The recently released film Fantastic Four: First Steps, which debuted in Italy on July 23 and in the U.S. two days later, stands out for its striking retro-futurist aesthetic.
The film features smooth curves, rocket-powered cars, and robotic assistants, creating a vision of the future that nostalgically echoes an idealized version of the 1960s—filled with optimism and devoid of turmoil.
In this imagined world, the spirit of space exploration persists, and when a scientist calls for energy conservation, the public responds instantly and without resistance.
There is an absence of politicians or opportunistic businessmen; what prevails is a sense of consensus, order, and trust among the populace.
Officially set in Earth-828, this universe feels more like a curated nostalgia trip—a place of comfort that could appeal across the political spectrum, perhaps even presenting a viable alternative to contemporary societal issues.
The narrative introduces the Fantastic Four as an already revered family of astronauts transformed into superheroes by a cosmic storm, now central to global authority.
They are universally adored, receiving admiration from children and ice-cream vendors alike.
However, the arrival of the Silver Surfer, portrayed by Julia Garner with an unsettling detachment, marks a shift.
As he descends into Times Square to deliver a dire warning—that Earth has been marked for destruction by the cosmic entity Galactus, voiced by Ralph Ineson—it’s the Fantastic Four who take on the task of negotiating on humanity’s behalf.
Despite the initial utopia, the film quickly reveals cracks in this seemingly perfect world when Galactus presents a cruel ultimatum: Earth will be spared if Reed and Sue surrender their unborn child.
Faced with this impossible choice, the couple resolutely refuses.
Their return home, however, is met not with gratitude but disillusionment from the very public they vowed to protect.
While the film hints at a compelling moral dilemma, it hesitates to fully explore it, opting instead for comfort through reassurances from Mr. Fantastic.
This avoidance is emblematic of a familiar issue in Marvel storytelling, where thought-provoking topics are often introduced but left unexamined.
Nonetheless, First Steps carves out its identity within a franchise frequently encumbered by extensive lore and formulaic plotting.
The characters are afforded space to develop, and the performances shine as a result.
Reed Richards is rendered with a quietly anxious intensity, as portrayed by Pascal, a man grappling with the pressures of impending fatherhood and the need to anticipate every possible catastrophe.
Kirby’s portrayal of Sue Storm presents a grounded and formidable figure, rejecting the traditional trope of maternal fragility for a stance of resolute strength.
One of the film’s standout moments occurs during the confrontation with the Silver Surfer, which is strikingly conducted without dialogue and resonates deeply with viewers.
Action sequences are effectively staged, indicating an improvement over many recent Marvel installments.
Director Matt Shakman finds a unique balance between comic-book absurdity and sincere affection for classic space-faring science fiction, exemplified through visual moments such as a spaceship navigating a wormhole while being joined by a surfboard gracefully traversing the cosmos.
However, the film does fall short in delivering a grand resolution for Galactus, whose formidable presence demands a more climactic conclusion.
As it stands, the final showdown feels too neat and inconsequential compared to the magnitude of the threat that has been established.
Ultimately, Fantastic Four: First Steps emerges as an uneven but refreshingly unencumbered entry in the superhero genre.
Unlike many other cinematic offerings, this film requires no prior knowledge of the franchise, no lengthy backstory, and no setup for future installments.
In an industry often characterized by relentless pacing and continuation, First Steps offers a rare pause, allowing audiences to catch their breath before the Fantastic Four’s return in Avengers: Doomsday, complete with the anticipated time loops and multiversal chaos.
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