The Fantastic Four haven’t had a great track record in movies over the past decade. The first version from 20th Century Fox had some success with its first film, but not its sequel, while the previous reboot had such a negative reception from both critics and fans. Now that these characters are part of the MCU, it is the perfect time to get it right. What we get is a comic-accurate version of the team in Marvel Studios’ latest feature, The Fantastic Four: First Steps, and it largely meets the expectations of comic book fans. It perfectly displays what Marvel’s first family is supposed to be like.
Unlike the previous films, The Fantastic Four: First Steps does a smart thing by skipping over the origin story and going straight into the action as we see Marvel’s family of superheroes already a well-known household name. It has been four years since their trip into space, which caused them to develop superhuman abilities that they have used for the good of humanity. We get a recap of their heroic adventures against classic villains from their own rogues’ gallery. This is a clever way to get the audience introduced to these characters without rehashing the same origin story that we’ve seen countless times in other films. What is also great is that it takes place in an alternate Earth, so it doesn’t tie into the main MCU, making it easily accessible to anyone who isn’t all caught up with the content that Marvel Studios has created over the years.
The setting for this film is rather interesting as it takes place in a 1960s-inspired retro-futuristic world. It is a blend of old and new, with the style of the 60s with modern technology, almost like watching an episode of The Jetsons. Visually, The Fantastic Four: First Steps is very artistic in its approach to how their world looks. The production design does a lot to make the people and the world appear like they’re from the 1960s. Even the shots in space just feel like you’re going on an expedition through the stars. Every shot looks inspired by the Jack Kirby run of the Fantastic Four. Even the musical score by Michael Giacchino invokes a sense of hope and gives that vintage flair that fits into the period that director Matt Shakman has created for this version of the team.
Even the action sequences and the CGI are incredible, as it stands pretty much to the standard for a Marvel film. The scope of Galactus, played incredibly well by actor Ralph Ineson, showed just how incredibly powerful and terrifying he is with his godlike structure and voice. He looks and sounds exactly how he is in other media, and the film brilliantly shows just how strong his presence is. Even Julia Garner’s take as the Silver Surfer shows just how amazing the effects are in creating a compelling character that just glides and moves in a graceful and fluid motion.
What the film excels at is the emotional themes that it addresses, especially with the common theme of family. With this being the Fantastic Four, this group of superheroes is all about family, and the film portrays that well, thanks to the performances of this cast. Pedro Pascal immediately embodies the role of Reed Richards with his wit, intellect, and charm. Johnny Storm is shown as more than a pretty face when he shows just how much of an asset he is to the team, which Joseph Quinn does an incredible job portraying with this character. Even Ebon Moss-Bachrach’s Ben Grimm shows the struggles he faces with his insecurities as the Thing, hoping to be more than the hero he appears to be in front of the public eye. With some added story beats, it would be helpful to dive deeper into the lives of Johnny and Ben, as we only got to spend some brief moments with them that truly show who they are outside of being a superhero.
The true standout is Vanessa Kirby as Sue Storm, who leads the movie with grace and warmth. The film features some incredible scenes with Sue as she delves deeply into her character. Vanessa has a lot to work with regarding her character’s storyline and keeping her family together. Even her powers display just how amazingly powerful she can get, whether it’s emotionally or physically. Her screen time with Pedro is well managed, making their relationship as a couple genuine and sincere.
The Fantastic Four: First Steps is a great step forward for the MCU as it goes into a bold and new direction that will make audiences curious to see where this goes. The family dynamic is what becomes the heart of this movie, with each member of the Fantastic Four getting some great moments on screen. It will leave viewers wanting more from these characters, so it’ll be interesting to see where the MCU takes them. The visuals are really good, and the score just fits well in this parallel story of Marvel’s first family of superheroes. It is cosmic in scale, but it is the emotional core that brings this movie together, which is full of hope and wonder.
The Fantastic Four: First Steps is now playing in theaters
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