Welcome to The Isaiah Experience, and welcome to this article! What’s the topic? Well, it’s Something… fantastic—well, at least in name. With Fantastic Four: First Steps hitting theaters in 2025, there’s no better time to revisit the flaming hot mess that is Fantastic Four (2005). Buckle up, because this one’s part nostalgia trip, part cinematic cautionary tale, and entirely chaotic.
Let’s be honest: Fantastic Four (2005) is not a good movie, but it’s also not the worst thing to bear the name Fantastic Four. That honor might belong to Fan4stic (2015)—a movie so devoid of joy, it makes waiting at the DMV seem thrilling.
But before we roast Fan4stic, let’s take a look at the 2005 version. You know, the one that tried.
A Cast Full of Superpowers and Super Problems
Ioan Gruffudd stars as Reed Richards, the brilliant scientist and team leader, who brings all the personality of a TI-83 calculator. He’s supposed to be the brain of the operation, but half the time he makes decisions like someone who trusts gas station sushi.
Jessica Alba plays Sue Storm, whose powers include turning invisible—and whose character development is just about as thin. Her romantic arc with Reed sparks less chemistry than a soggy toaster. Besides, I believe the only reason she was casted in this role, is so we can see her in her undergarments. Gross.
Chris Evans as Johnny Storm? Now that’s a highlight. Before he was Captain America, Evans gave us the Human Torch: basically a frat bro infused with jet fuel. He’s loud, cocky, and the only one who seems to be having fun.
Then we have Ben Grimm, aka The Thing, aka “the Sad Boulder Man.” Michael Chiklis delivers a performance that’s equal parts gruff and gloomy. He mopes, he punches things, and yes, he delivers the most forced “It’s clobberin’ time!” ever uttered. I will say that his suit is very accurate, but inaccurate at the same time.
And finally… Dr. Doom. Julian McMahon brings us a villain so underwhelming, he feels like a bad Wi-Fi connection—always there, never quite working. His powers seem to involve vaguely electrocuting people while scowling in a metal mask.
Visual Effects That Belong in a Museum (of Outdated Tech)
Let’s talk CGI. Johnny’s fire effects look like they were rendered on a PlayStation 2. Meanwhile, The Thing’s practical suit is commendable in theory but ends up looking like a Halloween costume that cost $49.99 at Party City.
But hey—it was 2005. We were all doing the best we could. It wasn’t like we had better CG in Terminator 2: Judgement Day!….oh, wait.
The Verdict: A Clunky Ride Worth Watching
Despite its many sins, Fantastic Four (2005) has a bizarre charm. It’s like a superhero sitcom starring four people who mope about being freaks, directed by someone who just discovered comic books last Tuesday. It’s messy, cheesy, and occasionally cringe-worthy—but it’s also fun. And in the age of overly serious superhero films, that counts for something.
Compared to the grim, gray void that is Fan4stic (2015), this movie is practically Citizen Kane. At least the 2005 version knew it was silly. Fan4stic forgot to bring fun to the lab and ended up delivering a moody science fair project no one wanted to grade.
What’s Next? Hope, Hype, and “First Steps”
Now all eyes are on Fantastic Four: First Steps (2025). We have a good cast, a great style, and a Thing that actually looks like Jack Kirby’s original artwork! Will this be the best Fantastic Four Adaptation? Or will we have to watch the 90’s cartoon to get our fix?
In the end, Fantastic Four (2005) earns a shaky 4 out of 10—redeemed only by its accidental comedy and Chris Evans’ flaming charisma. If you’re in the mood for a superhero movie that feels more like a family reunion gone wrong (with bonus mutant powers), this one’s worth a nostalgic rewatch.
And if First Steps messes this up?
Well… we riot.
Until then—stay fantastic.