Against the vibrant backdrop of a 1960s-inspired, retro-futuristic world, Marvel's First Family is forced to balance their roles as heroes with the strength of their family bond, while defending Ea...
There’s a distinctive charm to “The Fantastic Four: First Steps,” a refreshing, visually inventive take on the MCU formula. Director Matt Shakman brings Marvel’s First Family into a retro-futuristic 1960s setting that makes the movie stand out from the typical summer superhero fare. Shakman delivers a world of bold colors, bubble-helmeted scientists, and sleek, sci-fi tech that’s unexpectedly delightful, if a bit slow moving.
Reed Richards (Pedro Pascal) and his wife Sue Storm (Vanessa Kirby) have their first baby on the way. They, along with Reed’s brother-in-law Johnny (Joseph Quinn) and best friend Ben (Ebon Moss-Bachrach), are excited to welcome a new bundle of joy into their home. But when a mysterious woman known as Silver Surfer (Julia Garner) shows up with a dire warning from a ravenous space god called Galactus (Ralph Ineson), Sue and Reed are given an impossible choice: give up their newborn son to save Earth, or let the entire planet be destroyed.
This conflict sounds compelling, but it’s also where the film stumbles. Galactus is more of a looming concept than a compelling villain, with motivations that feel too impersonal and very vague. Silver Surfer is a terrific character with an interesting back story, but the movie never quite gives her enough to do. The Four aren’t bogged down with an elaborate origin story either, and it works well here. They’re already established by the time we meet them, which allows for more time spent on character dynamics. I could see how casual audiences who are less familiar with the comic book characters could find the lack of an origin story disappointing, but the actors and their chemistry more than make up for it.
The film leans into its “found family” theme with heart and sincerity, placing an emphasis on character over spectacle. The strong performances from the cast boost the film’s overall credibility, and the special effects are (admittedly) top notch. The themes lean heavily on the idea that family is not only biological, but also can be chosen, and there’s a nice balance between the need to be superheroes as well as parents and a strongly bonded family.
Although there is plenty to like here, “The Fantastic Four: First Steps” isn’t a movie I’d ever want to revisit. I can’t honestly say that I’m excited to see any of these characters in future films, and I actually found the Four to be a little bit boring. And while it’s so nice to see a Marvel film that isn’t trying desperately to be forcefully stuffed into some extended universe timeline, the movie doesn’t entirely escape the studio’s usual pitfalls.
