A little later than planned here’s my The Fantastic Four: First Steps review, It’s definitely the best Fantastic Four movie, but that’s a low bar. So is it actually a good film? Yes, but I do not think it’s a great film either.
As always, this film is still showing in theatres, so this is SPOILER FREE as much as possible.
What Did I Like?
The big merits of this film are the chemistry between the lead actors and the brilliant worldbuilding and visuals. The old fashioned, yet supremely futuristic version of Earth is the real star of the film. Reed’s genius doesn’t need to be mentioned because we are literally shown from start to finish what Reed has accomplished on this Earth-828.
They have what appears to be clean energy, their rocket ship has an FTL drive and they have a flying car. Plus there are H.E.R.B.I.E. like robots all over helping regular people. The people love them and they are famous for diplomacy through Sue as well. The cast are brilliant and clearly chosen for chemistry reasons. Sue is definitely the focus of this film, which is the right call. Reed is less of a lead and more like the MacGuffin of the whole movie, which again feels perfect for him. Pascal does a good job of representing a man who is inherently good, but just sees the world very differently to anyone else.
Ben looks better than he ever has done before. This is definitely the best on-screen version of Ben, but I do have some issues there I’ll get to. Johnny and Ben’s brotherly like bickering was perfect though.
Criticisms?
Yes, I do have some. My main gripe for this film is that the runtime feels too short and the film feels over edited from a better original script. The Third act is effectively half the movie. Whereas, the first half of the movie feels like the first act. I guess the second act is therefore tiny or left on the cutting room floor.
You could argue that point for sure. However, where I’m going is this. The movie has not enough scenes of the team using their powers in the first half of the film. Ben, despite being great looking and well acted, gets nothing to do. Not fighting wise and there’s almost nothing of his internal conflict left in the film either. Johnny gets a puzzle to solve, but you get the feeling there’s plenty cut between him and Silver Surfer, or Ben also.
You can see scenes left in that hint towards more story for Ben. Especially with Natasha Lyonne who literally appears in two scenes and could have been played by an extra for all her lines. There are some rumors that because she was a Jewish Rabbi, Disney wanted some of that cut out due to current affairs. For me though, the angst Ben has is a big part of his character and it was only hinted at occasionally with a look in a mirror, or a reaction.
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I guess my other criticism is the resolution is still a bit too well known. The team appeal to Silver Surfer who ends up helping them against Galactus. I think I’d have preferred that storyline was maybe kept for an Earth-616 story down the line with Norrin Radd. This time, I would have rather seen the team make some temporary solution, or agreement with Galactus. Like, he can return when Franklin is 21 and he can choose for himself whether to take his place. I dunno, my point is there was less drama with the ending than there was the initial plan Reed had, which was actually a very cool idea I won’t spoil.
Overall, I just think whilst the pace is hectic, this movie needed an early action scene to show the team in action. Perhaps the cut sub-plot with Red Ghost could have provided this? Then, additionally, some room to breathe in the second act and a bit more for Ben to do. However, I love the team dynamic and can’t wait to see more.
GRADE: B+
Definitely, far and away the best Fantastic Four film ever made. The rocket action sequence was great, the third act was pretty good as well. However, if anything it’s a little short for runtime and character development for all the leads equally. Brilliant worldbuilding and visuals, but you’re going to know every that happens before it does, so it’s perhaps too familiar to comic book fans, or fans of the Fox movies.
A decent start, with hopefully better to come. Maybe a score slightly biased by being a huge Fantastic Four fan.
What do you think of my review for The Fantastic Four: First Steps? Do you agree with my takes or disagree? Leave any comments below.
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