Directed by: Matt Shakman
Starring: Pedro Pascal, Vanessa Kirby, Ebon Moss-Bachrach, and Joseph Quinn
Rating: PG-13
Genre: Science Fiction / Adventure
The Fantastic Four: First Steps is easily the best version of the Fantastic Four that we’ve seen on the big screen. The cast is great, the score is absolutely wonderful, and the decision to set it on an alt-universe Earth with a retro-futuristic aesthetic allows it to stand on its own in the MCU with no prior homework required. It gets to be both a little campy at times to match its 60’s Jack Kirby comic book origins, while also creating very real and relatable stakes for the family and their world.
The Fantastic Four is known as “Marvel’s First Family.” They’re a group of four astronauts who acquired superpowers after being exposed to cosmic rays during an adventure in space. This origin is wisely told in the form of a flashback montage for those unfamiliar with the story without wasting precious screentime for those who know these characters well. First Steps begins 4 years after their cosmic incident, where the team is already well established as public figures and a loving family of four that’s about to welcome a fifth.
The chemistry between the cast is thankfully the strongest part of the movie, with some of the best moments just being conversations between them. Pedro Pascal is forced to tone down his usual charm to portray Reed Richards, whose intellect often conflicts with his emotional understanding. Vanessa Kirby’s Sue Storm serves as the story’s emotional center and foundation of the team. Ebon Moss-Bachrach brings a warmth and heart to Ben Grimm, and though I had my initial doubts with the choice of Joseph Quinn for Johnny Storm, he delivers the expected, though somewhat tempered, attitude of the Human Torch. Even Galactus, a character whose appearance could come across as too goofy to adapt, is perfectly executed here. His size and presence are often terrifying, made even more so by the vocal talent of Ralph Ineson.
Unfortunately, for everything it does right, there are a few aspects that keep First Steps from really reaching the next level. Ben Grimm is the most likeable member of the team, but probably has the least amount of screen time. They introduce an arc for him, but it doesn’t really go anywhere satisfying. They start to play with the idea of hero worship and public perception, but that too gets quickly resolved in favor of the larger story. A quick backstory is established for Julia Garner’s Silver Surfer, but the resolution of her arc lacks the emotional punch it could’ve had. In regard to the action, there’s a decent amount of sequences that look cool, but they generally lack any standout moments that’ll truly “wow” you. Even The Thing’s inevitable shouting of his catchphrase doesn’t inspire the cheers that it should.
The Fantastic Four: First Steps is a solid entry in the MCU, and fortunately one that stands on its own. Sporting an incredible cast, score, and aesthetic, it’s only slightly hindered by unrealized potential in certain aspects.
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