by score · not-rated last · updated

  1. Top critic

    Indian Express

    Film review ·

    When Fantastic 4 becomes Fant4stic, you do know the reboot you are getting. Yes, they are younger, right out of school.

  2. Top critic

    Mid-Day

    Film review ·

    Ultimately there's no fun to be had in 'Fantastic Four', nor is it bad enough to be entertaining or unintentionally hilarious. It's a tedious, laborious watch and a scathing indictment of worst side of superhero filmmaking that has exploding in Hollywood. If anything, the big guys Warner and Marvel can watch this movie and learn what not to do.

  3. The Navhind Times

    Film review ·

    The build-up moves steadily at a brisk pace with not many dull moments. It hits a few bumps when they become superheroes when an experiment goes horribly wrong. In fact even the initial portions when they discover what has happened to them is handled well but when it comes to saving the earth it is on a familiar and sticky wicket.

  4. Zee News

    Film review ·

    Overall, this one's not an exciting superhero adventure film, but will appeal to Miles Teller fans.

  5. NowRunning

    Film review ·

    Josh Trank's Fantastic Four isn't really Josh Trank's at all. Instead, it's a mildew of studio meddling and artistic frustrations that's so lacking in action, drama or character development that it's impossible to recommend.

  6. Hindustan Times

    Film review ·

    Essentially a throwback to the cheesy sci-fi fantasies of the 1950s, Fantastic Four winds up as the weakest link in the three-film-old franchise.

  7. Hindustan Times

    Film review ·

    The only comfort is that this will keep the studio away from thinking about a sequel to this ill-advised $120 million film. Oh that waste of money should give us all visceral, physical pain. And from a film about how the human race is squandering its resources!

  8. Rediff

    Film review ·

    Fantastic Four tries really hard to be cool and witty, but the only thing fantastic about it is the way it manages to make superheroes seem unremarkable.

  9. The Hindu

    Film review ·

    The VFX is so ordinary for a 2015 film. The studio bosses should have gone with their gut and snuffed the film out early when it was reported that they were having problems with Josh Trank, the film's director. It is really a film that shouldn't have been made. And then, the film went ahead and replaced Jessica Alba with Kate Mara. As I said, there are just no positives.

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Cast

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