Marvel Studios has officially launched Phase Six of its cinematic universe with the debut of The Fantastic Four: First Steps, receiving positive reviews and a strong box office performance. The film features an impressive ensemble cast and an eye-catching production design reminiscent of Disney’s Tomorrowland, with a 1960s retro-futuristic feel. Viewers are encouraged to suspend disbelief and enjoy the experience rather than overanalyzing the plot.
(Minor spoilers ahead, but no significant plot revelations.)
Under the direction of Matt Shakman, known for his work on WandaVision, the film deviates from the typical origin story format. The background of the Fantastic Four’s powers is delivered through concise flashbacks, accompanied by their early adventures, highlighted by their status as celebrities on a fictional talk show hosted by Ted Gilbert (Mark Gatiss). Reed Richard, aka Mister Fantastic (Pedro Pascal), and Sue Storm, the Invisible Woman (Vanessa Kirby), are happily expecting their first child, much to the excitement of their teammates Johnny Storm (Joseph Quinn) and Ben Grimm (Ebon Moss-Bachrach).
Their future on Earth-828 appears bright until the Silver Surfer (Julia Garner) arrives, signaling the impending threat of Galactus, a colossal cosmic entity that has been consuming planets for millions of years. With Earth in jeopardy, the Fantastic Four embark on a space mission to persuade Galactus not to devour their home, leading to an epic confrontation that tests the limits of their superpowers.
The Fantastic Four: The Thing (Ebon Moss-Bachrach), Mister Fantastic (Pedro Pascal), Invisible Woman (Vanessa Kirby), and Human Torch (Joseph Quinn)
Ben/The Thing samples H.E.R.B.I.E.’s (Matthew Wood) pasta sauce.
Astronaut Ben confers with Reed in a flashback before his transformation.
Mole Man, aka Harvey Elder (Paul Walter Hauser), leads the underground society of Subterranea.
This latest iteration of the Fantastic Four stands out as the best film adaptation to date, though previous attempts have set a low standard. While the 2005 adaptation achieved commercial success and had a few memorable moments, the 2015 reboot was a notorious failure, leading to the cancellation of any planned sequels. Interestingly, the cast of a 1994 unreleased low-budget take on the Fantastic Four makes cameo appearances in First Steps. Following Disney’s acquisition of 20th Century Fox in 2019, Marvel Studios gained the film rights to the Fantastic Four and devised a fresh perspective for the beloved characters.
Shakman infused the movie with a vibrant 1960s aesthetic, drawing inspiration from classic Kubrick films, even selecting specific camera lenses to evoke the era. This creative vision is prevalent throughout, as seen in the team’s penthouse, which embodies mid-century modern design, with Reed’s laboratory divided into three distinct rooms, each adorned in striking primary colors. The retro-futuristic technology further enhances this aesthetic; for instance, Johnny Storm collects unusual signals from space on golden record platters played on an old-fashioned turntable, and the team’s Fantasticar feels like a tribute to the Golden Age of science fiction.
The chemistry among the primary cast—Pascal, Kirby, Moss-Bachrach, and Quinn—is commendable, successfully portraying the tender family dynamics central to the narrative. This is particularly crucial given the absence of a typical origin story. The characters are already well-known, but their interactions include playful banter, moments of conflict, and heartfelt conversations that resonate with viewers. The tensions in Reed and Sue’s marriage, especially with the arrival of their baby amid an existential crisis, feel authentic.
The Silver Surfer (Julia Garner) announces the arrival of Galactus (Ralph Ineson) and the threat to Earth.
Johnny Storm has a moment with the Silver Surfer at the edge of Earth’s atmosphere.
A tender moment as Reed and Sue welcoming their newborn baby.
The shadow of Galactus casts over New York City.
However, the film does have its drawbacks, particularly concerning the plot, which suffers from predictability and coherence issues. Some of the dialogue feels subpar, especially during specific moments, like a particularly ineffective speech by Sue Storm as Galactus approaches. Furthermore, the sequence involving Sue’s childbirth in space is difficult to take seriously, lacking authenticity amidst the chaos of zero gravity, despite Reed acknowledging certain complications.
Ultimately, these shortcomings do not overshadow the film’s appeal as an engaging superhero adventure. The movie garners a respectable B rating, marking a promising beginning to the MCU’s Phase Six. Viewers are encouraged to relax, enjoy the spectacle, and not dwell too much on the intricacies of the plot.
Fans can now catch Fantastic Four: First Steps in theaters.
