The Fantastic Four is a Stylish, Reboot of a Family Friendly Franchise

As a kid, I remember watching the Fantastic Four cartoon and lived for the phrase, “It’s Clobberin’ Time!” These characters were the official ‘first family’ of the MCU and were closer to real human beings than human with extraordinary abilities.

Directed by Matt Shakman and set against a retro-futuristic 60’s Jetsons styled backdrop, Marvel Studios’ “The Fantastic Four: First Steps” introduces Marvel’s First Family as they face their most daunting challenge yet. Forced to balance roles as heroes with a tremendously strong family bond, this quartet find themselves defend Earth from a ravenous space god called Galactus (Ralph Ineson) and his enigmatic Herald, Silver Surfer (Julia Garner). All the while knowing if Galactus’ plan to devour the entire planet succeeds not only is humanity endangered, but this foursome discovers that all of this becomes it very personal.

For me, this film felt very personal on many levels as a resident of California, especially when these words are spoken, “…you see what’s happening out there?  The country is lost.”  Or when screenplay writers Josh Friedman, Eric Pearson Jeff Kaplan and Ian Springer wrote, “It’s the end of days, we all gotta learn how to laugh.” Truer thoughts have never been conveyed at a crucial point in global history.  Hear me out on my character analogies through and ponder this for a minute.

These characters strongly paralleled ‘The Wizard of Oz,’ with Galactus representing the Wicked Witch of the West, Sue giving Dorothy vibes, Mister Fantastic holding down Tinman sentimentality, Torch providing the quick witted Scarecrow and of course, Ben Grimm hitting us with Cowardly Lion softness.  Lastly, the sexy silver alien surfer is kinda reminding me of across between the winged monkeys and Toto.  I know it feels like a stretch, but when you see the film you will totally get what I mean.

Vanessa Kirby is a ethereal beauty as Sue Storm who is hell bent on convincing citizens to never doubt. a small committed group of citizens who can change the world.  Kirby conveys more with one glance than any dialogue could ever provide in a powerful, provocative manner that lingers throughout.  Although, it is not lost on me this is the second film I have witnessed her giving birth (Pieces of a Woman), which is coincidental considering Kirby is expecting a baby in real life.

Pascal is on a roll with this being his third release in a matter of weeks (Eddington, Materialists).  As Mr. Fantastic, Pascal once again taps into that soft, vulnerable geeky side making it impossible not to fall in love with him.  Giving total Robert Downey, Jr. comedic timing, Joseph Quinn blazes a Torch. He and Moss-Bacharach are the highlights. But, the duo is nearly upstaged by the cutest baby I’ve ever seen onscreen in the embodiment of Ada Scott as Franklin.

With fresh, crips production and sound design, spot on costumes and a message reminding us all that sometimes you have to focus on someone or something bigger than yourself – family.  As someone who recently lost my patriarch, this message certainly hits the heart in a visceral way than it might have before my orbit and world was altered forever.

Although the first quarter of  this film lags a bit from a plot point, in the end, The Fantastic Four is fantabulous fun and will delight audiences young and old. Side note: We all know how Marvel rolls by now, so stay seated  for those end credits that may or may not make you happy or sad…lol.