Cinematic Point Of View

Fantastic Four: First Steps is the first film since Godzilla Minus One that’s left me feeling 100% satisfied. It’s Marvel. It’s Fantastic Four. I honestly didn’t see this coming, but maybe I should have.

The story is set in an alternate, retro-futuristic parallel Earth called Earth‑828. The Fantastic Four must adapt to changing family dynamics while also defending the Earth from the coming threat of Galactus (Ralph Ineson) and Silver Surfer (Julia Garner).

In not so many ways this is the also the plot and theme of Godzilla Minus One. Bringing people together to defend their home and families from a giant monster. I honestly didn’t think about that until I sat down to write this. I guess it’s a pretty tried and true plotline. It’s no wonder I loved it. I’m such a cheeseburger.

Anyway, right out of the gate, the film’s style hooked me. Much like in the James Gunn’s Superman, when the film begins, The Fantastic Four are already established as heroes. Here, we get all the information we need through a series of short, fun newsreel clips.

The retro-future look is about as charming as it gets. Flying cars and 60s decor. The visual effects are dazzling. Some of it rivals the space VFX of Interstellar. Actually there is one scene inside the FF rocket that was right out the old Disney classic The Black Hole. That’s some peak nostalgia for me.

Michael Giacchino‘s score is fantastic! (not a pun) It has a sort of spooky, brassy, industrial age, upbeat, space-opera feel to it. Yeah, I’m not exactly sure what that means but it means something good. Work with me.

I thought all of the lead performances were perfect. Pedro Pascal as Reed Richards is exactly as you would imagine him to be. Smart, slightly self-involved and charming. He is a dedicated protector. Vanessa Kirby as Sue Storm is strong, smart, and vulnerable. A warrior and a peacemaker. Ebon Moss-Bachrach creates a very human and surprisingly tender Ben Grimm. Having him be the “chef” is a nice nod to Ebon’s role in The Bear. Joseph Quinn has the hardest job by creating a cocky/headstrong Johnny Storm. His character could have easily slid into annoying, but there is a good balance there between youthful enthusiasm and thoughtful action. He surprised me.

Another surprise to me was Paul Walter Hauser as Harvey Edler/Mole Man. It’s a small role but I love the level of camp his character brought to the screen. In one of the early newsreel montages, we learn about an attack by Mole Man and his underground world Subterranea. There is something so corny and fun about this simple idea that excites my kidself. It’s one of the reasons why I love Marvel comics, especially late Golden Age / early Silver Age Jack Kirby kinda stuff. Anything goes.

Have I made it clear, I loved Fantastic Four: First Steps? It felt like how I remember it felt to read comics in Junior High. It’s fun and fast paced with just enough emotional impact that left me feeling inspired and hopeful.

Director Matt Shakman has created what feels like a classic. I am really looking forward to the Fantastic Four’s next steps on the big screen and hope that they keep this vibe going in future films.

What say you? Have you seen it yet? I’d love to hear your point of view.