I watched Fantastic 4 : First Steps(no spoilers)When it comes to movies the importance of timing shouldn’t be underestimated.Something that excelled 10 years ago may not feel shiny or fresh today. And this is very much the case with Fantastic 4 : First Steps.After many Marvel missteps.. these ‘first steps’ are very competent ones. It’s a solid story with genuinely high stakes told in a very character driven way.While Marvel is known for its wisecracking humour, this film takes... Read more
I watched Fantastic 4 : First Steps(no spoilers)
When it comes to movies the importance of timing shouldn’t be underestimated.
Something that excelled 10 years ago may not feel shiny or fresh today. And this is very much the case with Fantastic 4 : First Steps.
After many Marvel missteps.. these ‘first steps’ are very competent ones. It’s a solid story with genuinely high stakes told in a very character driven way.
While Marvel is known for its wisecracking humour, this film takes itself more seriously than James Gunns recent Superman movie while staying true to the original colourful Jack Kirby vision for the Fantastic 4.
The film looks amazing with masses of 50’s retro futurism. Visually it’s very distinctive and I can’t see many being disappointed.
Casting is also pretty decent. Pedro Pascal plays Mr Fantastic. And despite complaints of overuse of the actor in movies lately, he works.
The rest of the cast do a fine job rounding off the fantastic 4 if not particularly exceptional. There is a lack of star power to the team in opinion but they do all fit their roles.
When it comes to casting its of note is that the Silver Surfer has been gender swapped. While hardcore fans may be unhappy it didn’t bother me and I thought the tweak gave human torch Johnny someone to connect too.
The story was full of real jeopardy as comic book favourite villain Galactus finally makes a proper debut into the MCU. And he looked great. This could be the next best villain to Thanos but it seems like Dr Doom is being fast tracked for this position as Robert DowneyJunior returns next year in that role.
The movie’s plot was solid if not partially cerebral. The stakes feel genuinely high , as the entire planet is set for destruction. There are some impressive set pieces, however much of the plot discussion takes place in the apartment of the main four.
This creates the illusion of a much smaller film in scope than the premise might suggest.It’s not bad in any way just not a big as story as you might expect.
And this brings me back to my original point, timing is important. Had this movie been released directly after Avenger Endgame it would have been declared a home run and considered another triumphant continuation of the unstoppable MCU.
But this is 6 years later. And the Marvel films have long stopped being essential viewing.
And because of that, despite being well made and being visually fantastic, it’s not a must see film. Even those looking forward to Avengers Doomsday could skip this. But they would be missing out as it’s a very enjoyable return to form for Marvel.
I’d say that while not essential, it’s recommended if you’re looking for an enjoyable summer blockbuster.
When it comes to movies the importance of timing shouldn’t be underestimated.
Something that excelled 10 years ago may not feel shiny or fresh today. And this is very much the case with Fantastic 4 : First Steps.
After many Marvel missteps.. these ‘first steps’ are very competent ones. It’s a solid story with genuinely high stakes told in a very character driven way.
While Marvel is known for its wisecracking humour, this film takes itself more seriously than James Gunns recent Superman movie while staying true to the original colourful Jack Kirby vision for the Fantastic 4.
The film looks amazing with masses of 50’s retro futurism. Visually it’s very distinctive and I can’t see many being disappointed.
Casting is also pretty decent. Pedro Pascal plays Mr Fantastic. And despite complaints of overuse of the actor in movies lately, he works.
The rest of the cast do a fine job rounding off the fantastic 4 if not particularly exceptional. There is a lack of star power to the team in opinion but they do all fit their roles.
When it comes to casting its of note is that the Silver Surfer has been gender swapped. While hardcore fans may be unhappy it didn’t bother me and I thought the tweak gave human torch Johnny someone to connect too.
The story was full of real jeopardy as comic book favourite villain Galactus finally makes a proper debut into the MCU. And he looked great. This could be the next best villain to Thanos but it seems like Dr Doom is being fast tracked for this position as Robert DowneyJunior returns next year in that role.
The movie’s plot was solid if not partially cerebral. The stakes feel genuinely high , as the entire planet is set for destruction. There are some impressive set pieces, however much of the plot discussion takes place in the apartment of the main four.
This creates the illusion of a much smaller film in scope than the premise might suggest.It’s not bad in any way just not a big as story as you might expect.
And this brings me back to my original point, timing is important. Had this movie been released directly after Avenger Endgame it would have been declared a home run and considered another triumphant continuation of the unstoppable MCU.
But this is 6 years later. And the Marvel films have long stopped being essential viewing.
And because of that, despite being well made and being visually fantastic, it’s not a must see film. Even those looking forward to Avengers Doomsday could skip this. But they would be missing out as it’s a very enjoyable return to form for Marvel.
I’d say that while not essential, it’s recommended if you’re looking for an enjoyable summer blockbuster.
