It’s safe to say that deep down, most of us were quite nervous when a new Fantastic Four film was announced by Kevin Feige at a Hall H panel years ago. Given how the past installments were mildly received, it seemed something was missing that prevented them from being successful. Many fans still praise how much they enjoyed the Chris Evans and Jessica Alba-led films, claiming they aren’t sure why it gets so much hate.
However, audiences are in agreement that the Michael B. Jordan and Miles Teller film was a disappointment, despite featuring a now highly successful cast. I say all this to say that, given this is the third attempt at bringing Marvel’s First Family to the big screen (and welcoming them into the MCU), it almost felt like this had no choice but to work or else face never touching the franchise ever again.
Director Did His Thing
But not only did Matt Shakman’s 1960s-inspired Fantastic Four: First Steps flat out DELIVER in every single category, it is one of the best films in the entire MCU in every form of the meaning. Its flawless execution makes it an exhilarating experience from beginning to end through space and time. It’s a masterpiece we deserve, as it’s easily one of the best films of the year in the grooviest way.
When breaking down a movie, there are several aspects that one should dissect, and I personally always start with the chemistry between the cast members. Vanessa Kirby and Pedro Pascal have such a beautiful bond that depicts them as a loving couple and great teammates. What stood out was how there was no need for subtle intimate moments to show how much love there was between them. It was felt with the way they look at each other and admire one another’s strength and intelligence. Kirby as Sue Storm is truly the heart of the film as she delivers a deep and vulnerable monologue centered around family that really hits you in the feels. Pascal is the perfect Mister Fantastic in the way the dialogue truly tapped into his high IQ and scientific genius, rather than solely his stretching abilities. That’s one of the highlights of First Steps: while they possess superpowers, the movie makes you fall in love with them individually as people.
Shakman showed a keen sense of detail when it came to storytelling. Each character had their own arc worthy of our attention. This film is meant to guide us straight to what we can anticipate for Avengers: Doomsday, and it does a fantastic (haha) job of doing just that. The visuals are in a league of their own as they remind you of a perfect mingling of Interstellar and Guardians of the Galaxy. There are some gorgeous shots that truly leave you in awe, one in particular shows a beam of sunlight extending between Sue and Pedro that was magnificent.
Joseph Quinn is the ideal Johnny Storm with the perfect combination of wit, charm, and compassion for his sister, Sue. He was one of the standouts for me, with his moments with Julia Garner’s Silver Surfer being some of the best in the film. I personally love Ebon Moss-Bachrach, and his voice was a good fit for Ben Grimm, but with Pascal, Kirby, Quinn, and Garner all forces to be reconed with, he didn’t bring much to the table – but that’s okay, because he was still a great fit for the role. It was nice to finally get a full-blown Galactus after being teased a few times in the past.
Fantastic Four: First Steps was a solid introduction of the team into the MCU that required no homework and truly stands on its own. One can only be influenced to be wildly excited for the future of Marvel now that they finally have a team that will continue on and mingle with other characters, setting out imaginations ablaze at the thought of what comic book events we could see occur. Well done, Shakman and team, well done. And thank you because we really needed this.
Fantastic Four: First Steps hits theaters this Friday!