A classic sci-fi throwback with a fun-loving ’60s aesthetic, Matt Shakman’s The Fantastic Four: First Steps, is a comforting, mostly lighthearted movie, despite its central world-ending plot. And it is less than 2 hours, which might be the most old-fashioned thing about it. Pedro Pascal and Vanessa Kirby lend emotional weight to the stakes of starting a family, and the first thirty minutes start off very strong, establishing its world. The story might be thin, considering the four screenwriters who may not have been as fantastic as the title, but they packed a lot in there for audiences to enjoy. This one’s for fans of classic sci-fi, found family, and big-screen fun that doesn’t take itself too seriously.
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Both the musical score and production design are my favorite parts and most memorable highlights from The Fantastic Four: First Steps. Michael Giacchino’s musical score is a lot of fun, serving the tone and complementing the kinetic energy of characters like Mr. Fantastic or The Thing, who bounce around and dazzle across the screen. This lively music completely encompasses the vintage tone and brisk pacing. Likewise, the production design is retro-futurist world-building. A home styled like the Jetsons, with sleek interiors, curves, and analog tech gadgets, is a character within itself. And I like the nostalgic production design beyond it, especially the neon-lit ads in Times Square advertisements, which were my kind of easter eggs that fit perfectly, even if fictionalized.
The cast works very well together and enhances The Fantastic Four: First Steps. In a breakout role, Joseph Quinn has a Ryan Gosling-like comedic energy, playing for big laughs and a lot of charm. As the Human Torch, he lights up every scene with his charismatic attitude. He’s just beginning his career with such confidence, and I was unfamiliar with his work. At the core of The Fantastic Four is a family, and parenthood, especially embodied in Vanessa Kirby’s performance and character arc, with a bit of help from Pedro Pascal. It is the H.E.R.B.I.E. robot was cute without being overbearing in a schmaltzy way.
The Fantastic Four: First Steps is a dynamic watch that had me smiling, with a groovy retro vibe, nice performances, and a crowd-pleaser at its heart. A back-to-basics Marvel entry with character introductions worth the wait that reminds viewers why fans love these movies in the first place. And stay for the stinger closing credit, which had my audience gasping and teased the next installment. It is worth seeing this movie for this moment alone.
The Fantastic Four: First Steps is now playing in theaters nationwide.
