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)