Fantastic Four: First Steps Movie Review

The MCU has gone full-on preternatural with “The Fantastic Four: First Steps,” which is quite a well-developed family film. ​

I was nervous, but it was refreshing to see that this was so good because the main characters care for one another so much. I was honestly expecting to be somewhat disappointed. Instead, what I got were those invaluable characters offered to us by Matt Shakman, director of the hit series “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia.”

There’s a lot to discover in this movie, but I loved the bad guy. There’s a giant villain, named Galactus (Ralph Ineson), who has an ample appetite. You’ll love what he consumes, as well as other things he enjoys snacking on. He wants to destroy Earth. He and everything that encircles him, what he finds extraordinary, are what make the film so dark. Your seat will shake when he’s on screen, the sound in this film is that moving. That said, you’ll love the retro, vintage look it’s given, but that’s not about him. Back to Galactus. He’s a villain worthy of scorn. That’s always a good thing to have when a character is to be disliked, and I love him for his evil. Another character is brought to light in this film. He’s Mole Man (Paul Walter Hauser); they could and should have done entirely without him. He added nothing.

We also have the birth of Sue Storm’s (Vanessa Kirby) child, which brings on more of the family element. This gives us love and comedic moments. The introduction of the child may slow the film down for some audience members, but don’t let the first baby born in space deter you. This film is… fantastic. Kirby was mesmerizing in her role and let me remind you to never underestimate the strength of a mother on the edge. Baby proofing the house may give you something to relate to, by the way. There’s an ample amount of humor, but not so much that it detracts from the heavier themes, which are essential to this series and the MCU.

When they start to put family above all, as any family would, First Steps jumps into high gear. Something happens that pushes their love for their home planet of Earth, at a moment when all seems so good for them. There’s an unpredictable assault on this group, leading to a decision that must be made. Earth or family. Which will it be? Would you like to take this journey with them? Yes. You do!

Another female enters the picture. She’s Shalla-Bal or Silver Surfer, played by Julia Garner from “Ozark.” She’s introduced morbidly, but she’s so hard-core and vicious, you almost forgive her killer nature. You, in fact, might, when you find out why she is who she is. Give me more!!! Pedro Pascal may have played an essential character in Reed Richards, the head of the family and the man who towers above everyone intellectually, but not much is done with him, outside of watching him as a Stretch Armstrong-type toy for Galactus. Joseph Quinn’s Johnny Storm is important in the love department. That’s all I’ll say about that. The Fantastic Four are all in it for love, will that be enough to save the world, or is the end of days? That question is what makes this a must-watch essential. That and the visuals you won’t be able to stop thinking about for a few days.

*Stay for a mid-credit scene and an after-credit scene. Watch this on IMAX if you can!