Common Sense Media Review
Standard superhero fare; sexual innuendo, fantasy violence.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 10+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Fantastic Four
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 11 parent reviews
Based on 26 kid reviews
Kids say this movie is a fun yet cheesy superhero film that serves as an introduction to the Marvel universe for younger audiences, despite its flaws in pacing and some suggestive content. While it contains fantasy violence and mild language, many viewers appreciate its humor and positive themes of teamwork and friendship, though opinions vary on its overall quality.
- fun for kids
- some suggestive content
- positive teamwork theme
- mixed quality reception
- mild language used
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
In this film version of the Marvel comic FANTASTIC FOUR, egotistical Victor Von Doom (Julian McMahon) finances a mission into outer space in which four of his employees are zapped by a radioactive cloud that alters their DNA according to their sense of self. Wishy-washy Reed (Ioan Gruffudd) turns elastic; his ex-girlfriend Sue (Jessica Alba) turns invisible; her hotheaded brother, Johnny (Chris Evans), becomes the "human torch"; and Reed's best friend, Ben (Michael Chiklis), gets stony. Von Doom is also zapped, and his body slowly changes to a human-metallic alloy. When he loses control of his billion-dollar corporation, he decides to take his revenge on the Fantastic Four.
Is It Any Good?
This unevenly paced, disjointed movie lacks emotional focus, but, then again, maybe that's beside the point for an action superhero movie. Fantastic Four quickly dives into a series of "origin story" scenes, in which the four heroes' individual interests and anxieties are established. But just as it should be accelerating with spiffy stunts and smart repartee, Tim Story's movie becomes increasingly incoherent.
The Four fight amongst themselves and take off for separate adventures, occasionally coming together for unbelievably convenient collisions. Ben's story is the most compelling, while the others' issues become repetitive. The film also includes plenty of logical inconsistencies, as well as overly familiar and underdeveloped themes. Is there action and banter? Yes. But without a story or likable characters to bring it all together, there's nothing here but empty spectacle.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how superpowers change the characters' lives in Fantastic Four. Do they decide to use their powers for public good or for personal gain? How do their existing anxieties, competitions, and quarrels become worsened by these changes?
Why does Sue mediate so many arguments between the men in her life? What would Johnny and Ben's relationship look like if she didn't step in? What about Reed and Victor? Are there other ways these male characters can interact with one another that don't require outside mediation?
How do the four main superheroes learn to appreciate their differences? Do they bond over any common ground?
What's the appeal of superhero team-ups like the Fantastic Four, the Justice League, and the Avengers? Do you have a favorite team? If so, why?
Movie Details
- In theaters : July 8, 2005
- On DVD or streaming : December 6, 2005
- Cast : Chris Evans , Ioan Gruffudd , Jessica Alba , Michael Chiklis
- Director : Tim Story
- Inclusion Information : Black Movie Director(s) , Female Movie Actor(s) , Latino Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Twentieth Century Fox
- Genre : Action/Adventure
- Topics : Superheroes
- Run time : 105 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : sequences of intense action, and some suggestive content
- Awards : Kids' Choice Award , NAACP Image Award - NAACP Image Award Nominee
- Last updated : October 9, 2025
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by
Suggest an Update
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate