Fantastic Four: First Steps - A Refreshing Bore

A New Direction for Marvel

In "The Fantastic Four: First Steps," the core team of superheroes is not the most exciting, but in a way that works well for this grounded story of heroism and sacrifice. The film is scaled appropriately, offering a more intimate experience compared to the flashy special effects seen in previous Marvel movies. This approach is refreshing, especially after the high of 2019's "Avengers: Endgame." It feels like a palate cleanser, a reset on the bloated superhero films that have come after that peak.

The movie doesn't feel like a chore or an assignment; it's a self-contained ride that might not be as fantastic as some might hope, but it fits the current moment perfectly. The film focuses on the characters, making their motivations clear and their stakes tangible.

The Core Team

Reed Richards, played by Pedro Pascal, leads the group as Mister Fantastic. He's a supergenius scientist who can stretch his body like Silly Putty. Pascal's performance is low-key and dialed down, which has become a running joke among those around him, as they often seem to yawn when he speaks. In a world where personality is a superpower, Reed leaves a bit to be desired. His three companions include Sue Storm (Vanessa Kirby), who can make herself invisible; Ben Grimm (Ebon Moss-Bachrach), who is made of rock and has super strength; and Johnny Storm (Joseph Quinn), who can fly and set himself on fire.

These abilities stem from a space mission that the film quickly glosses over, similar to a recap of past events. The origin story isn't crucial here, as the filmmakers assume viewers can catch up on their own if they choose to.

Retro-Future World Building

What stands out in "First Steps" is its world building and retro-future kitsch. The film takes place in a "Jetsons"-style vision of the future-past, blending 1960s midcentury modern design with flying cars and friendly service robots. The production design, led by Kasra Farahani, adds a lot of charm to the film, surpassing the performances, which are all rendered fairly low register.

The Threat of Galactus

The main threat comes in the form of Galactus, a colossal being who devours planets whole and wants to consume Earth. He is voiced by Ralph Ineson, whose gravelly voice adds to the character's menace. The only thing that can stop him is Reed and Sue's newborn baby, whom he seeks to take. The question arises: is it worth trading the child for the survival of Earth? While it seems like a fair trade, Reed and Sue refuse to make the deal, leading to other strategies to defeat Galactus.

A Contained Story

Unlike other Marvel films, "First Steps" doesn't call upon other superheroes like Spider-Man or Thor. Instead, it stays within its own world, with Silver Surfer (Julia Garner) acting as a liaison between Galactus and the Four. Mole Man (Paul Walter Hauser), a subterranean dweller, also helps the team in their time of need. This sense of unity and teamwork is central to the film, emphasizing workable solutions to problems, even when they involve galaxy-hopping or black hole-baiting.

Director and Script

Director Matt Shakman, known for "WandaVision," brings "First Steps" to life with a script credited to four writers. The film moves at its own pace, feeling nimble and fleet-footed, never weighing heavier than a Saturday morning cartoon. In this sense, it feels like a win, or at least the first steps toward a more manageable and smaller world of superhero filmmaking.