The “Fast & Furious” franchise is all about family … and driving cars through massive holes in logic and physics.
“The Fantastic Four: First Steps” takes the baton from that flailing franchise and delivers the first must-see MCU movie in ages.
And, by ages, we mean 2019’s “Avengers: Endgame.”
It’s a smart, sophisticated and fizzy blend of comic book seriousness and relatable drama.
We’ve already seen the Marvel clan’s origin story, so director Matt Shakman (“WandaVision”) adds it to the film’s opening montage. It’s a crash course in all things Fantastic Four, from its pop culture footprint to the key players.
The 1960s setting is glorious. Retro fashions. Old-school TV technology. A score that feels rooted in the past but never stodgy.
Right away, Shakman establishes the film’s tone, comic sensibility and aura. This isn’t another MCU flop sweat affair, desperate to ape past successes with post-production tweaks.
We also watch Reed Richards and Sue Storm (Pedro Pascal, Vanessa Kirby) learn they’re about to become parents after two long years of trying. He’s super smart but awkward, and she’s optimistic and open.
They’re a perfectly imperfect couple with killer chemistry.
And they’ll have to band together when a new threat emerges. A silvery surfer named Shalla Bal (Julia Garner) warns the Earth that the mighty Galactus (Ralph Ineson) has targeted their world for destruction.
Who’s Galactus? He’s a classic Marvel Comics villain who snacks on planets for lunch. Our heroes must find a way to defend their home, prepare for the birth of a remarkable new baby, and, of course, make us forget about those other Fantastic Four films.
Done and done. Phew.
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Let’s start with the quartet in question. Yes, Pascal is overexposed, but he’s also excellent every time he pops up on screen. His Reed Richards isn’t a natural leader, but he’s so smart and inspired that you can’t help but line up behind him.
Kirby’s Invisible Woman isn’t the Girlboss we feared. She’s a Mama Bear who will do anything to protect her child. It’s the most fiercely maternal role since Ripley stood between young Newt and an Alien army.
Sue’s protective nature comes alive in the third act, a fiercely pro-family theme that never feels forced. Earlier in the film, she flexes her invisible powers to let Reed see their developing baby in her womb.
That simple, brief sequence offers a powerful pro-life visual. It’s undeniable.
Ebon Moss-Bachrach gets seconds of screen time in his human form as a pre-transformation Ben Grimm. The rest finds him providing The Thing’s vocals.
His voice is oddly gentle, a complement to the character’s immense size and strength. The sound design team makes Ben Grimm’s every move matter. We can hear rock-on-rock friction, giving the character a sense of gravity and heft.
It’s the kind of small detail that makes “First Steps” matter. And there are dozens here under Shakman’s watchful eye. Think H.E.R.B.I.E., the team’s helpful robot, or the foursome’s appearance on an Ed Sullivan-style show.
Disney knew it had everything riding on this film succeeding, and it shows.
Joseph Quinn gets the most playful assignment as the brash Johnny Storm/Human Torch. He resembles a young Robert Downey, Jr. at times, both in his face and boundless energy.
“The Fantastic Four” could use more action, and some of the major plot beats have a comic book level of explanation. That’s not a compliment.
Even worse? The brief appearance by the Mole Man (Paul Walter Hauser). His screen time fits the evolving story and proves borderline embarrassing. The “Richard Jewell” standout deserves better.
While too many modern films can’t stick the landing, “The Fantastic Four” offers a rousing finale. It helps that the special effects are just that, from Galactus’ stunning size to The Thing’s craggy exterior.
Heck, Galactus is the best MCU villain since Thanos. Ineson makes him menacing in ways few previous villains achieve. His glower alone packs a sense of menace that marries Ineson’s expressions with FX trickery.
A post-credit sequence leaves audiences eager to see what happens next in the MCU saga. When was the last time viewers felt anything close to that?
HiT or Miss: “The Fantastic Four: First Steps” finally gets a key Marvel Comics property right.
Toto, this is a nice review and I appreciate your enthusiasm. That said, I think it is a mistake to disassociate an actor’s public statements from their work. I would not vote for a Democrat because I know that even if they hold a position I agree with, that can not be trusted. Likewise, I will not pay a Liberal Activist pretending to be an Actor for anything.
I have to do that. It’s my job. I can’t penalize Pascal because I find some of his comments cruel/wrong/etc. But movie goers have every right to balk at seeing a movie based on a star’s comments. They earned that response.
I’ve seen a lot of mixed reactions to this movie, similar to Superman (I didn’t see it). I have no plans to see it since Pascal is in it and he apparently hates half of America. Hollywood doesn’t deserve our business as they’ve frequently told us they don’t want it anyway.
Very well said! I plan to see this, but I do not plan to pay for it, which is what I urge everyone to do. The only thing that people in Hollywood really care about is their bank account.
I grew up reading Marvel comics. Avengers Endgame was the last MCU movie I saw, and I didn’t have high expectations for this one. However, I trust your judgment, and I’m looking forward to seeing it. I hope this means the MCU is back on track.
Add “despite Pedro”. Sorry, I don’t watch actors that don’t need my business and he’s “touchy” and “feely” lately in the news. He needs an intervention.