Marvel’s first family hit the blockbuster screen July 25 in their first live action adaptation that lives up to their name, “The Fantastic Four: First Steps.” All parents believe their child is special, but for Reed Richards/Mister Fantastic, played by Pedro Pascal and Sue Storm/Invisible Woman, played by Vanessa Kirby, their son actually is. Upon learning their baby is in fact a harbinger for an all-powerful cosmic energy, the Fantastic Four must not only stop the planet-eating Galactus, played by Ralph Ineson, from taking their son, but devouring the Earth as well. While all powerful babies and planet eaters reads like one heck of a stretch, “The Fantastic Four: First Steps” works because it builds a world ripped right out of the comic book Silver Age.
For those not born in the 1950s, the “Silver Age” is a very distinct and critical moment in comic book history that saw a revival of the superhero genre after a period of decline – not unlike the “superhero fatigue” argument of the 2020s. It is here that the likes of Stan Lee, Jack Kirby and Steve Ditko began crafting stories and characters around the “world outside your window” mentality Marvel has since become famous for. In this revolutionized medium that, yes, showcased flawed heroes, but it also had fun playing in these heightened realities. During this era is where the Fantastic Four got their start, so it is only natural that their latest film outing does so too.
Near the start of the film, there is an incredible montage of the team’s greatest hits. Johnny Storm/Human Torch, played by Joseph Quinn, is saluted by firefighters after he extinguishes a fire. Mister Fantastic hosts a science show for children. Wacky villains of the week try to rob a bank, only to be stopped by our four heroes. The scene ends with a series of very staged shots of everyone looking straight into the camera and saying, “Thank you, Fantastic Four.” While this sounds cheesy, that’s because it is and that is why it works.
After so many years of media debating the negative repercussions of “what if superheroes were real,” it is refreshing to see the opposite. There is no political discussion on who pays for the damages after Mole Man sinks a city block or blaming the Fantastic Four for inciting these attacks in the first place. In these fictional worlds, characters inform audiences how to react to the unknown, so for the audience’s first perception of the Fantastic Four to be through the eyes of grateful civilians, it endears viewers to them right away. The Four are heroes and they are treated as such. While this is a small detail, it is enough to put a smile on some fans’ faces to see a movie where the in-universe people love heroes as much as they do.
Another, more minor, but standout aspect of “First Steps” is the space segment. While cosmic exploration is nothing new to the Marvel Cinematic Universe, because of the influences this movie pulls from, it feels exciting and new. In addition to being superhero scientists, The Four are explorers, so when they traverse the stars, it isn’t with the bravado of Thor and the space gods or the hard-edged world view of the Guardians of the Galaxy, but with a tone more akin to “Flash Gordon” or “Buck Rogers.” Space is fun and exploring the unknown is exciting. However, not knowing can quickly unveil alien adversaries and world-ending dangers. Despite the movie’s space segment being brief, it balances this spectrum brilliantly to deliver an incredibly memorable step piece midway through the film.
“First Steps” embodies its Silver Age origins with its zany moments, but the other aspect of its origins that it nails is the execution of its flawed and realistic heroes. Take away their powers and The Four would still be fantastic characters. The ways in which they play off of one another feels as if they actually are a family. Sue Storm uses her invisibility to sneak up on and annoy Johnny Storm and Ben Grimm, played by Ebon Moss-Bachrach. Grimm tells Johnny Storm that he’ll ruin his dinner by eating Lucky Charms. Small moments that emphasize how close these characters are pepper the movie to make Marvel’s first family come to life on screen. Not to nitpick, however, but at only one hour and 55 minutes, these moments don’t always get enough time to shine.
Aside from these more endearing attributes, the main characters have their own flaws as well – especially Richards. Pascal does such an amazing job playing this tortured genius with the world on his shoulders. Little remarks about how “I should have known” illustrate the guilt he feels about the accident in space that gave the team their powers. When he learns he will be a father, he tries to baby-proof the world. A reporter asks him if the Earth will be safe from Galactus and audiences can feel the pain in his voice when all he can say is, “I don’t know.”
But like any good family, Grimm, Johnny and Sue Storm help him overcome his flaws. Grimm is – no pun intended – his rock, who makes him laugh even through doom is imitate. Johnny Storm appeals to people’s humanity to solve issues, while Richards is too focused on logical reasoning. And Sue Storm reminds Richards that she still loves him even when he’s wrong. The Fantastic Four aren’t great characters simply because they each possess relatable issues, but because they help each other overcome them, as any family would.
“The Fantastic Four: First Steps” is a romp through one of the genre’s most defining eras and uses those same elements of family struggles in fantastical situations that made them a hit in the 60s to reintroduce them to a modern audience.
—
Featured Image via Disney