Dir: Matt Shakman
Starring: Pedro Pascal, Vanessa Kirby, Ebon Moss-Bachrach, Joseph Quinn, Julia Garner, and Paul Walter Hauser
1h 55m
From the very beginning of "The Fantastic Four: First Steps," it's assumed that the Marvel audience is familiar with these characters. Much like the recent reboot of DC Comics "Superman", the story of Reed Richards aka Mr. Fantastic (Pedro Pascal), Sue Storm aka The Invisible Girl (Vanessa Kirby), Johnny Storm aka The Human Torch (Joseph Quinn), and Ben Grimm aka The Thing (Ebon Moss-Bachrach) has already established a long history of franchise experience within the superhero movie universe. The story of the Fantastic Four has been told in the 1990s, with a Roger Corman-produced odd yet comical B-movie effort, the 2000s with two films starring Jessica Alba and Chris Evans not as Captain America, and the 2010s with a much maligned production but with a fantastic cast starring Kat Mara, Miles Teller, Jamie Bell, and Michael B. Jordan. Director Matt Shakman wastes no time, curating an ingenious introduction that quickly explains the backstory everyone already knows, the cosmic radiation that made the four humans fantastic, the beloved heroes and public figures they have become, and the announcement of an unexpected pregnancy that Sue announces to Reed that leads them into the pulse of the story with "The Fantastic Four: First Steps". It's one of the best introductions of recent memory of any of the Marvel Cinematic Universe films.
While Reed and Sue prepare for the arrival of their new team/family member, Reed, an ever-critical thinker and problem solver, is concerned about how the cosmic radiation will influence the development of their unborn child. Before Reed can conduct much research, a herald in the form of a silver entity, immediately recognizable to comic book fans as the Silver Surfer (Julia Garner), arrives with a message from an ancient cosmic entity known as Galactus (voiced by Ralph Ineson) concerning Earth's impending destruction. The impulsive Johnny Storm chases the harbinger to the edge of Earth's atmosphere, realizing that the Silver Surfer is much faster and powerful than any foe they have faced to this point. The Fantastic Four devise a plan to venture into space and eliminate the threat, hopefully saving Earth. However, while on their mission and within a planet-destroying spacecraft, the Fantastic Four are offered an exchange for salvation from Galactus, who realizes that the heroes harbor something more desirable than all of planet Earth. In exchange for Earth's salvation, Galactus requires the child of Reed and Sue.
Part of what makes Matt Shakman's film work so well is its emphasis on character and the dynamic that connects their heroic personalities and everyday lives, as they live as abnormal superhumans. Shakman cut his teeth in both theater and episodic television. The process of understanding and building emotional nuance on stage and throughout the run of long-form television helps make these superheroes feel grounded and relatable. Specifically, the connection between Reed Richards and Sue Storm is an impressive credit to actors Pedro Pascal and Vanessa Kirby, who have incredible chemistry throughout the film. As the threat to their family grows greater, with numerous failed attempts at saving Earth, the anxiety and fear displayed both individually and as a couple is a highlight of the film. Pascal, whose characterization of Reed Richards is cold and calculated, and unknowingly, at times, insensitive. At the same time, Kirby is protective, empathetic, and ready to act at a moment's notice for those she loves. Add strong supportive roles from Joseph Quinn as Johnny Storm, an impatient yet wholeheartedly supportive sibling, and Ebon Moss-Bachrach as Ben Grimm, the steadfast supportive rock of the entire team and film.
The design of "Earth 828" in "First Steps" is enjoyable. With a vintage-inspired aesthetic that draws design qualities from various eras, including the 1950s and 1960s, yet incorporates technology-enhanced materials, the film's world is creative in nearly every scene. The addition of robot helper H.E.R.B.I.E., who makes pasta, assists with daily chores, and helps drive the spacecraft out of danger in a tense scene, is a charming addition to the environment.
While much of "The Fantastic Four: First Steps" works, with an excellent cast and impeccable design, unfortunately, the story lacks the sustaining power to reach a satisfying conclusion. The emotional stakes involving the jeopardy of Earth in exchange for Reed and Sue's baby never seem very threatening, especially within the realms of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. And Galactus, a giant that glides through New York City with reckless abandonment, rarely seems like much of a threat even when the cosmic entity stomps and swipes away the Fantastic Four's aggressive attacks. You can sense early in the film that the Fantastic Four will be around for a while, that they will serve a greater purpose than anything that could happen in this film.
"The Fantastic Four: First Steps" succeeds due to its attention to character development, featuring standout performances from the core Four, and its phenomenal production design that sets it apart from other Marvel Cinematic Universe films. While it very obviously feels like a setup for future Marvel phases, it's still an enjoyable adventure that hopefully influences the creative decisions of the movies that will follow.
Monte's Rating
3.50 out of 5.00
