Film: The Fantastic 4: First Steps
Cast: Pedro Pascal, Vanessa Kirby, Joseph Quinn
Directed by: Matt Shakman
Duration: 1 hour 55 minutes
Rating: * * * 1 / 2
The Fantastic 4: First Steps marks the introduction of the Fantastic 4 into the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Their presence has been alluded to previously, most notably in the post-credits scene of Thunderbolts, earlier this year; however, this marks their first full-length film, and they are set to appear again in Avengers: Doomsday, which is scheduled for 2026.
The two Fantastic 4 films in this century Fantastic Four (2005) and Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer (2007) were not particularly well received and there was another film in 2015 but the lesser said the better, about all those films.
This time, however, the filmmakers have managed to get it right. As this is fundamentally a superhero film, the conventional tropes are present, yet there is a genuine and effective effort to weave a cohesive narrative around those tropes. In the end, the film also pays homage to Jack Kirby, who, alongside Stan Lee, created the F4 characters, with the quote: “If you look at my characters, you will find me. No matter what kind of character you create or assume, a little of yourself must remain there.” The filmmakers appear to have taken this to heart, resulting in a film that stands a few levels above others in the genre.
Without delving into extensive backstory, we quickly cut to the chase and are introduced to the Fantastic Four: Dr. Reed “Mr. Fantastic” Richards (Pedro Pascal), a scientist whose expertise lies in stretching, in addition to being an intellectual. He is married to Sue “Invisible Woman” Storm (Vanessa Kirby), who, as her name implies, possesses the ability to make herself invisible. Sue’s brother, Johnny “Human Torch” Storm (Joseph Quinn), and the incredibly strong Ben Grimm, also known as The Thing (Ebon Moss-Bachrach), complete this joyful family – they even share their meals together. One day, it is revealed that Sue is expecting a child, and the entire family is elated. However, since this is a superhero film, an imminent threat must arise, and that is exactly what happens.
Silver Surfer (Julia Garner) arrives to inform the inhabitants of Earth that Galactus has decided to devour the planet. Mr. Fantastic devises a strategy to protect the planet, which involves neutralising Galactus before he can attack.
During the conflict, Sue gives birth to a son who becomes the focal point of the narrative and the subsequent events.
The screenplay adds depth to the characters, portraying them as more than mere superheroes. They confront difficult decisions that challenge their moral compass and the characters’ vulnerabilities elevate them beyond typical superhero tropes.
Fortunately, the film successfully integrates CGI with the storyline, in contrast to recent films that have heavily depended on visual effects. The mid-credit scene teases a new character, although the identity remains unknown.
They maybe baby steps but the Fantastic Four reboot is off to a good start.
