The Fantastic Four: First Steps
⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ (out of 5 stars)
Reel Dialogue FAMILY GUIDE included below
As the Marvel multiverse continues to expand following the merger of Disney and 20th Century Studios, The Fantastic Four devotees have eagerly awaited the return of Marvel's First Family. Set in the retro-futuristic world of Earth-828, director Matt Shakman masterfully guides this blended family of metahuman misfits on an adventure unlike anything audiences have seen in this universe before.
While familiar to Marvel enthusiasts, the origin story of Reed Richards / Mister Fantastic (Pedro Pascal), Sue Storm / Invisible Woman (Vanessa Kirby), Ben Grimm / The Thing (Ebon Moss-Bachrach), and Johnny Storm / Human Torch (Joseph Quinn) is cleverly conveyed through a vintage montage (reminiscent of The Incredibles opening). This sets the stage for their established role as protectors of humanity, ensuring stability in interactions both within their own ranks and against villainous forces from Earth and beyond. Yet, they live an idyllic life in the heart of New York City, even awaiting the arrival of Reed and Sue’s first child they don’t realise how danger lurks around the corner. Their peaceful existence is shattered when the celestial herald, the Silver Surfer (Julia Garner), arrives, announcing that the world is about to be devoured by the cosmic entity Galactus (voiced by Ralph Ineson), and humanity must prepare for its demise.
What will truly jolt fans into a new reality is the distinct aesthetic and tone of The Fantastic Four: First Steps. While the recent trend in the comic-book-inspired universe has leaned towards darker narratives, this film takes a sharp turn into the past. Drawing inspiration from the likes of The Jetsons and The Incredibles, Reed Richards and company inhabit a world that operates as if it sprang directly from a classic graphic novel, and the production team fully embraces what this affords them. This ensemble cast operates with seemingly unlimited resources, timelines that defy conventional logic, and relationships that transcend human reality. Despite these fantastical elements, the cast and production team make it all feel believable, drawing the audience into a story reminiscent of a different era while simultaneously existing in one that transcends our own sensibilities. Interestingly, this approach works, proving that escapism is often what we desire from these stories, rather than being lectured on how we should live.
Pascal, Kirby, Moss-Bachrach, and Quinn have unequivocally made their case; they successfully prove they deserve to wear the iconic suits of the new Fantastic Four. First Steps embodies the amiable reality of Mr. Fantastic, the narrative strength of The Thing, the passionate flame of the Human Torch, and the familial power of the Invisible Woman. This film provides the world with hope that superheroes can genuinely inspire, entertain, and allow us all to enter their world as we yearn to escape our own.
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REEL DIALOGUE: Fighting for My Family
The Fantastic Four: First Steps is, at its core, a story about family. It's a blended, sometimes dysfunctional, family under attack on every front, but the importance of their bond remains paramount to this superhero adventure. The theme of family will undoubtedly bring a smile to some people's faces, while for others, it may cause tears to well up. While this comic-book-inspired tale does get a little cheesy at times, there’s no denying the crucial role familial connection plays for the characters and society.
As they fight for their family and society, this bond among humans proves to be a bittersweet gift given to us all. Have you ever considered how your family, for better or worse, is a gift from God? This film encourages viewers to cherish the family they have or to strive to improve their relationships with the family they've been given.
Regardless of your personal experience with your family, have you taken the time to show your parents, children, and extended family the appreciation they deserve today?
Exodus 20:12 - “Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long in the land that the Lord your God is giving you."
Psalm 127:3-5 - “Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the children of one's youth. Blessed is the man who fills his quiver with them! He shall not be put to shame when he speaks with his enemies in the gate.”
