Marvel’s ‘The Fantastic Four: First Steps’ Review: A Hilarious Take on the Superhero Family You Didn’t Know You Needed!

Baby steps, indeed! Marvel has brought back the fun side of superheroes. This time, the Fantastic Four show up in a playful, retro version of early 1960s New York—think colorful outfits and a quirky family vibe. They live in a high-tech apartment, reminiscent of classic TV shows like “Bewitched.”

At the heart of the story is Dr. Reed Richards, or Mr. Fantastic, portrayed by Pedro Pascal. His superpower of stretching may sound fancy, but it’s endearing in this light-hearted setup. He and his wife, Sue Storm, the Invisible Woman played by Vanessa Kirby, are nurturing a family dynamic. They live with two young men: Johnny Storm, aka the Human Torch, played by Joseph Quinn, and Ben Grimm, a tough guy with a heart, portrayed by Ebon Moss-Bachrach. The twist? Sue is unexpectedly pregnant—a sweet yet chaotic addition to their family.

Now, what about that baby? Will it inherit superpowers, or will it struggle with unique challenges like Ben? Speaking of love, Ben finds himself crushing on a local teacher, portrayed by Natasha Lyonne, while Johnny seems to have an eye for the Silver Surfer, played by Julia Garner. The Surfer arrives with an ominous message from Galactus, a powerful figure threatening Earth, adding intrigue to their family adventures.

The movie promises to be an entertaining ride, with a nostalgic nod to comic books that shaped the original Fantastic Four narrative. While superhero films often end with massive city destruction, this film keeps its focus on fun, making it feel refreshing.

Visually, the film immerses viewers in a vibrant 60s world. Think imaginative cinemas in Times Square, showcasing quirky films like “The Emperor’s Twin” and “Subzero Intel.” The humor continues with Ben earnestly reading Dr. Benjamin Spock’s “Baby and Child Care” when the baby arrives—a nod to parenting debates of the time.

Overall, it’s a silly, light-hearted film that manages to keep superhero stories alive, while delivering laughs and warmth. It hits theaters in Australia and the UK on July 24 and in the US on July 25.

As recent surveys show, audiences are craving more humor and fun in superhero films. A report from the Pew Research Center indicates that 71% of fans prefer lighthearted stories over darker tones in superhero narratives. This new installment may just be what viewers have been waiting for.



Source link