Will the Fantastic Four Save Us? Should the Fantastic Four Save Us?

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The standout aspect of Marvel’s latest Fantastic Four film lies in its blend of futuristic and retro aesthetics, evident in both its visual style and overall atmosphere. The spaceship-like structures, rounded contours, robotic helpers, and jet cars featured in the vibrant “Fantastic Four: First Steps” are not merely stylistic details; they embody a carefree utopian spirit woven into the narrative. In this universe, when a scientist calls for immediate energy conservation, it’s met with compliance. In this universe, humanity swiftly unites against existential perils. In this universe, space exploration has never ceased to progress. Set in “Earth-828,” the setting instead resembles an idealized vision of the 1960s devoid of its real-world challenges (and definitely absent any problems we face today). Both political ideologies might find appeal here; some spectators may even confuse it for actual reality.

When you encounter them, the Fantastic Four have already established themselves as a revered powerhouse in this world; a family of astronauts whose genetic makeup was transformed four years ago by a cosmic storm that granted them superpowers, they now function as benevolent dictator-guardians for a planet seemingly devoid of discord and conflict. From children to construction workers, police officers, firefighters, ice-cream vendors, everyone pays tribute to them. The political arena and self-serving businesspeople who often clash with the X-Men or Superman have disappeared. Diplomats hang on their every utterance. When the Silver Surfer (Julia Garner) swoops into Times Square to announce that Earth has been targeted for absorption by the planet-devouring pre–Planck epoch deity Galactus (Ralph Ineson), it is our superhumans whom the world turns to, seeking their intervention and exploration of the situation beyond our atmosphere.

In the previously mentioned agreement, a slight wrinkle emerges when Galactus proposes sparing Earth if Reed Richards/Mr. Fantastic’s (Pedro Pascal) and Sue Storm’s (Vanessa Kirby) soon-to-be-born son is handed over to him instead. Predictably, the parents decline, causing distress among Earth’s inhabitants upon their return. However, don’t expect an in-depth examination of the classic ethical dilemma known as the trolley problem, for it serves more as a passing mention and the predicament quickly resolves itself when Mr. Fantastic reassures humanity that the Fantastic Four will safeguard them instead. Unfortunately, even with intriguing concepts brewing in its unique setting of tulip chairs and tiki bars, First Steps shies away from delving deeper into these thought-provoking ideas.

The movie shows remarkable restraint when it comes to its characters, and it offers gentle, understated moments of intimacy between actors like Pascal and Kirby, which is quite rare in films of this genre. Pascal portrays an intensely anxious scientist with a calm demeanor and expressive eyes that beg for understanding. His character’s constant calculation of potential disasters surrounding his new child adds depth to the role. Additionally, Richard’s concern extends beyond just his family, as he creates an intricate network to watch over every criminal group in New York City. A line that drew a laugh from me was when someone asked, “You babyproofed the world?

In these action sequences, it appears that some actors struggle with their roles, as if they’re unsure or not completely comfortable with the arm waving and superhero antics; their expressions rarely align with the stunts they’re performing. However, Ebon Moss-Bachrach, who seems perfectly cast for the operatic grandeur of a superhero film, portrays The Thing. This means we primarily hear his voice, hidden under layers of CGI and motion capture. The physicality of such an energetic actor could have significantly enhanced this movie.

I must admit, it’s refreshing to see the action sequences in “First Steps” skillfully executed, a stark contrast to the monotonous action we’ve seen in recent Marvel productions. Director Matt Shakman seems to be on a mission to merge the outrageously improbable elements of superhero movies with a genuine passion for cosmic exploration. The blend isn’t always seamless, but it does result in some endearing moments. This is a film where our protagonists navigate through a wormhole, reminiscent of “Interstellar,” while others effortlessly glide across the cosmos on a surfboard. Quite an intriguing mix!

However, it must be noted that despite Galactus’s awe-inspiring galactic appearance, complete with towering horns, a booming voice, and a colossal ship seemingly drilling through planets (all beautifully portrayed with impressive special effects that seem incredibly grand on an IMAX screen), we can’t help but anticipate how our heroes will vanquish this behemoth. Yet what follows feels somewhat underwhelming and anticlimactic, lacking the intellectual ingenuity or epic scale needed to measure up to the magnitude of the danger introduced earlier. This could be due to the fact that the overarching superhero narrative demands that nothing is ever permanently defeated or resolved, with each film merely serving as a handoff to the next.

We find ourselves immersed in a universe straight out of Marvel comics, thanks to the studio’s significant investment and dedication over the past decade-plus that has significantly impacted the film industry. The precarious state of Marvel Studios at times seems like a potential danger to the whole medium. Upon rewatching Captain America: Brave New World from this month, I was struck by how uninspiring and lackluster it felt. When it first came out, I didn’t enjoy it much, but now I wonder if my initial review might have been too lenient. Even the most skeptical critic can’t help but feel a sense of unease about what will occur when the superhero genre eventually faces its demise.

In that particular scenario, the film titled “Fantastic Four: First Steps” seems more like a momentary respite. It’s quite inconsistent, but it’s also enjoyable due to its lack of complex backstory and excessive lore; there’s no need for prior or subsequent reading material. By placing the story in a semi-fictional past, it avoids the burden of typical Marvel movie baggage, especially at this point in Phase Five or beyond. However, this state is unlikely to persist. The Fantastic Four are promised to reappear in the upcoming “Avengers: Doomsday“, which will undoubtedly involve some time-travel shenanigans. For now, we can appreciate this movie’s vintage, retro aesthetic without worrying too much about other details, trusting that studio executives, like our beloved superheroes, are looking out for our best interests.

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2025-07-22 19:54