THE FANTASTIC FOUR: FIRST STEPS is directed by Matt Shakman. The film stars Pedro Pascal, Vanessa Kirby, Ebon Moss-Bachrach, Joseph Quinn, Julia Garner, Sarah Niles, Mark Gatiss, Natasha Lyonne, Paul Walter Hauser, and Ralph Ineson. It is film 37 in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
In an alternate universe that melds elements of the past and future alike, Sue Storm, Johnny Storm, Ben Grimm, and Reed Richards gain powers as the result of radiation from a trip to space in which they were inadequately shielded. Over a four-year period, they become the Fantastic Four, earth’s protectors and widely-beloved celebrities. But the peace and the public’s confidence in the heroes is shaken when the Silver Surfer, a mysterious galactic entity, shows up on earth declaring it will be the next world devoured by the mysterious Galactus. It’s up to Mr. Fantastic, Human Torch, Invisble Woman, and the Thing to rise to the occasion, protecting those nearest and dearest to them.
Wow. The Fantastic Four haven’t exactly had the easiest time making it to the big screen. There was the low-budget Roger Corman movie that was never even officially released (though it is available for viewing online in various outlets), a duology of average-level films in the mid-2000s which were overshadowed by other superior superhero entertainment of the day, and of course, the ultra-gloomy dystopian 2015 film that completely missed the point of these characters. With Marvel Studios having finally regained the rights to their “First Family” of superheroes, would these characters finally get the respect that they deserved, or would another box-office bomb be around the cover?
FIRST STEPS is the first movie to ever get THE FANTASTIC FOUR right, understanding these characters, not making things too dark or brooding, retaining the fun lightheartedness and campiness of the original characters, but it somehow manages to do this with the movie never descending into parody. The heroes, the setting, and the tone are all, pardon the choice of words, fantastic. In a day and age where superhero fatigue is all too real, FIRST STEPS is an overdue breath of fresh air.
The look and feel of FIRST STEPS are its greatest strengths. The film is set in a “retro future” world of sorts that feels like something out of THE JETSONS or Tomorrowland at Disneyland. Presumably it’s set in or around the 1960s (but again, this is an alternate universe, not a “period piece.”) The fashions of the era, the retrofuture tech of the movie, and the lighthearted and at times just plain silly and campy tone of the movie make this one a far cry from other productions of the MCU. Did I mention the heroes have a robotic assistant? It brilliantly demonstrates that you can have pure superhero and comic book entertainment without everything having to be dark and brooding. The heroes even appear on a variety show with a host that’s clearly inspired by the likes of Ed Sullivan or Merv Griffin. The production design combined with a great musical score by Michael Giacchino that includes a catchy theme you won’t get out of your head anytime soon brings it all together. I’ve never seen anything quite like FIRST STEPS in the MCU, and I hope this alternate universe isn’t a “one and done.”
Casting is just as impressive. Pedro Pascal is the hardest and most frequently working man in movies today, but that’s not a bad thing. He’s excellent as Reed Richards/Mr. Fantastic, a man who knows science more than emotion, but who finds himself facing a crisis as he both becomes a father and faces insurmountable odds in an inevitable clash against galactic villains. Joseph Quinn of STRANGER THINGS fame is great as the Human Torch, adding some comic relief to balance out the gloomier elements. Villains include the Silver Surfer played by Julie Garner and the devourer of worlds, Galactus, played by Ralph Ineson. An underused Paul Walter Hauser appears as the leader of a subterranean society beneath New York City who was once a foe but has changed his ways. Unsurprisingly, as with most MCU production, the casting is well done.
It’s also good to see that Marvel seems to have gotten back to focusing on individual films more than setting the seeds for later, bigger productions. While there are a few easter eggs and setups for inevitable future team-up movies (don’t miss the mid and post-credits scenes!), FIRST STEPS is great because it’s a standalone work that you won’t have to have seen anything else in the MCU to enjoy. The lack of required “homework assignments” prior to seeing the film is a big plus; the guest I took to this screening had never seen a single Marvel movie before, but was entertained and engaged the whole time. When it’s over, you’ll still want more.
The movie also delivers on the action front, although it does feel a bit rushed at times. I’m pleased the MCU was able to give us a movie that clocks in under the two-hour mark, but at times you’ll wish there was a bit more “breathing room.” The movie is strongest in its first half with the world building aspects and does become slightly more generic when underdeveloped supervillains enter the fray, but thankfully, the movie never loses its heart. This may very well be my favorite MCU movie since Thanos was the “big bad.” Also, many thanks to the filmmakers for not making us sit through the origin story of the characters again, intelligently relegating it to in-universe exposition.
FIRST STEPS does what know other FANTASTIC FOUR movie could ever do: It actually understands these characters, never forgetting its human element, and perhaps most importantly, keeping things FUN. THE FANTASTIC FOUR: FIRST STEPS is sheer entertainment of the best kind. I don’t remember the last time I had this big of a smile on my face watching a movie. This is Marvel’s First Family done right!
Highly recommended!
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