I have said for many, many years that Marvel should make a Fantastic Four movie set in the 1960s, really play off the look and feel of the original comic book, which was released during that time. It can also allow the concept of them being the world’s first real superheroes. Thankfully, Marvel Studios has finally decided to do almost exactly that, thanks to director Matt Shakman (WANDAVISION) at the helm. The new movie THE FANTASTIC FOUR: FIRST STEPS is actually set on an alternate Earth (called Earth 828), which has a very 1960s aesthetic in both clothing and design, even with its advertising and media, but also very advanced technology. This is the “world of the future” you used to see at The World’s Fair in the 1960s, a vision of what could be if we held on to what already is (or rather was).

Not unlike the other big comic book movie of the summer (SUPERMAN), this movie depicts a world in which The Fantastic Four already exist and have been saving the planet for years now. We get a brief recap of their origin by way of an Ed Sullivan-style TV show, but the film wastes no time going over what most fans already know quite well. Four scientists went up in a rocket, got exposed to cosmic rays, and it changed them in profound ways. They now use their unexpected gifts to protect people, and fight eccentric villains who hope to do harm. Reed Richards (Pedro Pascal) and his wife Susan Storm (Vanessa Kirby) find out they’re going to have a baby. While Sue is excited, Reed is concerned if he’ll be “different”, and what their physiology could mean for him. Reed’s friend Ben Grimm aka the rock-skinned Thing (Eben Moss-Bachrach) and Susan’s brother Johnny Storm aka The Human Torch (Joseph Quinn) are excited at the news, but as Sue gets close to time for delivery, their lives are turned upside down when a mysterious silver Herald arrives on a cosmic surfboard in the sky (Julia Garner) informing them that their world has been marked for death by a planet-eating cosmic being called Galactus. Promising to protect their planet, the team decides to take on an ambitious mission to travel through space to confront Galactus (voiced by Ralph Ineson), who informs them the only way Earth will be spared is if they give up their child – Galactus informs them the child has cosmic powers, and is the only one who can take his place and release him from his burden. Needless to say, they refuse and just barely escape, but now they have to figure out what to do before Galactus makes his way to their planet.

THE FANTASTIC FOUR: FIRST STEPS is a big movie that feels big and looks amazing, you really get the sense you’re seeing something special. There are visual and cinematic elements that evoke influence from filmmakers like Stanley Kubrick, Christopher Nolan, and even a little Martin Scorsese. Director Matt Shakman has crafted something here that doesn’t feel like just another Marvel movie, it’s a level up in quality and presentation that shows genuine growth and bold effort. While there are certainly superhero elements on display, this is more of a Science Fiction epic that is a sincere and thoughtful throwback to some of the best and most memorable genre films of the past. It’s grand, it’s powerful and has a lot of heart, and serves as a refreshing new take for Marvel’s next phase of films.

The cast is all really solid, far overcoming some of the online criticism hurled at this movie leading up to release. While some may feel Pedro Pascal is a bit overexposed, his portrayal of Reed Richards/Mr. Fantastic is competent and effective, and by the end feel like a natural fit. Vanessa Kirby as Sue Storm/The Invisible Woman is exceptional, this is a star-making performance and she’s perfect for the character, a revelation in a movie where everyone is pretty great. Joseph Quinn is a welcome surprise as Johnny Storm/The Human Torch, who is given considerably more to do here than previous Fantastic Four movie efforts, and makes Johnny a more wholesome character you can relate to. Ebon Moss-Bachrach as Ben Grimm/Thing got a lot of criticism online for his voice “not being right for the character”, but it works incredibly well in the film, and he’s an inspired choice for the role. There’s a few scenes where he’s having heartfelt conversations with other characters, and his voice is what makes those scenes shine. One of the biggest surprises is Julia Garner as Shalla-Bal, the Silver Surfer of this universe. There was a lot of vitriol toward the film for the filmmakers. But she is really effective in this role and they do a phenomenal job with her character, to where I have a feeling all those online whiners are about to shut up, big time. I also have to give a loving nod to Ralph Ineson as Galactus, providing an imposing voice to the villainous behemoth, and helping create a truly terrifying threat for our heroes. Paul Walter Hauser shows up briefly as Mole Man, but the film doesn’t linger on him much, as he is one of many villains the team faces off with on an apparently regular basis, and we learn the city is filled with recurring annoyances for them.

I love this new trend of “lived in” universe storytelling, particularly with characters we know quite well already. SUPERMAN handled it nicely, and THE FANTASTIC FOUR: FIRST STEPS shows it can be done almost seamlessly to where the story can move forward without getting bogged down in exposition for each character, especially when in some cases it just feels repetitive. Shakman brought a strong sense of storytelling and engaging character moments to WANDAVISION, this movie proves he still knows what he’s doing. Every element here feels well thought-out and carefully considered. Even the bombastic music score by the great Michael Giacchino elevates every scene it occupies, and reminds us how powerful movie music can be when used properly. Our IMAX screening even utilized a specialized opening with Michael’s music booming along, effectively getting the theater excited and energetic for what would lay ahead. I’m hesitant to oversell the film, but I can honestly say THE FANTASTIC FOUR: FIRST STEPS is easily one of the very best movies Marvel Studios has done to date, and bodes well for the future of the company. Be sure to stick around for a mid-credit stinger (which is important for future events), and a post-credit stinger (which is just plain fun).

Be Sociable, Share!

• 
•