JacobsonCinemas

IT’S CLOBBERING TIME!

Doesn’t it seem very coincidental that we get a new Fantastic Four reboot every 10 years? I have never been a fan of the Fantastic Four, mostly thanks to how the previous films were either too corny or too bleak. Now that Disney has bought 20^th Century Fox that gave the MCU the opportunity to make their own interpretation of the team. The Fantastic Four: First Steps takes place in an alternate 60s retro futuristic inspired universe separate from the Sacred one. Unlike the previous Fantastic Four films which begin with their origin story, this film takes place four (get it?) years after they received their powers and are now the sole protectors of Earth-828 (brilliant and touching eater egg). When Sue confirms to be pregnant, the Silver Surfer arrives to tell them that Galactus is coming to eat their planet unless the Fantastic Four give up their newborn child to take Galactus’s place.

One of the things to get right in a Fantastic Four film is casting the right actors for these heroes, something the previous films failed to do (though Chris Evans and Michael Chiklis were pretty decent). This film finally did the whole team justice. Pedro Pascal and Vanessa Kirby are both great as Reed Richards and Sue Storm and you do feel for them when trying to think of a way to not just save Earth but also their new child. Joseph Quinn and Ebon Moss-Bachrachwere also great as Johnny Storm and the Thing and the banter they have together is a lot of fun. H.E.R.B.I.E was a nice new addition to the group that also tied with the retro future aesthetic. Galactus was an actual great villain here and a huge (pun intended) improvement over that stupid cloud version from Rise of the Silver Surfer. Ralph Ineson gives a chilling and epic performance. The effects on him look great and you really do feel the size and scope of him whenever he’s onscreen. What’s also great is that the film makes him a villain with an understandable motive instead of just a generic doomsday villain like in the 2007 film.

One of the biggest highlights for me is this film’s production design. I have always been a huge fan of 60s retro future aesthetic. This film’s version of New York is a joy to look at. Having Matt Shakman direct was the right choice since he already had experience directing WandaVision which had a 60s inspired episode. The customized opening logo pretty much establishes the new setting perfectly. Michael Giacchino’s amazing score also helps give the setting a fun retro feel to it that reminds me a lot of another superhero family film the Incredibles which he also composed. One of the biggest problems with the previous Fantastic Four film was that it was way too bleak and edgy. This film however managed to be the exact opposite. Everything about this film from the tone, the costumes, and the writing feels much more lighthearted and fun without it being too corny like the 2005 film. I’m really glad movies like this and Superman can show that comic book films can still be faithful, lighthearted and fun.

I know it is a bit cliche to say this but the Fantastic Four: First Steps is absolutely “fantastic”. I always hoped this would be not just the best Fantastic Four film of all time but also the best Marvel film of 2025, and I was right. Matt Shakeman managed to accomplished making the Fantastic Four feel right at home in the MCU and I look forward to see what they have in store for them.

Verdict:

+Galactus

+Lighthearted tone

+The Fantastic Four

+The production design

Score: A