A New Beginning for the Fantastic Four
The film The Fantastic Four: First Steps is deeply rooted in the concept of time. From the very first scene, the audience is plunged into a moment that feels like it’s happening in the middle of a larger story. Dr. Reed Richards, known as Mr. Fantastic, is searching through his 1960s-style bathroom cabinets for iodine. He calls out to his wife, Sue Storm, asking where it is. She responds that she needs twelve seconds. Reed finds this specific request unusual, and it marks the beginning of a recurring theme throughout the movie—time, measured in precise increments.
This moment sets the tone for the film, which centers on a major life change for the team. After two years of trying to have children, one of the members of the Fantastic Four is expecting a child. This means that Ben Grimm, also known as The Thing, and Johnny Storm, the Human Torch, will become uncles. It's an exciting time for the family, but also a critical turning point for the characters and the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU).
A Shift in the MCU Landscape
First Steps arrives at a pivotal moment for the MCU, which has been undergoing a creative reevaluation since the end of the Avengers saga. The pressure on the Fantastic Four is immense—they are tasked with reviving the MCU from its recent struggles, especially after the multiverse storyline lost some of its initial momentum. The competition has also made a strong entrance with their own cinematic universe, adding more weight to the expectations placed on this new film.
Despite these high stakes, the movie manages to feel light and engaging. As the fourth reboot of Marvel’s original superhero team and the first from Marvel Studios, it is directed by Matt Shakman, who previously worked on WandaVision. The script was written by a team of four writers, including Josh Friedman, Eric Pearson, Jeff Kaplan, and Ian Springer. The result is a fun and well-crafted return to form for the MCU, featuring impressive visuals and standout performances.
Origins and Cosmic Conflict
After the revelation that Sue and Reed are pregnant, the film moves into a clever and breezy exposition that explores the origins of the team through a magazine program reminiscent of Ed Sullivan. Viewers see how the team came to be astronauts and how they were exposed to cosmic radiation, granting them their superpowers. This quick prologue sets up the central conflict of the film.
The alien harbinger, the Silver Surfer, appears in Times Square to announce that Earth is marked for destruction by Galactus, a world-eater. In a desperate attempt to save their planet, the Fantastic Four travel into space to convince Galactus otherwise. However, they soon learn that he wants Sue and Reed’s unborn child. If they refuse, he will destroy the Earth. Time becomes a central element in the race to find a solution that saves both the planet and the child.
Character Development and Emotional Depth
As the second act unfolds, the film showcases the strengths of each character. Sue, as the Invisible Woman, draws strength from her deep familial love, while Reed, Mr. Fantastic, tries to solve the problem, even if it means considering the worst options. Pedro Pascal and Vanessa Kirby deliver mature and emotionally rich performances that stand out in the MCU. Their relationship remains strong, even during heated arguments, providing a solid foundation for the story.
Johnny Storm and Ben Grimm play secondary roles but are not overshadowed. Moss-Bachrach’s portrayal of The Thing brings moments of melancholy and self-reflection, yet he remains the heart of the family. Johnny, meanwhile, proves he is more than just a flirt, showing passion and capability that match his superfamily.
Visuals and Cosmic Scale
One of the most striking aspects of First Steps is its retro-future aesthetic, inspired by the 1960s. The film is filled with vibrant colors, particularly a blue hue that gives it a unique look compared to other MCU projects. Director Matt Shakman’s visual style creates awe-inspiring moments, such as when the family first sees Galactus. These scenes are among the most memorable in Marvel’s history.
Michael Giacchino’s score enhances the cosmic scale of the film, making it feel grand and epic. The film captures the spirit of Jack Kirby and Stan Lee’s original comic book vision, bringing a sense of wonder and spectacle to the screen.
A Few Hiccups in the Third Act
While the film excels in many areas, it does face some challenges in the third act. The plot can feel predictable, and the conclusion is somewhat rushed. The villains, particularly the Silver Surfer, are underdeveloped compared to the main characters. The short runtime also leads to some events being handled too quickly, leaving moments that could have benefited from more attention.
A Thrilling Experience
Despite these minor issues, First Steps is an entertaining and thrilling experience. It manages to balance action, emotion, and humor while delivering a fresh take on the Fantastic Four. The film leaves viewers feeling excited about what the future holds for the MCU. Whether it’s the seconds that Reed needs to save the world or the years that will pass as their child grows, time is always a factor—but in this case, it’s used effectively to create a compelling and memorable story.
