The Fantastic Four: First Steps isn’t quite action packed nor does it have obvious connections to the larger MCU. In fact, it’s a bit of a sneaky origin story presented through a generic talk show before taking off on a sci-fi romp, yet the film is a fun ride for all those reasons.
First Steps centers around a team of four astronauts with a range of skills, from technician and engineer, to pilot, to research and development. The team, led by Reed Richards / Mister Fantastic (Pedro Pascal) and supported by his childhood best friend Ben Grimm / The Thing (Ebon Moss-Bachrach), wife, and brother-in-law, ventured into space and returned to Earth with abilities, immediately becoming both heroes and celebrities. One even takes on politics and advocacy. In present day, a new threat named Galactus (Ralph Ineson) threatens the world, but the team is willing to go to any length to save the planet.
The plot for First Steps is mostly centered around protecting one character, yet what’s most appreciative about this approach is that the films central conflict is solved by the team and their combined intellect, before acted out by their abilities, with a special assist. They are truly one family, and you feel that sense throughout the city as well, which is reminiscent of Phase 1 entries Iron Man and Captain America: The First Avenger.
Though already heavily applauded during the marketing campaign, audiences will definitely enjoy the aesthetic and style of the film, as it’s very consistent and tonally relevant. The retro-futurist style is a commitment that even blends into the IMAX intro, so the approach never feels like a one off. And yet, this could easily be considered a standalone film. Rather than build on nostalgia and cameos, director Matt Shakman and team continually emphasize the bond between the family members and emphasiz how much they are respected and adored, especially by New Yorkers.
The first family works well as a tandem. Though Sue Storm (Vanessa Kirby) is the definitely the foundation and star, everyone else holds their own, not merely when it’s time to be a hero, but when it’s time to be a team player. When prioritizing the heroism, Johnny / Human Torch (Joseph Quinn) is the star, and his world saving antics barely eclipse his work as a pilot and researcher. Audiences haven’t really experienced the power set of the first family in the MCU previously. Though we only see a few examples of the full extent and range of their skills, the abilities are visually interesting.
The villains in the film are fleshed out just enough though there’s not much backstory delivered that’s not through exposition. Their characterization, particularly their innate and allied determination and drive, is a nice touch as opposed to the cliche doppelgänger threat comic adaptations usually rely on. In addition, the villains visually look compelling too, and that goes a long way. Galactus is domineering and detailed, while Shalla-Bal / Silver Surfer (Julia Garner) is somber and sleek. All around, casting is solid.
For a climax, the film continues the MCU pattern of large and grandiose spectacle, with an emphasis on CGI, but the commitment to practical effects throughout the film helps here. Galactus is well designed and intimidating, while the family is seasoned in terms of how they work together, weilding the Fantasti-Car and even calling in H.E.R.B.I.E. (voiced by Matthew Wood). Overall the ending is well done even if short lived.
The film is only hampered by the necessity to fit into the frame of Marvel productions and because of this, the exploration of team’s abilities takes a back seat to solving the conflict. Additionally, audiences learn little about the villains as reference before. Even Harvey Elder/Mole Man (Paul Walter Hauser) deserves more screen time, chewing up the few scenes he has. The pace of the film shifts in the second act as the team struggles to hypothesize solutions, but this is momentary, and the quick pace returns soon enough.
Marvel mainstay in the world of composing, Michael Giacchino, delivers another fun score, blending piano, chorals, and synthesizers. The soundtrack along with the overall aesthetic separates First Steps from other MCU entries. The connective tissue to the larger MCU is subtle up until the post credit scene, which some fans will appreciate. In addition, this film corrects some of the choices made in the 20th Century, then 20th Century Fox, iterations, while also functioning as its own narrative. Beyond the Marvel Studios logo, location on Earth-828, and post credit scene, there are hardly any hints this is the MCU. The potential for blending with other worlds through a future incursion or multiverse event are clear though.
Make sure you stay for 2 post credit scenes. The first, directed by the Russo brothers, directly links to future events mentioned above, while the second is a fun ode to the classic version of the characters. Screenings for First Steps officially begin Thursday afternoon in most markets.
Though Sue Storm (Vanessa Kirby) is the definitely the foundation and star, everyone else holds their own, not merely when it’s time to be a hero, but when it’s time to be a team player.
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Jeffrey W. Peterson is a teacher, critic, and writer. He previously taught English Composition at Spelman College and the University of West Georgia, as well as Language Arts and percussion at metro-Atlanta high schools. He currently teaches at Fusion Academy in Alpharetta, GA, while pursuing a PhD in Moving Image Studies at Georgia State University. He has a BA in English, an MFA in Writing, and in addition to membership in Atlanta Film Critics Circle (AFCC), he’s also a member of the African-American Film Critics Association (AAFCA) and Black Film Critics Circle (BFCC), as well as a Tomatometer-approved critic. Previous work appears in Naija Nerds, The Streamr, Murphy’s Multiverse, and Indie Film Minute.
