To anybody thinking of going to see Fantastic Four or Dark Water this weekend: have you considered the myriad of alternatives offered by both network and cable TV?
There comes this point during the hype for a movie that's part of a beloved franchise when one realizes that it doesn't matter how good or bad it is; I'm going to have to see it. I've reached that stage with FF.
It looks horrible. Even having Jessica Alba, who was already my favorite Hollywood babe before Sin City, in a skin tight costume doesn't make up for how bad it looks.
And yes, I also know that, before it mercifully closes, I will go see it. I know this the same way that I knew I'd see Revenge of the Sith, Daredevil and Bonfire of the Vanities (yes, I know I'm dating myself). Sometimes, as in Get Shorty (I'm a big Leonard fan) it's OK. Sometimes, as in Strip Tease (ditto Hiaasen), it's perverse pleasure to watch how badly they do with it. And sometimes, like The Right Stuff or The Princess Bride, they capture all I'd hoped to see on screen. But, in all those cases, I knew I'd be going no matter what.
So I'll see FF as payment for also getting to see Sin City and X-Men 2. But this still depresses the hell out of me.
I'm a fan of the FF and The Missus has an unhealthy attraction to Ioan Gruffulpuff. We'll probably see it even if it's awful.
Damn, I really like Michael Chiklis. He was the only reason I was going to see FF. Oh well, there's always Willy Wonka.
That bad, eh?
I kinda was hoping FF would be one of the "good" Marvel adaptations...as opposed to the "stupid" Marvel adaptations. Oh, well.
As for Dark Water, any homeowner with any experience of plumbing problems is gonna avoid that one like the plague. Too close to home, and all.