Since 2008, the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) has produced 36 (!) films, bringing us some iconic cinematic moments and elevating their legendary superheroes into a new level of pop culture. But, as a good friend of Reel Speak has often said, Marvel may not have played their best hand yet. And that hand starts with THE FANTASTIC FOUR: FIRST STEPS.
On another Earth, in another universe, The Fantastic Four; Reed Richards (Pedro Pascal), along with his wife Sue Storm Richards (Vanessa Kirby), her brother Johnny Storm (Joseph Quinn), and their best friend Ben Grimm (Ebon Moss-Bachrach), are the protectors of humankind. When a planet-devouring entity, Galactus (Ralph Ineson), threatens the Earth, the F4 travel into space to face him…
Directed by Matt Shakman and serving as the Fantastic Four’s first film in the MCU, FIRST STEPS does what Marvel does best: a team of super-powered individuals coming together to stop a planet-ending threat. What makes it different this time are several clever choices. First, despite the title of the film, this is no origin story. The setting of an alternate universe allows the team to be assembled at the film’s beginning. Although the backstory for the team is given, there is no waiting around for them to suit up and get to work.
Second, despite the galactic threat and eventual devastation, this FANTASTIC FOUR film has a strong emphasis on family. This team is a family by blood, and Reed and Sue’s newborn baby plays into Galactus’ plans. Familiar, down-to-earth elements such as new parents figuring things out, proud uncles, and guys trying to figure out car seats…all give the film a familiar feel that really works. The heart and emotion behind it makes this 37th MCU flick feel new.
Once the action and fun starts, FIRST STEPS delivers in that special MCU way. The fights and tension building are teriffic, and each character’s powers used very well. The design is outstanding; a futuristic 1960’s world that looks like it fell out of a sci-fi pulp comic. Visual effects are excellent; Ben Grimm’s The Thing is stunning to look at.
Acting is great all around. Pedro Pascal and Vanessa Kirby have great chemistry and we buy into their relationship in the first few minutes. Joseph Quinn and Ebon Moss-Bachrach are a blast. Julia Garner flies in as a version of the Silver Surfer and is fascinating. Ralph Ineson is perfectly cast as Galactus.
After 17 years of superhero adventures, it’s easy to say that Marvel has done it all. FIRST STEPS brings something new to the table with an emphasis on family, and it speaks to every mom, dad, uncle, and best friend that we are and that we know. That gives it a very special identity, and judging by the traditional mid-credits scene…that best hand is ready to be played.
BOTTOM LINE: See it
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