The stereotypical superhero film usually features a city in need of help and a supernatural human being prepared for action. The Fantastic Four: First Steps isn’t much different. It follows the general Marvel plot formula, deviating from its original story in the comics. Watching this movie feels very similar to watching Guardians of the Galaxy, due to its funny, arbitrary, family-oriented opening scenes. With all this being said, the movie isn’t entirely typical–it has some exciting moments woven throughout.
The main characters of the movie are the Fantastic Four, consisting of Pedro Pascal playing Mister Fantastic, Vanessa Kirby playing Invisible Woman, Ebon Moss-Bachrach playing The Thing, and Joseph Quinn playing John Storm. The characters share a very close-knit relationship with each other, living together in a retro, yet futuristic, 1960s-style home. The family, made entirely of best friends, shares dinner together when a huge surprise is revealed: Invisible Woman is pregnant, changing the Fantastic Four forever. This addition of a personal storyline helps balance the usual action-heavy structure with a more emotional twist, which many find to be a refreshing change for Marvel.
Many problems arise as the team must save their planet from Galactus, played by Ralph Ineson, who plans to take over the Earth and its energy for himself. Beside him stands the ominous Silver Surfer, played by Julia Garner, whose haunting presence adds an eerie tone to the movie. In contrast to the usual Marvel villains, the Silver Surfer and Galactus feel more like genuine obstacles the four have to overcome, especially with the new child on the way. This makes it easy to root for them along the way. Not just because they want to save their world, but because they clearly love each other.
Still, the film’s pacing stumbles at points, especially where the balance between seriousness and humor falls too much into the side of comedy. Rather than focusing on the main points of the plot, the main point of the movie is geared towards the characters. When the issue with Galactus arises, Invisible Woman has the opportunity to give up her child for the world. While this is a difficult situation, she would save millions in exchange for her son. It is not unreasonable for her to want to keep her child, but it is unrealistic for the world to support her decision. Wouldn’t they rather survive? Moments like these are minor plot holes in the story. If they are real, the outcome may be different.
While the plot faces its fair share of obstacles, the visuals of the movie do not. The overall movie’s vibe is spectacular. It features cosmic landscapes, bright, striking colors, and a very well-fitting, fantastically designed home for the Fantastic Four. Rather than being overly polished, the movie still maintains the retro and futuristic sci-fi look that it needs.
In the end, Fantastic Four: First Steps doesn’t completely break the Marvel mold, but it doesn’t entirely need to. It works similarly to Guardians of the Galaxy because it focuses not on the powers of the individuals, but the bonds between them. While many prefer a more creative take on the classic comic, the movie shows what it is at its roots. If you are looking for a family-friendly, feel-good, action-light movie, then Fantastic Four: First Steps might be a good step for you.
