"Die with yours."
It's been twenty years since audiences got their first look at a big screen version of Marvel's First Family. And boy, has the road been harsh. One of the more difficult sets of characters to adapt, creators have struggled to capture the energy and magic of the foursome. However, that stretch comes to an end now, as Matt Shakman's The Fantastic Four: First Steps, though not perfect, overwhelmingly satisfies, giving the MCU a jolt of energy as it kicks off its highly anticipated Phase Six.
Forgoing the typical origin story, First Steps takes place on Earth-828, four years after astronauts Reed Richards, Sue Storm, Ben Grimm, and Johnny Storm embark on a mission that results in a cosmic ray giving them superhuman abilities. Upon their return, they had to learn how to deal (and coexist) with their newly acquired powers. That took time. But the foursome prevailed, taking their world by storm and gaining celebrity status in the process. However, things are about to get a little bigger as Reed and Sue discover they are expecting.
But that is all personal. While the team is working to reshape their dynamic, a metallic being suddenly appears, announcing to the world that their planet has been marked for destruction by Galactus, a planet-devouring cosmic being. Their demise is inevitable. The timetable, though imminent, is unknown. Now, in a race against a faceless clock, our family of astronauts must return to space and negotiate Earth's survival.
Led by Pedro Pascal and Vanessa Kirby, The Fantastic Four: First Steps boasts a strong ensemble cast that, when needed, carries the film forward. Set in 1960, the film captures the period, offering a unique, though vaguely familiar, look at NYC as our team navigates the nuances of familial bonds, attempting to balance those with the expectations placed on them by the general public.
Beyond the visual escape, director Matt Shakman also successfully captures a kinder, softer side of the genre. Interweaving comedy, drama, and action, Shakman utilizes the talents of his cast, allowing the film to flow organically while also leaning heavily on the strength and abilities of its lone female protagonist.
It is Sue's arc that proves most interesting, as her growth is the most noticeable. And yet she never loses sight of her motherly instincts. With the world demanding answers outside, she works to understand their pain. Her monologue to those needing assurance and longing for safety is flawlessly delivered, pushing First Steps into its third act and giving MCU fans something they haven't had in quite some time: entertainment.
And with the third act, First Steps picks up its pace, embracing the standards set forth by the films that came before it as buildings get destroyed, cars get thrown, and everyone's survival hangs in the balance. Held in reserve for much of the film, Shakman unleashes the group's superpowers, allowing the film to crescendo into a bona fide action piece as we watch Marvel's First Family attempt to manipulate and coerce their way into saving the planet.
Basic in numerous ways, The Fantastic Four: First Steps is far from perfect. A slower-than-expected pace will leave many longing for more movement. However, the action, though present, is rarely the main attraction. Instead, the film focuses on its characters. In this way, the film is reminiscent of early MCU entries. Ones that refused to take themselves too seriously. Whether audiences will appreciate this approach remains to be seen. But one thing appears undeniably certain: the Fantastic Four are here to stay.
