The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) is about to get a whole lot bigger with the introduction of the Fantastic Four! But will this fourth attempt at bringing the iconic superhero team to the big screen finally do them justice? Let's find out.
From 2017 to 2020, Keith R.A. DeCandido embarked on a journey through the superhero movie landscape, reviewing every live-action film based on comic books. Now, with the absorption of 20th Century Fox into the Disney Collective, the X-Men and Fantastic Four are set to join the MCU. And what better way to kick things off than with a new Fantastic Four movie?
The film, titled 'The Fantastic Four: First Steps', is a bold move, taking place in the 1960s on Earth-828. The story begins with a celebration of the fateful spaceflight that gave the Fantastic Four their powers, but this time, there's a twist. Sue Storm, keeping her maiden name, is a powerful statement in a time when such a choice would have been provocative.
But here's where it gets controversial: the film's script has some issues. While the visual aesthetic is spot on, with a retro-futuristic vibe and impeccable attention to 1960s fashion, the writers seem to have missed the mark on some crucial aspects. For instance, the idea of a woman keeping her maiden name in the 1960s would have been a massive deal, and the movie doesn't quite capture the potential controversy.
And this is the part most people miss: the Fantastic Four themselves are rather bland. Pedro Pascal's Reed Richards, while a super-genius, lacks the depth and complexity of his comic book counterpart. Joseph Quinn's Johnny Storm falls short of the charm and verve of previous portrayals, and the character's womanizing is toned down to the point of being uninteresting. Only Vanessa Kirby's Sue Storm shines, bringing complexity and power to the role.
The film also introduces a unique twist on the Silver Surfer, with Julia Garner portraying a female version of the character. This version of the Silver Surfer is a herald of Galactus, played by Ralph Ineson, who is coming to devour the planet. The FF must confront her, leading to a thrilling space adventure.
The movie does a great job of adapting the iconic Galactus, presenting him as a towering figure with a unique visual design. The film also explores the ethical dilemma of sacrificing a child to save the world, a theme that could spark some interesting discussions.
Despite some flaws, 'The Fantastic Four: First Steps' is a step in the right direction for the franchise. With a talented cast and a fresh take on the source material, it has the potential to be the best Fantastic Four movie yet. But will it live up to the expectations of fans and critics alike? Only time will tell.
What do you think? Are you excited for this new take on the Fantastic Four? Do you agree that the previous films fell short? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
