Earth 828. Four years ago a team of astronauts returned from a mission to space having been changed by a cosmic storm. Since that day they have used their new found abilities and status to protect their world and to make it a better place. Only now they must fight to protect their own family, as well as the Earth, from the planet consuming Galactus.
As Obi Wan Kenobi once said; "You've taken your first steps into a larger world." That's what Marvel has done with First Steps. Well, they've opened up that larger world, anyway. Allowing us to step into it. And what an incredible world Earth 828 is. A 1960's image of the future. Vibrant, hopeful, and uniquely technological. Except that on Earth 828 it actually is the 1960's - 1964 to be exact. It's all very classic Marvel, with a little of The Jetsons and Thunderbirds thrown into the mix. This includes the team's retro look, their car, and their robot assistant, H.E.R.B.I.E., who is particularly awesome too. He will undoubtedly have little trouble finding a place among the most beloved film & TV robots. But in many ways it's still the Earth we know. A universal factor it would seem, as people are inevitably still people. Some of whom will apparently follow Paul Walter Hauser's 'Harvey Elder' just about anywhere. It's a small role for Hauser, but he's perfect, and don't think limited screen time prevents him from stealing the show.
Anyway, it's only fitting that in this very different world, there is a very different super team protecting it. Thanks to some great visual effects they and their powers look pretty impressive. Johnny (Joseph Quinn) certainly gets plenty of opportunity to test the flame retardant nature of his wardrobe. While Sue (Vanessa Kirby)'s manipulation of light is striking. This version of the Fantastic Four, however, feels a lot more like a family than any on-screen interpretation I've seen - I haven't seen the 1994 movie. They are bonded by love and friendship, but also by what happened to them. Something all four leads portray in a very heartfelt way. There are times however - although thankfully not too many - when this familial central theme can feel a little overplayed. Certain scenes or moments can feel overly saccharine or too on the nose, and it doesn't help that they can be seen coming a mile off.
Much like they did with Spider-Man's introduction into the MCU, the Marvel people recognised that we don't really need another origin story. Instead they found a way to introduce us to this new team without another depiction of the event that changed them. In so doing, Shakman and his team have only scratched the surface of who they are. There are hints, sure. Between the great writing and authentic performances we are certainly left with a sense of who they are - both in this world and as individuals. Reed (Pedro Pascal) and Ben (Ebon Moss-Bachrach)'s struggles are particularly interesting. But the movie doesn't feel like an exposition dump. For now, the focus is very much on the bond they share, both good and bad. Along with the weight of their responsibilities as both celebrities and protectors.
Responsibilities that get a whole lot heavier with the arrival of Shalla Bal (Julia Garner), the Silver Surfer and envoy of Galactus. Some impressive effects give the shiny messenger a truly out of this world look - which is rather satisfying given the negative reaction to her appearance in the trailer - while Garner brings a genuine sense of heavy purpose and conflict to the one-woman advance team. It's too bad that she and her on-screen boss (played with great stature by Ralph Ineson) don't have bigger roles, but it does add a little mystery to their characters, giving them a looming presence even when off screen.
Shalla Bal's arrival causes the four to act as ambassadors for Earth, as they attempt to convince the consumer of worlds to leave our little planet - and other things - alone. The struggles they face are actually a lot closer to home than you'd expect, making them strangely relatable - summed up perfectly in a scene that sees Sue confront a crowd. This has a delightfully confounding effect in regard to how this Fantastic Four will get out from under an incredibly large thumb. It would have been nice to see a little more stretchy stretchy, "cloberin' time" action, which is mainly reserved for the finale. But the gang's fighting skills aren't their only gifts, and there is a real sense of urgency in everything they do. Especially when you take into account the fact that we don't know how this is all going to play into the wider MCU. All of which makes First Steps a rather exciting escapade, and the perfect way to kick off Phase 6.
The Fantastic Four: First Steps is a cosmic adventure of epic proportions. Making it both a perfect introduction to the MCU's take on the classic super team, and a sign that Marvel may be righting the ship.
8.5/10
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