The Fantastic Four: First Steps, a review of Marvel Studios’ latest

With their back inching the wall as of late, Marvel Studios calls their shot and sinks it. Hopeful summer blockbusters boast promises to stun and amaze, but the bulk follow blueprints, uninspired to create a distinct impression. From the opening scenes this picture lets you know that’s not the case and reminds you of that the whole run. Set in the 1960’s, director Matt Shakman (Wandavision) is given the space to ornament a visually tantalizing, retro feel. Mad Men meets Marvel, as Reed Richards (Pedro Pascal, The Last of Us), Sue Storm (Vanessa Kirby, Pieces of a Woman), Ben Grimm (Ebon Moss-Bachrach, The Bear), and Johnny Storm (Joseph Quinn, Stranger Things) put it all on the line to protect humanity and reach audiences’ expectations.

A visual standout

Incorporating one of the more nuanced superhero-origin stories on film, this Kevin Feige production is understated, not eating up too much screen time, bearing thoughtful writing and editing. The time period and setting not only help it stand apart from the pack, it allows for a fresher, cooler aesthetic. Matched with top notch set and costume design, this is the key element in refining the film and sculpting Mister Fantastic, Invisible Woman, The Thing, and Human Torch.

Earth is in trouble, again, from omnipotent outer space God Galactus (Ralph Ineson) and his mysterious messenger Silver Surfer (Golden Globe-winner Julia Garner, Ozark), but this imposing threat poses a personal complication for the four heroes. Tension and energy build slowly, and that’s a good thing. Enriching the story, adding substance, it doesn’t subject itself to the rushed-pace, crash-bang-boom many in the genre have suffered from. 

Pascal nails it as Reed Richards. Carrying a sophistication with the role, it strips the cheesiness, letting scenes showcasing his personal side and relationship with Sue hold up alongside any action sequences. Unaffected by any backlash over the casting of Garner for the traditionally male character, the appearance of Silver Surfer, or the “sexy alien” as Johnny Storm calls her, was well executed. Down to the Fan Four’s outfits, everything seems tangible. The set design by Jille Azis and costume design by Alexandra Bryne deserve praise, clear that much care and focus nurtured this component.

Choice casting creates character depth

Eventually biting, or maybe just nibbling on, my own words, the story does dip in momentum just past the halfway mark. Right when your attention was immersed, and you were locked in, you feel abandoned. And how many times can the planet, or New York City, be in the gravest danger and we’re supposed to care again? If a web-slinger, millionaire in a metal-suit, or those avenging have a solid “save-the-day” track record, might we brush it off a little?

Benefitting from sharp visual effects, as the apex nears, thankfully you want more again. And you collect. And, after the credits have rolled, and you’ve waited for any stinger scenes, and dusted off the popcorn, you still want more. Marvel needed this and went about it the right way. Refraining from grabbing at straws or throwing wet spaghetti at the wall to see what sticks, this offering is curated and treated more like a superhero film instead of franchise merchandise.