The Fantastic Four: First Steps Review
So when it was first announced that this adaption of the Fantastic Four would take place in an alternate universe within the MCU I was very skeptical on how it would work. After watching the film not only do I think that having it set in another universe was helps stand on it's own but it also gives the director (Matt Shakman) more creative freedom. Thunderbolts was a step in the right place to get the MCU back on track and after fans see this I think they will be excited to see new fresh stories or even more Marvel films that feel like comic books like this.
The futuristic vibes that this movie gives off is excellent. Not only did this film feel like you were reading the classic 60's F4 comics but it also felt like you were watching an episode of The Jetsons. One thing that this interpretation of the Fantastic Four does better than the 2000's is how they display the love and admiration from the people of NY.
Pedro Pascal has had three films this year: Materialists, Eddington and now he's dawning the hero costume as Mister Fantastic. I’ve been watching the press tour of the cast and Pedro Pascal/Vanessa Kirby have excellent chemistry together and it shows on screen just as much as off screen. This is possibly the best portrayal of Reed/Sue's relationship. For people that say that, “Pedro Pascal plays himself” I would respectfully disagree with that take because just like his three costars he completely transforms into his character.
As Sue Storm, Vanessa Kirby is excellent at being this kind-hearted, mother/sister/wife whose willing to do anything to protect her loved ones.
Ben Grimm/The Thing and Johnny Storm/Human Torch are the comedic relief of the film and I expected nothing less considering these two always butt heads. What I wasn't expecting was how the comedic stuff didn't feel cringe or forced like recent Marvel films over the years. There actually wasn't that many times I laughed throughout the film. I consider that a great thing because The Thing and Human Torch get to show they are much more than comic relief.
We all know that The Thing is a gentle giant that loves kids and has a heart of gold despite his tough exterior. He has a love interest in the film that isn’t really explored that much, unfortunately. As far as Johnny he was actually the standout for me within the family. Without spoiling anything he has one of my favorite scenes in the film that shows that he's much more than an airhead.
Julia Garner as Silver Surfer was a complete badass. Her presence is just so captivating that she immediately grabs your attention before she even says anything. She has absolutely one of the most tragic stories in comics and you definitely feel the lost and the hurt that she has experience.
Finally, Galactus looks like the, “eater of planets” that he is known as and I couldn't be anymore happier. Galactus is absolutely terrifying and is probably one of the best villains in the MCU since Namour. The final confrontation between Fantastic Four and Galactus not only displays his intelligence but that Galactus is no ordinary being that can be taken down so easily. My favorite villains in film are the ones where you’re not sure if the heroes can make it out alive or not.
Overall, I can’t even remember the last time I had this much fun from a Marvel film. The pacing, family dynamic, the score, costume design, production design and even the CGI are all incredible. There are a couple of times where the CGI looks a little off but it's still one of the best Marvel films post-Endgame and the best Fantastic Four film we’ve gotten yet. While, there isn't a lot of action sequences in this film it doesn't have to be because it makes you feel like you're watching a family drama. Several times throughout the film I actually forgot I was watching a comic book film and I can’t remember the last time a Marvel/DC film made me feel that way.
Star Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️½
