Marvels' first family have finally joined the MCU. Watching Matt Shakman's The Fantastic Four: First Steps is like watching 2008's Iron Man for the first time. It is the start of something great, instantly iconic. Not only is the film a refreshing addition to the MCU, its unique style and compact nature make it one of the most memorable superhero movies of recent years. I am extremely excited about this film. Read on for my full review, where I explore exactly why I think Fantastic Four: First Steps is such a standout film. Minor Spoilers ahead.
Catch up on my Thunderbolts review here: Thunderbolts Review
Fantastic Four: First Steps is compact, with a run time of only 1 hour and 24 minutes. Shakman makes the most of this time, not a moment wasted. And yet the film still breathes, there are gaps between the action. With time spent on building real connections between Reed (Pedro Pascal), Sue (Vanessa Kirby), Ben (Ebon Moss-Bachrach) and Johnny (Joseph Quinn), to the point where it feels like you are truly watching a real family. The compact nature also saves the film from wasting time on side quests, secondary storylines and crazy additions in the second or third acts. It very much keeps the Marvel formula whilst feeling fresh. Which makes the film a joy to watch.
Narrative wise, we have fast tracked the origin story. Taking place four years after the family's life altering trip to space, we join the Fantastic Four at a time of change. With Reed and Sue embarking on the adventure of parenthood. But the film gives an opening montage of everything that happened from the moment they left Earth-828 to the present time. Establishing the Fantastic four as Earth's protectors, peacekeepers and celebrities (Although very grounded celebrities). Domestic mundane life for these four includes regular threats, but it would seem the upcoming birth of Franklin is their biggest challenge yet. That is until the chilling Silver Surfer (Julia Garner) arrives and announces the upcoming arrival of Galactus (Ralph Ineson). It's a well-balanced narrative, that leaves you wanting more content.
Visually, Fantastic Fours is a perfect showcase of Matt Shakmans artistic style. Taking obvious inspiration from Stanley Kubrick's films and 1950s talk shows, Shakman, cinematographer Jess Hall and the production team bring a retro 1950s world to life with a futuristic style. The use of physical sets, props and models - including a 14-foot model spaceship, shine through on the screen. With comic book elements perfectly incorporated such as H.E.R.B.I.E (Voiced by Matthew Wood) and the Fantasticar add depth, it's no wonder the film feels so authentic. There is a real authenticity to the film, perfectly hitting the balance between physical and practical effects. Bringing to life stylised retro worlds is becoming Shakman's Marvel calling card, he did it perfectly in WandaVision and he takes it further in Fantastic Four: First Steps. A truly captivating, visual feast that's totally immersive.
On to casting and characters. Sue Storm, played by Vanessa Kirby is the standout lead of the movie. Fully embracing her status as the most powerful of the four. The sexist restraints that have come into play in previous iterations of this character have been well and truly obliterated by Kirby's Sue. It was so refreshing to watch, and she joins Wanda as one of my all-time favourite MCU characters. The other character breaking away from the bindings built by previous characterisation is Joseph Quinn's Johnny Storm. No longer is he the dumb playboy of the team, only there because he's Sue's younger brother. Johnny keeps his humour and youth, but Quinn also portrays the intelligent and heroic sides of his character perfectly. Ebon Moss-Bachrach perfectly brings Ben Grimm to life, there is no self-pity in sight, instead he is emotionally mature and a great believer in family. I had my reservations about Pedro Pascals casting as Reed Richards, but I needn't have been concerned. Pascal places a focus on Reed's intelligence whilst keeping him humble and self-aware of his limitations. His ability to stretch is secondary. Julia Garner delivers a chillingly perfect performance as the Silver Surfer and her scenes shared with Ralph Ineson's Galactus are as interesting to watch as their dynamic.
Overall, Fantastic Four: First Steps is a fantastic film (and that line is about the only cheesy thing about the film). It has the usual Marvel narrative structure and laughs, but is surprising in its visuals, compact nature, fantastic casting and narrative which manages to create emotional connections. This is the best film Marvel have created since the end of the Infinity Saga. The reset button has been well and truly set, the bar raised. Fantastic Four: First Steps is instantly iconic!
Let me know your thoughts in the comments.
Thank you for reading.
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