Marvel's first family makes their MCU debut with a retro-futuristic makeover. Unlike previous film adaptations of the superpowered quartet, The Fantastic Four: First Steps isn't an origin story but rather a cosmic adventure, one where they face surmounting world-saving pressure and a world-eating villain.
A vintage sitcom-style antidote to combat MCU fatigue. The Fantastic Four need no introduction for the average comic book movie demographic. But even if you needed to jog your memory, First Steps opens with a vibrant throwback talk show, dramatically retelling this mask-less team's origins with grainy archival footage, overexposed colours, and over-the-top narration. This alone sums up the essence of Matt Shakman's breezy superhero adventure. Yes, any Marvel Cinematic Universe film feels the pressure of being connected to a larger "Phase" and canonical event. First Steps is no exception, but in giving enough breathing space to its characters' family dynamics and fleshing out the vintage-style world they inhabit, the film is a breezy subversion of the post-Endgame fatigue MCU fans have become accustomed to.
Bright colours and retro-futuristic styles make First Steps an enjoyable ride. The A-list cast is top-notch, and WandaVision showrunner Matt Shakman has already proven his cinematic handling of family themes and TV drama. But what makes First Steps truly stand out is Kasra Farahani's production design and Alexander Byrne's costumes, both of which inject a warm-hearted, throwback nostalgia that goes beyond MCU's usual trappings. The flying cars, cassette recorder-faced robots, and high-neck costumes all can appeal to vintage comic book readers, space age society enthusiasts, and just audiences that crave something beyond the average green screen and motion-capture slop. Set in an ambiguous era, First Steps succeeds in effortlessly embracing its retrofuturist world. Even if not every scientific subplot or retro tech gimmick sticks the landing, the world is welcoming enough for you to marvel at the visual freshness of it all. Such is the film's commitment to Fantastic Four's past that eagle-eyed viewers will be able to spot cameos from original actors of the unreleased 1994 Fantastic Four film (a campy, low-budget venture produced by Roger Corman), along with TV jingles and cartoons reminiscent of earlier Marvel cartoons.
Family dynamics and teambuilding overtake familiar action sequences. Reed Richards (Pedro Pascal) and Susan Storm (Vanessa Kirby) bicker and play around like they're in a 2000s romcom. Young Johnny Storm has butterflies in his stomach whenever he flames on in front of the otherworldly Silver Surfer (Julia Garner). Even Ben Grimm, aka "The Thing," isn't always about "clobberin' time," as The Bear star Ebon Moss-Bachrach brings a sensitive appeal to his rock-skinned hero. Some of the film's standout moments are when The Thing silently walks across the New York streets he grew up in, shopping for cookies or gazing at his hardened reflection. As this is a Fantastic Four film, there are some global threats like the planet-devourer Galactus (Ralph Ineson delivering his robust voice). But by the all-too-convenient third act, First Steps makes you feel like this story is more about just saving the world. It's a journey of four individuals who happen to make the best out of the accidental powers they have. There's no "great power, great responsibility" monologue involved because First Steps is more of a family drama than a superhero saga. Shakman's film might have been all-too-perfect if its writing were watertight enough for when the stakes get higher, but for all its pre-fight family drama and breezy charm, First Steps is a solid first adventure for the MCU's Fantastic Four.
The Fantastic Four: First Steps doesn't revamp the superhero team movie formula, but it has enough heart, family drama, and retro style to hold your attention.
In theaters now.