The Fantastic Four: First Steps Review

Plot

"The Fantastic Four: First Steps" attempts to bring back the beloved superhero team in a way that is both familiar and refreshing. As a story that kicks off with our heroes already known to the world, it sets up an interesting premise. Reed Richards, also known as Mister Fantastic (played by Pedro Pascal), and Sue Storm, the Invisible Woman (played by Vanessa Kirby), are on cloud nine as they anticipate the arrival of their child. However, the joyous news takes a grave turn when the menacing Silver Surfer (Julia Garner) arrives with a foreboding warning: Galactus, a gigantic cosmic entity that devours planets, has set his sights on Earth. The plot unfolds predictably as the Fantastic Four must unite to save not just their planet, but also their unborn child. 

Although the film tries to throw a few emotional punches by focusing on Reed and Sue’s relationship, it inadvertently sidelines the other two members of the team—Johnny Storm, the Human Torch (Joseph Quinn), and Ben Grimm, The Thing (Ebon Moss-Bachrach). The main arc of love and family, while competently explored, overshadows Johnny and Ben, thereby reducing their roles to mere supporting characters rather than full-fledged heroes in their own right. As the story progresses, it becomes increasingly predictable. The audience can easily predict the outcome of their battle against Galactus, and the stakes while cleverly wrapped in personal drama, never truly feel high. The movie suffers from what some might call "Marvel fatigue," a feeling reminiscent of past franchises where stakes and sense of excitement begin to wane over time. 

Matt Shakman, who previously impressed audiences with "WandaVision," brings his experience to this latest journey, but his efforts sometimes feel overshadowed by the repetitive superhero narrative. Even though the film presents themes of love and family, a central part of the Fantastic Four’s identity, it fails to completely captivate audiences beyond the surface-level charm. The film is filled with moments that could serve as landmarks in a superhero flick—the impending disaster, the emotional ties between teammates, and the fight against overwhelming odds—but they don't break any new ground. Instead, they often play out as recycled elements from previous MCU outings, leaving audiences craving something fresher. 

Acting

The performances in "The Fantastic Four: First Steps" are undeniably commendable and contribute to the film's occasional highlights. Vanessa Kirby shines as Sue Storm, delivering a performance that combines strength with a sense of maternal vulnerability. Her ability to balance being a superhero with the challenges of impending motherhood is notably effective. This duality makes her character not just a fighter but also a relatable figure for the audience. From her fiery and assertive moments when dealing with threats to her softer interactions with Reed, Kirby captures the essence of Sue perfectly. She transforms into the backbone of the narrative, giving the film its emotional weight. 

Pedro Pascal also does well in his role as Reed Richards. He brings depth to a character that struggles between his responsibilities as a superhero and his personal life. Pascal's portrayal of Reed's internal conflicts showcases his insecurities and concerns about fatherhood in the face of an alien threat. However, in trying to showcase this emotional dichotomy, Reed's character can overshadow the personality traits of his fellow teammates, Johnny and Ben. 

Speaking of Johnny Storm, Joseph Quinn does an admirable job with the role, bringing a youthful energy and charm that is hard to miss. However, his character falls short in terms of development. The film gives him certain standout moments, especially during action sequences involving the Silver Surfer, yet these scenes only hint at his potential rather than fully realizing it. Likewise, Ebon Moss-Bachrach's portrayal of Ben emphasizes a certain level of humor common in superhero movies, but unfortunately, his character lacks the depth that could have made him more memorable. They come off as flat compared to the dynamic of Reed and Sue’s relationship, which takes center stage in the film. Overall, the performances elevate the material, but it’s clear that not all characters receive equal attention, and this imbalance has a noticeable impact on the film's cohesive feel. 

Cinematography

The cinematography in "The Fantastic Four: First Steps" does have its dazzling moments, with stylistic choices that lend the film a fresh visual identity. The film’s color palette is predominantly blue and white, giving a sharp and polished aesthetic that aims to evoke a sense of sophistication often associated with the superhero genre. This distinct visual style presents an elegant approach to the portrayal of superhuman abilities and cosmic battles, even if it sometimes falls short on execution when it comes to special effects. 

Some action sequences are visually appealing, capturing the essence of epic confrontations, but they don't quite live up to the high standards set by previous Marvel titles. The special effects, particularly surrounding Galactus and the Silver Surfer, seem less impressive compared to what audiences have come to expect from the MCU. Galactus emerges as a colossal figure but lacks the sense of wonder typically associated with cosmic villains. The same can be said for the design of Silver Surfer. While the intent behind her character looks bold, the execution leaves much to be desired, often prompting compare and contrast with previous adaptations. 

However, what's compelling is the balance that the film attempts to create between visuals and emotional storytelling. Moments of intimacy and human connection are beautifully shot, with lighting and framing enhancing the emotional stakes between the characters. Shakman and his cinematography team do well to focus on the human aspects of the film, particularly in scenes depicting Reed and Sue's relationship, effectively being the emotional high points against more action-oriented sequences. But the film’s reliance on its visual style doesn't compensate for the lack of substantive content below the surface. More rigor in action sequences and character-driven moments would have elevated the overall experience, yet it still serves as a visually engaging cinematic experience with dazzling potential. 

Direction

Matt Shakman's direction in "The Fantastic Four: First Steps" presents a curious case of ambition versus execution. While his previous work in "WandaVision" brought an innovative and captivating approach to storytelling, "First Steps" struggles to find its footing within the superhero formula. Shakman aims for a balance between family dynamics and the towering stakes of intergalactic devastation; however, his efforts often appear more disjointed than cohesive. 

One of the most commendable aspects of Shakman's work is his focus on the relationship between Reed and Sue, grounding the film in genuine emotional depth. He successfully captures moments of tenderness and tension that resonate with audiences. Sadly, this concentrated effort on one pair of characters detracts from the remaining members of the Fantastic Four, Johnny and Ben, who feel underdeveloped throughout the narrative. It’s a classic case of overemphasis on certain elements while neglecting the others, resulting in an overall imbalanced presentation. 

Additionally, the pacing could have benefited from a sharper cut, especially during certain action sequences that meander without creating a sense of urgency. The film's reliance on superhero tropes can also be both a blessing and a curse: these familiar beats can comfort a dedicated audience, but they can also breed predictability, yielding minimal surprises. This is especially evident during climactic moments where the storytelling feels safe rather than bold. 

Nevertheless, Shakman’s clear vision and ability to elicit emotional performances from his ensemble cast shines through. He is adept at tapping into the hearts of these characters while marrying vulnerability to an overarching narrative of heroism. While some visual and pacing missteps hinder the experience, it is evident that Shakman has a thoughtful approach to the material. Ultimately, "The Fantastic Four: First Steps" reminds us that albeit sometimes turbulent, in the right hands, superhero narratives can still resonate deeply within audiences. 

Conclusion

In conclusion, "The Fantastic Four: First Steps" serves as a reminder of the beloved superhero team, but it delivers a mix of triumphs and shortcomings. With standout performances from its cast, particularly Vanessa Kirby and Pedro Pascal, the emotional anchor of the film makes it a worthwhile watch for fans of the genre. However, as another feature in the extensive Marvel Cinematic Universe, it grapples with familiar issues of predictability and fatigue, leading to significant missed opportunities with supporting characters. 

The film achieves a stylish look and touches on emotional themes of love and family without resorting to over-the-top drama. While the visual identity is captivating, the underwhelming action sequences and special effects hinder its impact. Under Matt Shakman's direction, "First Steps" could have delved deeper into the ensemble dynamic, allowing for more substantial character arcs, yet it remains entangled in its own simplicity. 

Despite its flaws, "The Fantastic Four: First Steps" offers an entertaining experience that many fans of the genre may appreciate. It may not break new ground or redefine superhero cinema, but it delivers a fine spectacle that ultimately leaves doors open for future exploration within the MCU. As audiences gear up for what comes next in this ever-evolving franchise, "First Steps" serves as a small step that could eventually lead to grander narratives down the line. Be sure to catch the post-credit scenes for a taste of what's to come in the Marvel universe!