There is plenty of costumed superhero nonsense going on in downtown San Diego this weekend. ComicCon is in town. But given the somewhat lower minimum standards for donning a mask and cape in the cosplay world, I decided to go check out the latest Marvel movie in the theater. Fortunately, Fantastic Four - First Steps is a fun and lighthearted addition to the Marvel catalog, and I only almost ran over 7 different nerds who weren’t paying any attention as they stepped out into the street while staring at their phones.
We join the first family of Marvel superheroes 4 years after their fateful trip to space, from which they returned forever changed by the cosmic rays that gave them superpowers. Beloved throughout the world, the Fantastic 4 are global leaders in technology, diplomacy, and popular culture. And great news, Reed and Sue Richards are going to have a baby. Everything is going great, until the Silver Surfer arrives to herald Earth’s impending doom at the hands of the insatiable planetary devourer, Galactus. The Fantastic 4 face their toughest opponent yet, and they will have to choose between their family and their duty to all mankind. Can Reed, Sue, Johnny, and Ben find a way to stop the unstoppable force? Tune in to find out.
Fantastic Four is set on an alternate Earth, which thankfully means it’s separate from any of the convoluted MCU multi-verse and Avengers lore. No references to other MCU movies (although we know they’ll be connected later on). No need to have watched four different streaming series. The movie is entirely self-contained, lighthearted, fun comic book superhero fare set in a retro-futuristic mid-century golden age. It looks cool, the characters are fun, and the movie doesn’t take itself too seriously without resorting to the constant stream of gags and bits that many of the MCU movies have become infamous for. The main characters are all likable, the writing is comic book level but fine, and there’s no hint of agenda or messaging. Good effects and fun action, pretty much what you want from a superhero flick.
Of course there are a few small plot holes here and there, and some things that happen just so the plot can keep moving forward. And the antagonists are a little light on development, although not so much that it breaks the story. Generally, if I’m consciously noticing and annoyed by these things while I’m watching, it’s not a great sign. In this case, they fall well within the margins of expectation for a comic movie.
Overall, I’d say that Fantastic Four - First Steps is the most successful superhero movie I’ve watched this year. It’s a good option for exciting fun family entertainment, and should pop safely into the top half of the Marvel catalog. Rated PG-13 for violence and a small bit of language.