Fantastic Four – The Reel World

Ranking the Fantastic Four Films

The Fantastic Four is one of the most celebrated superhero comic book teams ever. Despite that though, their cinematic adventures have essentially been one disaster after another. But the need for content exists (both in terms of movie studios and the media click-based ecosystem) so these films are just going to keep coming out I suppose.

We luckily have a fantastic podcast series – Fantastic Fouray – from one-time site editor, Matt Waters, and sporadic site podcaster and contributor, Kevin Ford, breaking down the past, present, and future adventures of the Fantastic Four on the big screen.

Episode #1: The Fantastic Four (Unreleased) & Doomed! Documentary
Episode #2: Fantastic Four (2005)
Episode #3: Rise of the Silver Surfer
Episode #4: FANT4STIC
Episode #5: First Steps

(Also, read: 8 Takeaways from the Black Panther Episode of Fantastic Four)

And with that, it’s time for me to rank all the (futile) attempts to make a Fantastic Four film.

Continue reading Ranking the Fantastic Four Films

Fantastic Fouray – Episode 5: The Fantastic Four: First Steps

Kevin Ford is a Fantastic Four superfan who had never seen any of the theatrically released F4 Movies… until now! Each week Matt Waters guides him through uncharted territory as they rate the movies and try to build an all-star cast.

And so we’ve come… to the eeeeend oooof the roooaaad….

Ahem. Sorry. Yes, the podcast is over already as we have completed the journey of Fantastic 4 films that currently exist. Do we finally have our first ‘Reed’? How uncomfortable can Matt make everyone with oversharing? How have Mel Gibson and Jon Voight come up??? Come find out!

Fantastic Fouray – Episode 4: FANT4STIC

With ‘First Steps’ releasing this week we figured it only made sense to dive into one of the most infamous superhero films ever released. SEO, baby! From the director’s on-set behaviour to rushed reshoots to ill-advised sources of inspiration there’s surely nothing positive to say about this film…. right?!?

Fantastic Fouray – Episode 3: Rise of the Silver Surfer

What does the iconic Silver Surfer add to the mix with our returning cast? Does Mark Frost hate his wife? Why are we talking about Party Down and Transformers? Only one way to find out!

Fantastic Fouray – Episode 2: Fantastic Four (2005)

Time to finally rip off the band-aid as Kevin at last experiences the first theatrically released F4 film. How does it align with his memories and expectations of the trailers from 20 years ago? Is anyone here worthy of the All-Star nod? Why is Jessica Alba naked so much? Only one way to find out!

Fantastic Fouray – Episode 1: The Fantastic Four (Unreleased) & Doomed! Documentary

Starting with the only Fantastic Four Kevin had actually seen, we talk about the infamous low-budget production to figure out what works in spite of the difficulties, and what was dead on arrival. Plus some discussion of the ‘Doomed!’ documentary.

Marvellous Journey/Superhero Pantheon Crossover 2023: MCU Phase 4

It’s time once again for The Reel World’s two superhero podcasts to cross the streams, as Ben, Matt, Jerome & Brian break down Phase 4 of the MCU and answer some burning questions.

Plus the ever-chaotic combined rankings of every movie and show. Enjoy the madness!

The Superhero Pantheon – Spider-Man ’94: Episodes 59-63

‘Return of Hydro-Man’ & ‘Secret Wars’

Jerome and Brian discuss five more episodes, including the return of Hydro-Man and the first version of Secret Wars put on screen. Find out the truth behind Mary Jane and why a three parter should have been five parter. One more episode after this as Jerome and Brian cap off their months long journey.

8 Takeaways from the Black Panther Episode of Fantastic Four

In the rush to make as many Marvel animated series as possible, a much-forgotten Fantastic Four series happened and even had two full seasons. One of the show’s 26 episodes devoted the entire story to The Black Panther. To the best of my knowledge (limited), it’s the first significant portrayal of the Black Panther on the small screen. Welcome to the latest edition of MARVELOUS ANIMATION.

Continue reading 8 Takeaways from the Black Panther Episode of Fantastic Four

Marvel Mondays: Hype Check for the MCU’s Future

Somehow, despite announcing one million Marvel projects a year ago, Disney+ Day 2021 brought not just new footage of the existing slate, but yet more announcements. Time for a hype check.