This new film from director Matt Shakman is his feature film debut. He is best known for directing acclaimed television shows such as Game of Thrones, The Great, and WandaVision. So, he knows how to tell a story. And with feature film production money, that is why the special effects are so good, and the sound effects and music are so epic. However, this is the fourth attempt to adapt this much-loved comic storyline to live-action features. Perhaps this story, with all its retro 60’s modernism, just does not work well in our present, where real technology has long surpassed it.
All the characters are present and accounted for. Mister Fantastic (Pedro Pascal), Sue Storm (Vanessa Kirby), Human Torch (Joseph Quinn), and Ben Grimm (Ebon Moss-Bachrach) are all still a team. Years after being changed at a Molecular level when they went into outer space. That exposure turned them into the superheroes that they are now.
At this point in the story, Sue and Mr. Fantastic are surprised to find out they’re expecting a baby. You would think that would be big enough news for them as a family, but a long comes Shalla-Bal *Silver Surfer (Julia Garner) with a message to Earth. To prepare for their demise because she is heralding the arrival of Galactus (Ralph Ineson), a destroyer of worlds. This news sets the Fantastic Four into action. As a team, they work to protect their child and the earth they call home.
I wanted to like The Fantastic Four: First Steps more than I did. I just can’t figure it out. I loved the comic book as a kid. I watched the TV cartoon of it growing up. I enjoyed the whole story of this family. But for some reason, it doesn’t really work that well in live action on the big screen. I’m not sure if there’s just a disconnect between seeing people dealing with epic danger in a non-realistic way. With all the naive gasping crowd reactions to violence perpetrated upon them by mystical beings that the Fantastic Four have to save them from. Perhaps it’s just too corny.
Also, DC released the remake of Superman, which, in my opinion, is an instant classic. So it set the bar extremely high for any new DCU films. And while Superman is sweet and kind and a bit naive, the other people around him are more snarky and relatable to us than the people who are around the Fantastic Four.
I give The Fantastic Four: First Steps 3 stars. It is more “just fine” than fantastic. But I haven’t written it off completely. I’m looking forward to what they will bring to the MCU as supporting players in other films.
Directed by: Matt Shakman
Written by: Josh Friedman, Eri Pearson, Jeff Kaplan
Rated: PG-13
Selig Rating: 3 Stars
Running Time: 1 hr 55 min
Sci-Fi/ Superhero / Action
Wide Release: In Theaters July 25th and on IMAX
Starring: Pedro Pascal, Vanessa Kirby, Ebon Moss-Bachrach, Joseph Quinn, Julia Garne
The Selig Rating Scale:
5 Stars – Excellent movie, well worth the price.
4 Stars – Good movie
3 Stars – OK movie
2 Stars – No need to rush. Save it for a rainy day.
1 Star – Good that I saw it on the big screen but wish I hadn’t paid for it.