After multiple attempts to reenvision Marvel Comics’ Fantastic Four cinematically, the MCU finally got it right. For some strange reason, every effort to adapt “Marvel’s first family” on the big screen has failed to give comic book fans what they have wanted so badly. Well, the fourth attempt is the charm. Now, I say this because after being either disappointed, frustrated, or annoyed so many times, I am grateful that Disney/Marvel found the right filmmakers to do something positive. Although this movie has its flaws, it is refreshing that a group of filmmakers has finally grasped what makes the Fantastic Four so enjoyable and exciting.
Unlike all of the other reiterations of Marvel characters and properties, the MCU’s Fantastic Four exist within their universe. This aspect allowed the filmmakers to create a new and visionary world where the Fantastic Four are the first and, arguably, the greatest heroes who can protect the people from all kinds of threats. The movie takes place in an alternate world within the multiverse presented in the MCU. The Fantastic Four are not only heroes, but they are also leaders in cutting-edge technology, guiding an already idyllic world toward a better future.
Led by Reed Richards (Pedro Pascal), a scientist who is the most intelligent man on his Earth, the Fantastic Four are celebrities who not only fight minor, Earth-bound crimes, but also advance the human race beyond their wildest imaginations. However, Mr. Fantastic/Reed Richards faces his biggest challenge when an alien from another world (Julia Garner) comes to his planet and warns them that Galactus (Ralph Ineson) is on his way to destroy their world.
While my synopsis may sound rather basic and redundant of what has already been presented in trailers and promotional materials, one must experience all that director Matt Shakman and his writers have to offer to appreciate how good this new Fantastic Four movie is truly. The decision to make this universe distinct from the usual MCU movies is the perfect choice, allowing this film to stand out as its own entity. This film takes place in a retro-futurist version of our world during the 1960s, and this approach works exceptionally well in delivering something unique.
It is truly exciting to witness the visual representation of this universe, as it is so different from anything the MCU has presented so far. As far as the writing is concerned, there is some excellent character development, as well as some that falls short. The focus of the movie is primarily on the relationship between Reed Richards and his wife, Sue Storm (Vanessa Kirby), as they strive to be the world’s saviors, while also navigating the challenges that come with marriage and the impending birth of their first child.
So, yes, as teased in the trailers, Sue Storm is pregnant, and it couldn’t come at a worse time. While her world is in peril, she must carry her baby to term while assisting Reed and their team in protecting their planet. These issues, along with Reed’s own challenges as a tremendously intelligent superhero, prove to be challenging for Sue, whose main desire is to raise her baby in the best possible way.
I was very pleased with Pedro Pascal’s performance as Reed Richards. He pulls off the character as a super-intelligent scientist who truly loves his family, but also can’t help but think of the worst-case scenarios and the best solutions for his dilemmas. While I genuinely enjoyed the acting of both Ebon Moss-Bachrach as Ben Grimm/The Thing and Joseph Quinn as Johnny Storm/The Human Torch, the writing could have developed these characters much better. There are hints and shades of what troubles them both, but the theatrical cut of this movie leaves a little more to be desired.
The central standout of the movie is Vanessa Kirby as Sue Storm/Invisible Woman. She is the glue that keeps the Fantastic Four united and headed in the proper direction. The actor projects a loving strength that holds the family/heroes on course and doing the right thing. I was also impressed with Julia Garner, who portrays the Silver Surfer known as Shalla-Ball, the herald who Galactus forces to warn the Earth of their impending doom.
I also enjoyed the vocal performance of Ralph Ineson, whose perfect voice work gives much gravity and an intimidating element to Galactus. It is refreshing to see a live-action adaptation of the Fantastic Four deliver a frightening and powerful villain in Galactus, and Ineson is the actor for the job.
The movie also rushes things somewhat, and while I was mostly okay with this issue, I still would have liked a better development of the proceedings. Nevertheless, I very much enjoyed the MCU’s and Matt Shakman’s version of the Fantastic Four. Its world-building and heavy leaning on science fiction made me very happy. Though it is not quite as good as James Gunn’s Superman, it is another comic-book come to life. Jack Kirby would be pleased.