By: Kimberly Grant
This summer it seems like movies have gotten a rocky start. They seem to have promise and then fizzle out when it comes to quality. So, it’s no wonder that expectations were low when I watched the trailer for the latest Fantastic Four.
The Fantastic Four: First Steps is currently playing in theaters nationwide.
The Fantastically Good & Bad
If you’re a fan of the foursome heroes then you’ve probably seen previous versions of Fantastic Four. Some good. Some bad. This latest Fantastic Four falls in one of these categories. In the story, written by Josh Friedman, Eric Pearson, and Jeff Kaplan (based on the Marvel Comics created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby), we get a crash course in Fantastic history at the beginning of the movie.
Our family of heroes, Reed Richards (played by Pedro Pascal), his wife Susan Storm (Vanessa Kirby), his best friend Ben Grimm (Ebon Moss-Bachrach) and Sue’s brother Johnny (Joseph Quinn), embark on a space mission that goes wrong. They all return to Earth 828 with powers. They then spend five years as Earth’s mightiest heroes who happen to reside in the Baxter Building in the heart of Times Square.
The story officially begins with Sue carrying a bundle of joy. But this baby isn’t an ordinary baby. He’s fantastic! Every creature in the galaxy knows it, including Galactus (voiced by Ralph Ineson). Galactus is a larger than life being that eats planets and has set his sights on Baby Fantastic. He gives the Fantastic Four an ultimatum: Galactus destroys Earth or they give him their baby.
Who Would Give Up Their Baby?
Naturally, the Fantastics aren’t giving up their baby. In true Marvel-story fashion, our heroes must come up with a way to save their baby and Earth. I’m sure at this point you’re wondering if I actually liked the movie.
Before I tell you, I’d like to direct your attention to the world of this new Fantastic Four. Director Matt Shakman stayed true to the comics. Picture it! It’s 1960s New York City, and our heroes are famous but still interact with the locals. They’re accessible to the community. There’s no ego, just heroes.
What did I think of the movie? It is, well, fantastic. It taps into the nostalgia of what makes Marvel a beloved provider of entertainment with a social conscious. And the first end credit scene sets up the next film nicely.
If you want to read more reviews written by K. A. Grant, you can read her Entertainment Blog.
