Film Review: The Fantastic Four: First Steps

A lot of superheroes have been adapted for the big screen with some more than others. Batman and Spider-Man come to mind, in terms of “reboots” anyway. The X-Men are soon to be rebooted too, but for the third time, or fourth depending how you see it, we have the Fantastic Four rebooted. Back in 2005 the superhero genre was at its inception with Spider-Man, Batman Begins and X-Men 2 all proving the genre is very lucrative. The Fantastic Four debuted onto the big screen and the campiness and cheesiness came with it. With a lot of heart and humour, Marvel’s first family had a blockbuster entrance, with a sequel soon following. The sequel adapted two very key characters in the comic book history of the Fantastic Four with Galactus and Silver Surfer. The result was very middling. Taking this into consideration, let’s talk about how Marvel Studios has decided to adapt these characters.

Very wisely, The Fantastic Four: First Steps takes place in a different universe and continuity from the main Marvel Cinematic Universe. This Earth is dubbed Earth-828, which is a lovely easter egg for fans of the comics. In this universe the Fantastic Four are already established as the only superheroes on this version of Earth. They reside in New York City and they have launched the Future Foundation, a very high-tech 1960s inspired design of science in the modern age. With robots such as H.E.R.B.I.E. and even a Fantasticar as well in tow, there is so much that brings this world to life in ways other worlds haven’t before.

The core story revolves around the iconic four. Pedro Pascal is Reed Richards, Ebon Moss-Bachrach is Ben Grimm, Joseph Quinn is Johnny Storm and Vanessa Kirby is Sue Richards. Sue and Reed are married and are expecting a child. They are soon visited by a herald of Galactus, a being so ancient and benevolent that he feeds off of planets. The herald is the Silver Surfer, played by Julia Garner. Ralph Ineson plays Galactus and this version of the villain is very God-like and intimidating, proving him to be a proper threat. The Fantastic Four attempt to stop Galactus from feeding on Earth.

I will avoid going into spoilers, but there is a key plot point that drives the film and that plot point holds the heart of the film as well. Vanessa Kirby is a stand-out on an already impressive cast. She really holds her own and carries the weight of the film. Saying that the chemistry between Ben and Johnny is also a highlight, providing some much-needed light-heartedness during some serious parts of the film. The visual effects are stunning and you really believe this world exists with these characters. One chase sequence involving the Silver Surfer evokes some stunning imagery that just adds to the spectacle of the film.

Scope and spectacle are two key factors that drive the film. By already establishing the relationships and the world of this Fantastic Four at the start we really get to know the characters and dive into who they are. The film is grounded but also a big blockbuster feast as well. It is great to see Marvel take some bold risks with this film and the result is quite possibly the best version of the Fantastic Four committed to screen yet.

★★★★★

5/5

Final Verdict:

The Fantastic Four: First Steps goes above and beyond to create a story that encapsulates the theme of family perfectly. It is refreshing to see a completely new take on these characters which inhabit a world adjacent to what we’ve seen before within the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The cast is phenomenal with Ralph Ineson providing a great performance as Galactus and the key Four members all having key roles in the film. No character is wasted and no story beat is missed. What you’re left with is a fantastic superhero film that others can inspire to.

Thanks for reading today’s blog!

Alex Murray, the Head of Eyesight Productions