The Fantastic Four: First Steps: Movie Review

Cast: Pedro Pascal, Vanessa Kirby, Joseph Quinn, Julia Garner, Ralph Ineson, Ebon Moss-Bachrach
Director: Matt Shakman

And the next phase of the Marvel Cinematic Universe kicks off.

Set against the vibrant backdrop of a 1960s-inspired, retro-futuristic world, ‘The Fantastic Four: First Steps’ introduces Marvel’s First Family - Reed Richards/Mister Fantastic [Pascal], Sue Storm/Invisible Woman [Kirby], Johnny Storm/Human Torch [Quinn] and Ben Grimm/The Thing [Moss-Bachrach] as they face their most daunting challenge yet.

The latest iteration of the Fantastic Four is one that has a grounding more in  the earnest dynamic between the family rather than global concerns (initially).

Set in a retrofuturistic Manhattan, it posits Marvel's first family as heroes to those around them. Newsreels deal with the requisite back story of how they came to have their powers, rather than a hird or fourth origin attempt.

Four years after they became Earth's protectors, Sue and Reed are expecting their first ever child, something they'd given up on years ago. But while Reed, the self-appointed worrier and protector, fusses over what could go wrong, things take a turn for the worst when Galactus, the devourer of worlds, slates the planet for annihilation.

A solidly enjoyable Marvel outing, Fantastic Four: First Steps benefits from both casting and world-building skills.

With its retrofuturistic Jetsons-esque Futurama vibe, the world feels lived in and also perfects the day after tomorrow vibe that befits it. Scenes with Galactus impress on the scale, with Imax formatting filling the whole screen.

And while the film feels intimate thanks to a story that's about a tight-knit family being threatened and facing an unconscionable choice, it doesn't fall foul of grand world peril despite the implied threat.

It's in the characters beats that the story excels,with relationship dynamics feeling grounded and real.

From Pascal's troubled father-to-be finding his world view shattered because of the unknowns of impending fatherhood to Kirby's ferocious and relatable maternal strength as the family's rock and politician through to Ben Grimm's heart being more on show than previously, the movie has its view cast inward rather than out.

There's a gentle vein of humour running through (largely due to Paul Walter Hauser's Moleman, a character you want more screen time for) that serves the parental dread-laden script well.

And while the Silver Surfer's gender flip isn't an issue, the film's not quite sure what to do with her - the only misfire in a movie that feels rounded as it goes on. Plus,it has to be said it does feel like it struggles with what an ending could be for the story its laid out.

Yes, it is Fantastic in parts (Michael Giacchino's score is a high note), and a welcome relief from the dour colorless entries, but Fantastic Four: The First Steps is an enjoyable start to the MCU's sixth phase.