‘Fantastic Four: First Steps': Marvel finally made a movie you don't need a guide to follow
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Maybe 'superhero fatigue' is a thing of the past – with DC's 'Superman' still soaring in theaters, Marvel's 'Fantastic Four' reboot is set to join the fun this weekend, with positive momentum.
The new movie featuring Marvel's First Family, as they're known, is not a sequel, prequel, spinoff or crossover, but a fresh take on a historic group of superheroes. No prior Marvelpedia knowledge is required to enjoy.
That might sound like no big deal, but after 2023's 'The Marvels,' this spring's fourth 'Captain America' movie and 'Thunderbolts*' all underperformed by Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) standards, the new 'Fantastic Four' may offer broader audience appeal by not pulling from other franchises. And while there are definite Easter eggs (this is a comic book movie based on characters dating back to 1961, after all), the movie is what you'd call no-strings-attached fun.
Most of that has to do with a welcome course-correction after the last two attempts at 'Fantastic Four' (there was the suite of Chris Evans/Jessica Alba-starring movies from the aughts, followed by a largely forgettable attempt featuring Miles Teller a decade ago). This go-round is highly stylized as a retro-futuristic world a la The Jetsons (where is that movie, by the way?) that honors the 1960s-era origins of the titular foursome.
There's also a game cast, including Pedro Pascal, whose three films out this season – oh wait, make that four – still feel like not enough Pedro. Add to that Vanessa Kirby, 'Stranger Things' breakout Joseph Quinn – plus 'The Bear's' Ebon-Moss Bachrach as perhaps the most charming of the quartet, even though he's covered in a rocky mug – and the result is an engaging movie that focuses on family (in addition to some intergalactic baddies).
'First Steps' doesn't even refer to the Four by their decidedly silly superhero names (the Human Torch does sound like an obsolete infomercial product, if we're being honest), but rather introduces them as a man, his wife, his best friend and his brother-in-law. They exhibit their superpowers, but their collective expertise as scientists and astronauts prove equally valuable.
After a busy and tumultuous few years in the ever-sprawling MCU, fans and casual viewers alike will have a breather after this weekend's release, since 'Spider-Man: Brand New Day,' the studio's next major theatrical tentpole, isn't coming out for another full calendar year and change. With any luck, that will be just enough time for everyone to get another round of zzz's before another dizzying superhero superstorm commences.
'The Fantastic Four: First Steps' is out in theaters Friday. 'Superman' is distributed by Warner Bros., which is owned by CNN's parent company.
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