First Steps is the FOURth attempt to bring Marvel's first family to the big screen successfully and it appears they may have finally found the FOURmula. By keeping it simple stupid, The Fantastic Four have found their groove. I've always felt the criticisms of previous FF films were overblown and I feel First Steps, being very standard superhero film fare, is perhaps being treated rather generously comparatively. Still the film works and is pleasant, if light, entertainment that doesn't take any risks.
My favourite part is likely what you'll hear the most about, the film's retrofuturist art direction and design. I felt it walked just the right balance without overdoing it. It makes it stand out and gives it some character without being draining on the audience. The story here is all set on an alternate earth which no doubt will be pulled into the main Marvel timeline in upcoming Avengers movies but for now these four get their own little corner of the universe to exist in.
Again this is a big part of what makes it work. It just gets to focus on its simple story and characters and have fun with them. And so we get to have some fun. The film's special effects felt a bit wonky at times, especially the poorly rendered Silver Surfer, but the nostalgic vibes make up for much of that giving it such an appealing appearance. The film keeps to a rather tight timeframe and keeps its story within predictable guardrails so audiences shouldn't find anything too objectionable. Mainly my critique is how safe First Steps feels, like its designed to be as widely appealing as possible never attempting to step on any toes.
But to be fair being widely appealing is still appealing. Maybe Marvel will give this team another shot with some more interesting takes after they have played their planned role in the next big Marvel cross-overs coming up.
The Fantastic Four: First Steps
Starring: Pedro Pascal, Vanessa Kirby, Ebon Moss-Bachrach, Joseph Quinn, Julia Garner, Natasha Lyonne, Sarah Niles, Paul Walter Hauser, Ralph Ineson, Mark Gatiss, Robert Downey Jr.
Director: Matt Shakman
Writers: Josh Friedman, Eric Pearson, Jeff Kaplan, Ian Springer
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