THE FANTASTIC FOUR: FIRST STEPS

 

The Marvel Cinematic Universe finally embarks on a journey with its first family in The Fantastic Four: First Steps, an exciting adventure that proves a good beginning for Marvel’s Phase Six. 

It’s the 1960s, and Reed Richards, Mr. Fantastic (Pablo Pascal), his wife Sue Storm, The Invisible Girl (Vanessa Kirby), her brother Johnny Storm, The Human Torch (Joseph Quinn), and Ben Grimm, the Thing (Ebon Moss-Bachrach), have been guardians of Earth 828 for years. Headquartered in The Baxter Building, they are international celebrities. When Sue becomes pregnant, the team wonders if baby Franklin will have powers, too. Meanwhile, a visitor from space, the Silver Surfer, announces an immensely powerful being, Galactus, a destroyer of planets, is coming. As the team tries to find a way to prevent certain destruction of their planet, Franklin may prove to be key to everyone’s survival and a possible glimpse into the future.

Without retreading super hero origins (like this year’s Superman), director Matt Shakman (WandaVision) focuses on ‘family’ dynamics front and center, and this allows the film to work as well as it does especially in the exciting, emotional climax. There are also brief scenes of a ‘who’s who of villains’ from the comic book canon like The Mole Man that fans will appreciate (and connective DNA with The Incredibles).  Visually dazzling especially in IMAX, the art direction and set designs of the retro, period recreations are outstanding as is Michael Giacchino’s memorable score.

Though not perfect, it’s far better than previous versions of The Fantastic Four (after years of being owned by another studio).  This film and The Thunderbolts are putting Marvel on the right trajectory for its upcoming projects especially Avengers: Doomsday.  The future remains bright for Marvel. “Excelsior!”  (There are two end credit scenes.)

**** of ***** stars (for FF fans)

A Spirited SUPERMAN

 

Director/writer James Gunn (Guardians of the Galaxy) is charged with reviving the DC Comics Universe, and the first building block is Superman, a reimagined and energized Man of Steel.

In Metropolis, Superman (David Corenswet) is a hero who meets his match with a mysterious, powerful villain with ties to Lex Luthor (Nicholas Hoult) who has plotted to not only defeat Superman but turn the world against him. With support (via his alter ego Clark Kent) at The Daily Planet including Lois Lane (Rachel Brosnahan) and some meta friends, he finds himself against overwhelming forces and begins to question his purpose on Earth.  Just when events appear hopeless, help comes from unlikely sources. Will it be enough to turn the tide against Luthor’s machinations?

Without delving into an origin story, the film jumps into its story with a fresh spontaneity that humanizes a fallible Superman (as he takes a beating at times).  Displaying equal parts of humor and action, it verges on being everything it aspires to be, and though it isn’t perfect, give Gunn credit for opening up the narrative to make his super hero unique and vulnerable.  Corenswet makes an ideal Superman, and his chemistry with Brosnahan is palpable.  Furthermore, the introduction of super dog, Krypto, is a winner!

There are the familiar tropes (The Fortress of Solitude), legacy characters (Jimmy Olsen), and additions like Mr. Terrific and the Justice Gang in this world building.  With echoes of John Williams’ iconic theme, there are a couple of fun cameos and surprises, and while it compares favorably with the 1978 version, it won’t displace Christopher Reeve’s definitive Superman.  Still, if this is an example of Gunn’s vision for DC Comics, then the franchise is in good hands. (There are two minor post credit scenes.)

**** of  ***** stars (especially for Krypto fans)

High Octane Energy in F1

 

Director Joseph Kosinski (Top Gun: Maverick) updates Formula 1 racing for a modern audience in F1, a high powered action drama that propels Brad Pitt to the top of the summer films.

Sonny Hayes (Pitt), a racing veteran, is tabbed by an old friend (Javier Bardem) to mentor his racing team’s hotshot rookie, Joshua (Damson Idris).  The team’s status is on the brink unless they perform markedly better in an upcoming series of races which crisscross the globe. Sonny’s experience and unconventional tactics prove challenging especially to Joshua and the team leader, Kate (Kerry Condon).  While the team scrambles to improve its standings, unforeseen events and the risk of deadly crashes threaten to derail everything as Sonny and Joshua push their cars and themselves to the absolute limit.  It all leads to a rousing finish where every precious, split second counts.

Essentially an old fashioned racing drama, Kosinski injects this film with beautiful cinematography, rapid editing, and a pulsating soundtrack; it’s a race car film on steroids. Even for those unfamiliar with this fascinating world of Grand Prix will be caught up in the narrative energy and pick up the technical aspects including the grueling mental and physical preparations.  With a prevailing theme about personal and professional redemption, the plot is the standard older pro clashing with newer, young talent.

The solid cast is led by Pitt in a great role as the underdog who lives for the competition and who espouses, “It’s not about the money.”  Condon lends good support as a savvy, technical expert whose interactions with Pitt may or may not hint at romance.  Best experienced in IMAX, this exciting film, though a tad long at 156 minutes, delivers the goods in thrilling fashion. 

**** of  ***** stars (for Pitt and racing fans)