As with my revision of X-Men '00
http://www.comicbookmovie.com/fansites/ager/news/?a=47647
my Spider-Man '02 revision
http://www.comicbookmovie.com/fansites/ager/news/?a=50361
my older DareDevil '03 revision
http://media.comicbookmovie.com/fansites/ager/news/?a=23157
my Hulk '03 revision
http://comicbookmovie.com/fansites/ager/news/?a=50529
and my Punisher revision
http://www.comicbookmovie.com/fansites/ager/news/?a=51274
The criteria is such that I can not choose any actor in the movie for any role in the movie. It's an all new cast, no matter how ideal an actor may have been.
Id like to start by critiquing each of the 5 stars of the 1st and Silver Surfer, too. The I'll talk plaots of the original 2.
Reed was well cast. I always thought Ioan Gruffudd was younger, so I was surprised when finding that he was in his mid 30's when he led the team. He is a great actor and, given the juvenile script, did well with what he was working with.
Grimm was also an almost spot-on casting decision. It's unfortunate that he was older; and bald. Now, because he ruled in that part, everyone here casts older bald guys. Man, if a hero or villain is bald (i.e. Freeze) ppl feel that the actor has to be bald too (i.e. Feinnes and Wllis). Any way, it must be a testimate to how good he was in said role.
Johnny was another well cast part. So good that Evans flooded fancasts for some time to come. It's time to move on, however, and stop comparing.
Sue and Doom were just horrible. She was all wrong; just don't go there. He was a Luthor wanna-be and that costume, blahhh. I mean, I get that he shouldn't have had a skirt but work something out with the wardrobe depot please. They completely ruined his thing.
Surfer was fine. It worked so well that I often see in fancasts that a voiceover is preferred with another playing the physical role. I hate that.
So my movies...
Fantastic 4
We are intro'ed to college students Reed Richards and Victor Von Doom. Geniuses. Both are competitive with one another. They present their inventions and terries to the science world. Doom presents a D-bot. A life-like robot we'd expect in the future is here today. The grant he requests is outrageous, and therefor, is denied. Richards shows a portal creator that he believes can open the door to a negative zone which he then describes.
He gets a standing ovation after showing a small window, 6 in. by 6 in. His grant is approved. Furious, Doom storms the stage screaming that this small window proves nothing and, when he kicks it over, it explodes in his face.
The next few quick scenes show Richard's rise in science and Dooms self-deportation to his homeland in Latveria. Doom finds a home amongst gypsies (1 scene's worth), he is seen dealing in magic and doning the mask to conceal his scar (burning his entire face as it is red hot, he does not scream), as Richards rises to prominence.
Richard's, after creating a portal large enough to explore the N-Zone, is intro'd to Sue, finding out that she was the young niece of the couple he stayed with for a few months during college. She explains he was her inspiration to enter her scientific field.
He is then intro'ed to another member of his 4-man team, Dr. Molekevic. Molekevic is Baxter's leading scientist of... like bones and animals and subterranean stuff.. or something. He is an essentric outcast.
A pilot is needed and Richards offers up his old roommate and NASA pilot, Ben Grimm.
The expedition becomes quite public and takes a few years before they are ready.
Doom becomes the dictator of his 3rd-world Latveria, complete with royal green cape (1 scene's worth).
As the "Fantastic Voyage," the expedition's given name, nears, the world watches every step on TV.
Doom sees this, an old scientist in Russia, Dr. Kragoff, frustrated with his own scientific developments with intelligent apes, sees this as well. (again, 1 scene)
30 minutes into the movie, it is the day of the voyage, televised. Johny, Sue's younger brother manages to get a tour of the Baxter building and discovers that Molekevic is MIA. He Quickly suits up to avoid any bad press on his sister's big day, going in the Dr's place instead.
They are successfully transported, in full space suit garb, into the N-Zone. The 3 are unpleased when Johny is found out whilst exploring the N-Zone.
Akin to the true world recent event in the Gulf, oil lines bust and flood the Pacific Ocean.
Within the Zone, The 4 begin to transform.
Weeks after coming back, the Fantastic 4 are celebs. Meanwhile a very arrogant Prince Namor retaliates with an attack in response to, what he feels is, an act of war (polluting his oceanic kingdom).
The 4 are overwhelmed. However, the love the Prince feels for Sue is enough to save them. She feels the same, so it makes for a very uneasy and tense atmosphere.
The movie ends with a peace treaty because he will one day wed Sue Storm (an arrogant conclusion he feels will come to be) and Doom opening a door to a huge room within his castle (yup, no longer a 3rd world country, thanks to Doom) to reveal thousands of Doombots. He turns to a minion and says "It is time."
Obviously, certain things will be explored such as the relationship between Namor, Reed and Sue; Ben and Johnny; the intro of Alicia as well as her relationship with both Ben and Johnny, adding further dynamics; and Ben's own struggle with his new appearance.
F4: 2
This is Doom's movie, co-starring the FF. The events of the first movie are seen from Doom's POV. We watch the rise of Doom beginning with his departure from America. How he got hooked up with the gypsies, and his path towards dictatorship. We see Doom as his people see him, a hero, lifting his nation from poverty to power, akin to Hitler, that the theme.
A 3rd into the movie, Doom invades New York with his Doombots and minimal soldiers (it's his wish not to put his pple in harms way like other "more savage" countries, targeting his nemesis. In his planes are thwarted, but, through political backdoors, he is allowed without backlash, free to plot again.
Meanwhile Grimm, full of self pity, walks away from Alicia, leaving her to fall for Johnny. Sue and Reed struggle with each other after the interference of Namor from the last movie. The 4 come together, and work together, to defeat Doom, barely.
Alicia picks Ben over Johnny, much to the surprise of everyone. He's a bit immature.
Dr. Kragoff, whom we briefly saw in the 1st movie, working feverishly to create intelligent apes more capable than the average human, lands in Latveria in a private jet.
Doombots and soldiers are on guard. Kragoff walks off the jet with 3 extremely intelligent apes and asks to speak with Lord Doom.
He explains that years of failing experiments led him to find the mythological Terrigen Mist. Off camera he tells Doom everything about it and, on camera, opts to work together to overthrow the civilization and rule together. He believes that with Dooms political power and his intellect they can't be stopped.
Insulted that he believes Doom is not the smartest man alive Doom kills him and captures the apes for experimental purposes.
"Find me these 'Inhumans.' I will break bread with the royal family and assist the weak link in overthrowing the king. In return I will except no less than the powers the mist can grant me. First, however, I will need a gift. Find and capture the King Namor of Atlantis."
F4: 3
The movie opens with Crystal, gasping for air, out of breathe and rushing into the Baxter building, looking for help as her king has banished himself, and the Maximus has usurped the throne.
She explains everything through narration as we see it all play out. Once Doom is mentioned, and Namor as well, the FF graciously stand, ready to fight for her kingdom.
There is an instant connection between Johnny and Crystal. Grimm is more than happy about this, of course.
Maximus and Doom have brainwashed Namor into believing he is Triton of the royal family.
Through all of this Crystal and Johnny fall for each other until the end, when she is forbidden to be with him and they tragically depart.
Grimm promises Alicia he will return.
Sue and Reed continue their roller coaster until the end, when she excepts his marriage proposal following the battle, much to the displeasure of Namor whom she looks longingly towards as they leave.
Doom's goal is to use Maximus and Namor until he gains the powers and then turn on them so that he alone can rule the Inhumans and use them as soldiers in his war against the world. Again, the safety of his ppl are important to him. The Inhumans are disposable, in his eyes.
Just when all seems lost. Lockjaw shows up with Black Bolt (we already know by now that he does not allow himself to speak) who lets go his voice and drops everyone to their knees, bleeding from their noses and ears. Doom's mask shatters.
Namor hypnosis is wiped clean. Together, Namor, Bolt, the Inhumans and The 4 defeat Maximus and Doom.
Bolt apprehends his brother and banishes Doom, feeling that his dealings were only to benefit his ppl, as a true leader should do.
Reed screams not to let the tyrant free. He'll do it again and blah blah... Until Doom cuts him off, "Richards, your obsession with me can wait, I hope (man, he's confused). I will obtain the power I need soon. Not, however to prove I am better than you, as we both know that to be true.
The Cast
Mr. Fantastic is Sean Patrick Flannery
Age: 40
Powder; Boondock Saints
The closest runner-up to SPF was Alexis Denisof. I do think he would be exceptional, but I can't put my finger on the reason I went with SPF. I guess it's that as nerdy and awkward as Reed is (see Powder), he has to step up to the plate and lead a team into deadly situations with their full trust and walk them out alive (see Boondock Saints).
Invisible Woman is Charlize Theron
Age: 30
The Legend of Bagger Vance; Monster
Sue is referred to as "the most beautiful woman in the Marvel Universe." I feel that many would agree that this outstanding actress who has, multiple times, played very strong women, is one of the most attractive blondes within this specific age range. Although she is a bit younger than Sue when compared to Reed's age, I think it can be forgiven. If it cannot, then Hollywood could just lie and decree her as 34, Sue's correct age, when compared to Reed.
Thing is Neal McDonough
41
Band of Brothers; Walking Tall
He may not be the largest man but he is a solid actor. I would like if ppl walked away from the movie affected by Ben Grimm's sole rather than the size of his biceps. Granted, FX would take care of the mammoth Thing, not a body suit, but it's the man within the monster that must bring the character home. His voice is a plus as well. It isn't overly deep but strikingly memorable. The man, a popular choice for Grimm, that was his runner-up will be utilized as another character.
Human Torch is Eric Christian Olsen
28
True Calling; Not Another Teen Movie
1st, if necessary, which I don't think it is, he can play younger, as he has in almost everything I can think of. 2nd, Olsen has an undeniable swagger that is very important for Johnny. His quick verbal hits and his impetuous behavior is ideal in this role.
Doom is Rufus Sewell
42
Helen of Troy; Bless the Child
Sewell is a very evil actor. I would love to see him in many roles, and have ever since Helen. Watching Bless only furthered my admiration for him. Why do ppl forget that Reed and Doom were college students together? Why do they always cast him older? Why will most of the comments be about who IS Doom or who else would OWN Doom or...?
Namor is Benjamin Bratt
42
L&O
Completely from left field, I'm choosing Bratt as the king of the lost city. Namor is a King more than anything else in this trilogy. He has a magnetism that attracts women and an aloof arrogance similar to Doom and, in a way, Richards too. I feel Bratt can carry the demeanor needed in this role.
Black Bolt is Daniel Craig
37
Munich
Although his part is pivotal, the man that stars as his brother would get the top billing, as his role has more screen time. For a king that can not speak, he must have a great sense of facial expressionism. Craig, the best Bond ever, has the prefect eyes and facial story telling. Bolt, like both Namor and Doom, are kings. That is why Craig, who has a very regal quality about him, is my number 1 choice for Bolt.
Maximus is Clive Owen
41
The Bourne Identity; King Arthur
Choosing Bond (oops, I mean Craig) led me to Owen. I've always felt Owen could've been a great Bond. He was the more well known actor to the US, or at least I thought so, back in '05, and that is why this crazy SOB would've made for an outstanding Max.
Alicia is Jennie Garth
90210; The Last Cowboy
33
Exceptionally gorgeous (more so than Theron, if you ask me) and a very underrated actress, Garth would bring a lot of heart and soul to the role. She would have brought the perfect struggle to the women who lusts for a fireball and loves a rock; all while being blind.
Crystal is Rachel McAdams
27
Red Eye; Wedding Crashers
If I went with a younger Reed, than She was, along with Sienna Miller, a finalist for Sue. Clearly, that isn't the route I took, therefor I shifted her over to Crystal. I am madly in love with her and think she is amzing on screen. The perfect red head for the role.
Dr. Kragoff (Red Ghost) is Ed Asner
Elf; The Animal
76
Lou Grant, er I mean, Ed Asner is legendary. He can play serious and comical at the same time. That, actually is the reason why I've chosen him for the abnormal Dr. That, and he is the spitting image of the mad scientist.
Medusa is Cate Blanchett
LotR; Bandits
36
Again, it was all about her majestic qualities. She is an accomplished actress who carries herself with a great deal of dignity needed for the queen of the Inhumans.
Gorgon is Jeffrey Dean Morgan
Supernatural
39
He was right there with Neal for Ben Grimm (RIGHT THERE). Then I realized how many pple want him as Grimm already; like, currently. See, all of these ppl are, IMO, right for their respective roles in '05, not now. 6 years makes a difference, not much, but enough. He has the voice and the mannerisms perfect for Grimm so I transitioned him to the next best thing. If only to be original, otherwise he was perfect.
Dr. Molekevich (Mole Man) is Ron Rifkin
Alias; Boiler Room
66
He, like Asner, is the spitting image of this throw-away villain. This is a nod to the comics, even if he never becomes Mole Man in the movies, one can be led to believe, if the world continued, he would. He is an incredible actor and can defiantly bring that character to life.