The Struggle to Bring the Fantastic Four to Life on Screen
The Fantastic Four have long been one of Marvel’s most enduring comic book franchises, with a new issue released nearly every month since their debut in 1961. However, when it comes to the big screen, the story is quite different. Unlike other major Marvel properties such as Spider-Man, the X-Men, Iron Man, Captain America, and the Avengers, there has never been a truly great Fantastic Four movie. That makes The Fantastic Four: First Steps the best of the bunch by default — but not necessarily a great film itself.
Despite being better than its predecessors, First Steps still falls short of the high standards set by other Marvel films. It doesn’t quite capture the essence of Stan Lee and Jack Kirby’s groundbreaking comics, which introduced bold ideas, complex characters, and thrilling adventures that helped define the Marvel brand. While the film attempts to channel that spirit, it does so in fits and starts.
One of the strongest moments in First Steps is the confrontation between the Fantastic Four and Galactus, the nigh-omnipotent space god voiced by Ralph Ineson. This sequence highlights the film's visual grandeur, with Galactus and his herald, the Silver Surfer (Julia Garner), bringing a sense of awe and cosmic scale that feels true to Kirby’s original designs. The visuals are stunning, and the action sequences are some of the most memorable in the film.
The film also attempts to emphasize the family dynamic that has always been central to the Fantastic Four. Reed Richards, Sue Storm, Johnny Storm, and Ben Grimm are portrayed as a unit that works together to save the world from destruction. However, this family aspect is handled in a superficial way, with the characters constantly reminding each other of their bond. The film misses out on exploring the deeper, more complicated relationships that made the comics so compelling.
In the original comics, the Fantastic Four were not just a team but a family with real emotional struggles. Reed and Sue faced challenges in their marriage, while Ben and Johnny had constant conflicts. These elements added depth to the stories and created tension that made the characters more relatable. First Steps avoids these nuances, opting instead for lighthearted moments that lack the emotional weight of the source material.
Another significant change in First Steps is the reimagining of the team members as scientists. This shift explains why they would all be on the same rocket ship and allows for more sci-fi problem-solving in the narrative. However, it also results in a group of characters that feel too similar. They are all smart, well-adjusted, and lack distinct personalities. The only character with a clear emotional arc is Reed, who is concerned about how his and Sue’s altered DNA might affect their unborn child. Other moments of conflict, like searching for a missing bottle of pills or struggling with a car seat, are played for laughs rather than drama.
Visually, First Steps shines. The film takes place in a retro-futuristic version of New York City, featuring 1960s-style buildings, fashions, and a cohesive aesthetic. The group’s headquarters, flying Fantasticar, and blue-and-white costumes all contribute to a unique and visually appealing look. The design choices make the film enjoyable to watch, even if the story lacks the same level of excitement.
While the cast is well-chosen, the execution of the characters leaves something to be desired. None of the actors seem fully immersed in their roles, and the script appears to flatten the characters, leaving little room for development. Despite this, the film is a decent first step, showing promise for future entries in the franchise.
Highlights and Criticisms
One of the standout elements of First Steps is the portrayal of the Silver Surfer. Unlike previous attempts, the film captures the character’s alien nature and imposing presence. Her movements are graceful, and her design is striking, making her one of the most visually impressive aspects of the movie.
Another notable addition is H.E.R.B.I.E., the robot sidekick. His design, with an adorable face made of analog tape reels and a voice full of bleeps and bloops, adds a charming touch. However, he appears too frequently in the early parts of the film, which can be overwhelming.
The difficulty in creating a successful Fantastic Four movie may stem from the challenge of balancing four main characters and their unique dynamics within a two-hour runtime. Unlike other Marvel teams, the Fantastic Four rarely introduce new members, making it harder to keep the story fresh. While the film succeeds in creating a unique world around the team, the core characters still need more development to feel truly engaging.
Overall, First Steps is a solid attempt at bringing the Fantastic Four to life on screen, but it falls short of being a great film. With more time and refinement, there is potential for future entries to live up to the legacy of the comics.
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