story over thought

Fantastic Four: First Steps is a workmanlike adaption of Marvel’s first family. Everything you’d expect from A tier MCU is present and accounted for, from an ensemble cast, to bright and comic accurate costumes, to perfunctory action sequences that even occasionally pass for the real thing. In other words, it’s adequate, and I can’t tell anyone in good conscience that they’ll have a bad time watching it.

However, fans dissatisfied with the 2005 or 2015 versions should be expecting “fantastic,” and as a card-carrying lifelong fan of the IP (I even watched the cartoon growing up), I wouldn’t use that word or any similar adjective. Much has been made about the film being set in an alternate universe version of the 60s, but it’s mostly a background element that doesn’t really factor into the story or family dynamic beyond the (wonderful) opening montage. Sure, it’s cool to see fedoras and the Thing lift a vintage 60s convertible, but the tone and feel of the picture is largely anonymous and reminiscent of most other Marvel fare. Only occasionally and fleetingly does First Steps get close to the psychedelic sci-fi of the comic book, such as Franklin’s birth next to a black hole, or the initial reveal of Galactus as a towering god. These moments stand out from the rest of the film, as comic book-y in the best way, new and exciting.

Alas, those are the “first steps” of the title. In this alternate universe, the Four’s status as lone protectors of the universe seem like an ideal opportunity to explore what makes them so unique compared to other superheroes, which is of course the fact that they are a family. But First Steps, by nature of being another cog in the franchise machine, fails to do this with any nuance or craft in the back half. Midway through the film, the team refuse to trade their newborn son in exchange for the planet’s survival. When Reed is (rightfully) questioned about this decision by reporters, he inexplicably refuses to diffuse their fears or even acknowledge them. This is later resolved by Sue walking outside and explaining to an angry mob that they should simply have faith, which seems to guilt trip the entire world into doing so. Not only does this grandstanding convince the world to trust in the Fantastic Four again, but it also convinces them to get behind Reed’s plan to transport the entire planet to another solar system. This section is so remarkably contrived that it makes Endgame’s time travel look positively organic.

I could extend these sentiments to many elements. Instead of wonder and awe inducing, much of First Steps is predictable and hokey. Ben’s monstrous duality is only briefly alluded to; Johnny’s fiery personality is somewhat muted and dull. Even the Silver Surfer, a character filled with inherent pathos and tragedy, was handled with more poignancy in the 2007 film. The foundation of the story, Reed and Sue’s fears of bringing something new into a world that seems determined to destroy it, grounds the film and works overall. But it contrasts with the otherwise boring, routine decisions that surround it. It’s ironic that a film so centered on hope and togetherness unceremoniously shoves the entire city underground during the climactic battle. We’re once again left with a weightless CGI cutscene that feels more lifeless than ever.

Still, it’s hard to ignore improvement over disasters like Brave New World, and First Steps is mostly enjoyable enough, with just enough hope and goodwill to not feel like another pointless reboot. When the film occasionally comes together, it’s a reminder that the Fantastic Four comics have some of the richest, fully realized characters that comic books have to offer. It’s a step back from Thunderbolts, but, fittingly, a first draft for bigger and better execution in a sequel. 09-04-25