Fantastic Four: First Steps marks a triumphant return for Marvel reboots. It’s basically a film that reminds us superhero stories that don’t need massive crossover arcs to be silly, and satisfying
There was a time when Marvel Studios was able to conjure billion-dollar blockbusters from its most unlikely characters.
Now, post-Endgame, it seems more like a magician who’s misplaced the magic and even accuses the audience of not clapping hard enough.
After years of meaningless sequels, and forgettable streaming content in multiversal confusion, Marvel finally offers a breath of fresh air. Fantastic Four: First Steps isn’t a genre breakthrough. It basically reminds us that superhero movies can still be a great time.
In the hands of WandaVision director Matt Shakman, the Fantastic Four return in a playful, retro-futurist and take set in a parallel 1960s New York. It’s where the Cold War brews in the background, the Baxter Building glows like a sci-fi monument, and their signature suits resemble blue pajamas.
With Vanessa Kirby as Sue, Pedro Pascal as Reed, Joseph Quinn bringing heat as Johnny, and Ebon Moss-Bachrach as the gruff but endearing Ben Grimm, the entire cast shines.
Thankfully, the film skips the played-out origin tale and jumps straight into the action, trusting the audience’s existing knowledge. Finally, a smart move by all counts.
By the time the audience meets them, the Fantastic Four are already celebrities. They tend to appear on variety shows and battling over-the-top foes like Mole Man (Paul Walter Hauser). Though the Super-Apes get only a mention, their world is fully realized in the stylish Baxter Building, which simply feels like The Jetsons crossed with Mad Men.
Against all odds, Sue is pregnant. It’s no less than a miracle coming true, especially after considering the team’s cosmic-ray-altered biology.
Reed reacts with scientific concern, questioning what kind of extraordinary abilities their child might possess. Ben, ever the soulful brute, seeks a spark with Rachel, a schoolteacher played by Natasha Lyonne who might just look past his rocky form.
The Good
Well, you might be wondering about the biggest asset of the film which is none other than its tone. Director Mark fully commits to its whimsy and warmth, departing from Marvel’s usual fare of cosmic stakes and convoluted timelines. The alternate 1960s setting bursts with life, think neon glow, and Herbie, a multitasking robot butler who’s also in charge of the kids.
The Bad
In the end, there’s a giant fight at the end. And yes, buildings collapse like dominoes. It looks like Marvel still hasn’t quite figured out how to land a story without dropping a city from above.
Also Read: Air Bud Returns Officially Announced: Full Details On Release Date, Cast & Plot
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Manoj Patel is a senior video journalist who has a degree in Mass Communication. He has a rich experience in editing videos and writing stories on different platforms.
