The sequel to the Fantastic Four, The Rise of the Silver Surfer had high expectations after the recent success of other Marvel follow ups, Spiderman 3 and X-Men: The Last Stand. As the Earth comes under threat by an unknown silver meteor, the Fantastic Four join forces again to fight. However on closer inspection the meteor is a silver man on a surfboard. The Silver Surfer with seemingly unlimited energy, is seen across the world, causing freak weather, such as snow on the pyramids in Eygpt and giant craters in the ground.

With the usual characters, Reed Richards, Sue Storm, Johnny Storm and Ben Grimm, the Fantastic Four have to face a difficult situation after it is found that soon to be wed Reed and Sue want to leave the group. But when the Earth needs them, the four pull together to save the day, but it's not without its challenges. The four face the energy craving silver surfer as he sucks energy from everything he flies over. They later discover it is the surfboard the man flies on, that is controlling him, which itself is controlled by planet devouring Galactus. Galactus, having already destroyed planets before is on its way to Earth.

As if fighting the Silver Surfer wasn't enough, Victor Van Doom, who the four defeated in the first movie, rears his head in an attempt to use the Silver Surfer's power to take over the world, unbeknown to him what trouble he's causing.

Directed by Tim Story, the Rise of the Silver Surfer supplies the audience with the usual hero vs. villain storyline. Although quite predictable the film is entertaining and has great visual effects. For British audiences the scene in London and the near destruction of the London Eye provides added entertainment. For those who enjoy super hero films it ticks all the right boxes, but for those who enjoy a slightly more challenging film maybe wait until it comes out on DVD.

Holly Angus