Review: The Fantastic Four: First Steps Wins by Valuing its Human Element
The Fantastic Four: First Steps ushers in Phase Six of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, and it does so in a fun romp. If you haven’t caught up with the last several Marvel movies and TV shows, you don’t have to worry, because this works on its own as a stand-alone movie. Even newcomers to the MCU should have no problem, though some basic familiarity with the Fantastic Four does help you to understand who the characters are.
The Fantastic Four: First Steps Values Family
The movie opens not with a villain plotting to take over the world or the heroes in battle, but with Sue Storm, also known as the Invisible Woman (Vanessa Kirby) showing her husband, Reed Richards, also known as Mr. Fantastic (played in a wonderful down-to-earth manner by Pedro Pascal) a positive pregnancy test. This very human opening doesn’t even mention that the parents have superpowers. Instead, it’s simply a couple discovering that they’re finally going to have a baby after they had given up hope.
The theme of family is prominent throughout the movie. Sometimes it is played for hilarity, such as when Ben Grimm, also known as the Thing (Ebon Moss-Bachrach) easily breaks through the child-proof locks with his super strength. However, the movie truly shines with its tender scenes. For example, Sue uses her invisibility powers to let Reed see their unborn baby in her womb. It’s a beautiful little moment that both utilizes Sue’s power in a creative manner and lets the audience connect with a father seeing his child for the first time.
An Intriguing Silver Surfer
Ever since we first glimpsed Julia Garner’s Silver Surfer in the trailer, she has been a topic of mystique for the fans. When she first arrives to herald the arrival of the planet eater Galactus (Ralph Ineson), she appears cold, unfeeling, and almost mechanical. However, as the Fantastic Four further investigate Galactus and his herald, her layers are revealed. It turns out that she offered herself to eternal servitude to Galactus in order to save her home world from his hunger.
It’s also refreshing that Johnny Storm, also known as the Human Torch (Joseph Quinn) is the one who figures her out. Johnny is often used for pure comic relief, so it’s neat to see that he has an intelligent side as well. He also has a certain amount of sexual tension with the Surfer that manages to be both entertaining and poignant. Hopefully, we will see more of the Surfer in a future Marvel movie, since she has serious potential to be explored further.
Is Dr. Doom in The Fantastic Four: First Steps?
Even though Galactus is the film’s main antagonist, I predicted that the Fantastic Four’s longtime nemesis, Dr. Doom, might appear in an end credits scene. Indeed, I was right. I won’t spoil what happens, but we do get a glimpse of Dr. Doom’s iconic mask, foreshadowing how he will be the main villain in Avengers: Doomsday.
Overall, The Fantastic Four: First Steps is a super fun, emotional superhero adventure. Whether you have religiously followed the MCU since the beginning or are a newcomer to the Marvel universe, you should find plenty to enjoy. The Fantastic Four should be welcome additions to the Avengers when Avengers: Doomsday rolls around. Even with the MCU’s somewhat mixed reception since Avengers: Endgame, the addition of Marvel’s first family should make the future – dare I say it – fantastic.
