Latest news with #SueStorm
Chicago Tribune
5 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Chicago Tribune
‘The Fantastic Four' review: In a jet age dream of Manhattan, Marvel's world-savers take care of business
Ten years after a 'Fantastic Four' movie that wasn't, Marvel Studios and 20th Century Studios have given us 'The Fantastic Four: First Steps,' a much better couple of hours. It takes place in the mid-1960s, albeit a sleekly otherworldly jet age streamlining of that time. Result? Extras in fedoras share crowd scenes with a Manhattan skyline dotted with familiar landmarks like the Chrysler Building, alongside some casually wondrous 'Jetsons'-esque skyscrapers and design flourishes. Typically a production designer working in the Marvel movie universe doesn't stand a chance against the digital compositing and effects work and the general wash of green-screenery. 'The Fantastic Four' is different. Production designer Kasra Farahani's amusing visual swagger complements the film's dueling interests: A little fun over here, the usual threats of global extinction over there. In contrast to the current James Gunn 'Superman,' worthwhile despite its neurotic mood swings and from-here-to-eternity action beats, director Matt Shakman's handling of 'The Fantastic Four' takes it easier on the audience. Having returned from their space mission with 'cosmically compromised DNA,' Reed Richards, Sue Storm, Johnny Storm and Ben Grimm adapt to their Earthbound lives with some new bullet points for their collective resumé. Richards, big-time-stretchy-bendy, goes by Mister Fantastic, able to out-Gumby Gumby. One Storm's alter ego is Invisible Woman, while the other Storm is the flying Human Torch. Grimm returns to Earth as a mobile rockpile, aka The Thing. So what's it all about? It's about a really hungry tourist just looking for one last meal before he 'may finally rest.' So says Galactus, devourer of worlds, for whom noshing involves planets, and whose herald is Silver Surfer. Galactus wants Sue Storm's soon-to-be-newborn baby in exchange for not devouring Earth. How the Fantastic Four go about dealing with Galactus culminates in an evacuated Manhattan, in the vicinity of Times Square, while the New York throngs hide away in the underground lair of Harvey Elder, the infamous Moleman. One of the buoying aspects of Shakman's film is its avoidance of antagonist overexposure. You get just enough of Paul Walter Hauser's witty embodiment of auxiliary more-misunderstood-than-bad Moleman, for example, to want more. And Galactus, a hulking metallic entity, is such that a little of him is plenty, actually. The Fantastic Four run the show here. Not everyone will love the generous, relaxed amount of hangout time director Shakman's film spends setting up and illustrating family dynamics and medium-grade banter. Others will take it as a welcome change from the 10-megaton solemnity of some of the recent Marvels, hits as well as flops. While Pedro Pascal, aka Mister Ubiquitous, makes for a solid, sensitive ringleader as the ever-murmuring Mister Fantastic, the emotional weight tips slightly toward Vanessa Kirby's Sue Storm, as she weathers the travails of imminent parenthood, wondering along with her husband whether the child of DNA-scrambled superheroic parents will be OK. I wish Ebon Moss-Bachrach had better material as The Thing, but he's ingratiating company; same goes for Joseph Quinn's Johnny Storm, a boyish horndog once he sets his sights on the metallic flip of the screen's first female Silver Surfer (Julia Garner). Michael Giacchino's excellent and subtly rangy musical score is a big plus. The costumes by Alexandra Byrne are less so. This is where indefensible personal taste comes in. There's no question that Byrne's designs fit snugly into the overall retro-futurist frame of 'The Fantastic Four.' But holy moly, the palette dominating the clothes, and picked up by numerous production design elements, is really, really, really blue. blue. The movie works bluer than Buddy Hackett at a '64 midnight show in Vegas. Few will share my aversion to the no-doubt carefully varied shades of French blue prevalent here, but what can I do? I can do this: be grateful this film's just serious enough, tonally, for its family matters and knotty world-saving ethical dilemmas to hold together. It's not great superhero cinema — the verdict is out on whether that's even possible in the Marvel Phase 6 stage of our lives — but good is good enough for 'The Fantastic Four.' 'The Fantastic 4: First Steps' — 3 stars (out of 4) MPA rating: PG-13 (for sequences of intense action, and some suggestive content) Running time: 2:05 How to watch: Premieres in theaters July 24
Scotsman
20 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Scotsman
The Fantastic Four: First Steps review: 'a blast'
Sign up to our Arts and Culture newsletter, get the latest news and reviews from our specialist arts writers Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... The Fantastic Four: First Steps (12A) ★★★★ Every Marvel movie these days seems to inspire a referendum on all Marvel movies, so with The Fantastic Four: First Steps the studio has smartly gone back to the drawing board, leaning into Jack Kirby's original iteration of the titular superhero family in a big way to eliminate the convolutions of the 36-film-deep Marvel Cinematic Universe. The Fantastic Four: First Steps | MARVEL STUDIOS In other words, it's set in a completely different timeline from the previous films, one that resembles Earth – specifically 1960s New York – but doesn't have the likes of Captain America running around forcing viewers to try to remember which bit of mythology lines up with which plot point (the timeline is actually announced as Earth 828, which comic book aficionados will know is a reference to Kirby's birthday and the name he gave this parallel universe in the comics). If that already sounds confusing, though, just know that the film stands on its own two feet as it deftly sketches out the backstory for Marvel's first superhero team and, in the process, ends up feeling like the first Fantastic Four film that actually understands the characters (there have been four previous attempts, including a never released Roger Corman cheapie). Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Fuelled by the optimism of the 1960s moon shot, the film's opening salvo, for instance, is a sparky bit of superhero myth-making that quickly explains the astronauts-hit-by-radiation origins of the Fantastic Four's superpowers while a montage of news-clips – beautifully rendered in the kind of fuzzy 16mm film stock style familiar from countless NASA documentaries from the time – shows how quickly Dr Reed Richards (Pedro Pascal), his wife Sue Storm (Vanessa Kirby), her brother Johnny Storm (Joseph Quinn) and their friend Ben Grimm (Ebon Moss-Bachrach) have embraced their respective superhero alter-egos as the elastic Mr Fantastic, the Invisible Woman, the fiery Human Torch and the rock-like Thing, to become protectors of the people. Vanessa Kirby as Sue Storm/Invisible Woman in The Fantastic Four: First Steps | MARVEL STUDIOS Like DC's recent Superman reboot, it doesn't waste time explaining every aspect of their transformation either; instead it makes sly use of the the actual 1960s Fantastic Four cartoon show to provide a neat contrast between their idealised public image and their more complicated private lives, upping the personal stakes by having Reed and Sue realise they're going to have a baby. This is the film's plot kicker. Secretly worried their unborn child will have genetic anomalies they won't be able to control, their parental anxieties are exacerbated by the arrival of classic Fantastic Four villain the Silver Surfer (Julia Garner) and the imminent threat posed by the planet-gobbling villain Galactus (voiced by Ralph Ineson) when he takes an undue interest in the super-baby growing in Sue's womb.
Gizmodo
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Gizmodo
Behold the Distressingly Blue Mozzarella Stick Disneyland Will Sell You to Celebrate ‘Fantastic Four: First Steps'
A new movie inevitably means new tie-in food, especially at a theme park operated by a studio hoping to cash in on its latest release. The Fantastic Four: First Steps hits theaters this week and is therefore in its prime time for this kind of marketing. We've all seen and/or shuddered at the blue Pop-Tarts, the questionable Little Caesars pizza, and the blue milk—but Disney Parks has just entered the chat with its own color-coordinated munchies. The top image seen here is the most startling item by far. Disney Parks Blog offers a description much milder than the visual. Behold the 'Fantastic Elastic Mozzarella Stick,' an edible homage to Reed Richards' stretchy powers. There's no mention of which ingredient goes into making its exterior that particular hue, but Mister Fantastic's severed limb does come with a side of sour cream and onion ranch. You can find the mozzarella stick at Pym's Test Kitchen at Disney California Adventure's Avengers Campus, which also happens to be home to the other notable menu item: 'Invisible Indulgence,' a nod to Sue Storm, described as 'clear lemon pie with a shortbread crust, whipped cream, and meringue pieces.' Would you call this clear? Close enough? You'll have to head to Disneyland Paris to get a Johnny Storm-specific item: a mocktail (one of many new, specialty Fantastic Four drinks) called the 'Flame On' (what else?) that's made with 'mango nectar, lime drink, Paragon Timur Berry flavor cordial, cinnamon roll flavor, blood orange syrup, and Sprite.' But back in Disneyland, you can salute the Thing at multiple food outlets by picking up the 'Clobberin' Sipper' to efficiently clobber your thirst and maybe your little brother if he gets out of line: These limited-time offerings arrive July 24 to ride the wave of Fantastic Four: First Steps hype; head to the Disney Parks Blog to see what's coming to Disneyland Resort (other than the above, nothing notably blue or invisible), Disneyland Paris (mostly drinks), and Hong Kong Disneyland Resort (just a popcorn cup). Want more io9 news? Check out when to expect the latest Marvel, Star Wars, and Star Trek releases, what's next for the DC Universe on film and TV, and everything you need to know about the future of Doctor Who.
Time of India
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
'Fantastic Four': All about the release, plot and early reviews
The release of 'The Fantastic Four: First Steps' is just around the corner, and the fans seem to have all geared up for the beginning of Phase Six. Welcoming the first superhero family, the film is set to hit the silver screen on July 25, 2025. The synopsis of 'The Fantastic Four : First Steps' According to the synopsis by Marvel, 'Set against the vibrant backdrop of a 1960s-inspired, retro-futuristic world, Marvel Studios' 'The Fantastic Four: First Steps' introduces Marvel's First Family—Reed Richards/Mister Fantastic, Sue Storm/Invisible Woman, Johnny Storm/Human Torch and Ben Grimm/The Thing as they face their most daunting challenge yet.' The crew and cast Directed by Matt Shakman , the cast includes Pedro Pascal , Vanessa Kirby , Joseph Quinn, Ebon Moss-Bachrach, Ralph Ineson, Julia Garner , Paul Walter Hauser, and many more, while the music score is composed by Michael Giacchino. The early reviews have flooded social media – and they all seem to be positive. As a tradition, almost all the critics have advised the viewers to stay in the theatres for the end credits. The early reviews One user said, '#FantasticFour Is a masterpiece. The visual effects and the score are a HUGE stand out. Galactus Is huge In IMAX. It's emotional and gives you hope. It beats you off and doesn't stop. STAY Until the END CREDITS.' Another user has applauded as well, with special mention to Vanessa Kirby, '#FantasticFour is visually stunning, stylish, self-contained, and easy to jump into. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Fully Loaded 4 BHK apts for 4.49 Cr(All Incl)* in Sec 104 ATS Triumph, Gurgaon Book Now Undo I had such a good time with this one. The retrofuturism is such a snack. My stand out is Vanessa Kirby as Sue Storm babe I will die for you, you are perfect.' For all the sci-fi lovers, this user has recommended the film by stating, 'I was stunned at how hard the sci-fi goes in Fantastic Four First Steps. Even the brawn in this movie has brains. Tonally, it has more in common with Interstellar, Contact, The Martian, and Independence Day than it does with the average MCU fanfare. My kind of movie.'
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
The Fantastic Four: First Steps — release date, trailer, cast and everything we know about the Marvel movie
When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. Minus a John Krasinski cameo as Reed Richards in Doctor Strange and the Multiverse of Madness, the Fantastic Four is an iconic group of Marvel heroes that have been absent from the Marvel Cinematic Universe to date (the reason had to do with the characters being licensed to 20th Century Fox). But now the iconic team is set to get a proper introduction to the MCU with The Fantastic Four: First Steps. Of course, there have been some notable attempts to bring the Fantastic Four to the big screen. Chris Evans made his superhero debut alongside Jessica Alba and others in the pair of Fantastic Four movies that were released in 2005 and 2007. Then there was a 2015 reboot that was mired in production issues that made for a less-than-fantastic last outing for the famous quartet. Now a whole new cast of actors is taking on the roles of Reed Richards, Sue Storm, Johnny Storm and Ben Grimm, and we've got everything you need to know about it right here. The Fantastic Four: First Steps release date Marvel is going to release The Fantastic Four: First Steps on July 25 exclusively in movie theaters worldwide. After a slow 2024 in movie theaters, the MCU is coming back in a big way in 2025. Three new MCU movies are slated to premiere this year, starting with Captain America: Brave New World on February 14, then Thunderbolts on May 2 and finally The Fantastic Four: First Steps. The Fantastic Four: First Steps cast The latest group of actors set to portray 'Marvel's First Family' of superheroes are Pedro Pascal (The Last of Us) as Reed Richards, aka Mr. Fantastic, Vanessa Kirby (Mission: Impossible — Dead Reckoning) as Sue Storm, aka the Invisible Woman, Joseph Quinn (Gladiator 2) as Johnny Storm, aka the Human Torch, and Ebon Moss-Bachrach (The Bear) as Ben Grimm, aka The Thing. We also know that Emmy-winner Julia Garner (Ozark) is set to play the Silver Surfer, while Ralph Ineson (Nosferatu) has been tapped to play Galactus. Additional members of the cast include Natasha Lyonne (Poker Face), Paul Walter Hauser (The Instigators), John Malkovich (Ripley) and Sarah Niles (Ted Lasso). The Fantastic Four: First Steps plot As Marvel usually does, they've been keeping the plot details for The Fantastic Four: First Steps pretty well hidden. But we do know a few things. The movie is set in the 1960s, so taking place before most of the events of the MCU. (Could it also be taking place in a different universe than the main MCU storyline we've been following?) We also know that the main villain of the movie is Galactus, an iconic Marvel villain whose main thing is that he consumes planets. But we can expect the Fantastic Four to try and stop him. Here is what Marvel has shared for The Fantastic Four: First Steps plot so far: 'Set against the vibrant backdrop of a 1960s-inspired, retro-futuristic world, Marvel Studios' The Fantastic Four: First Steps introduces Marvel's First Family — Reed Richards/Mister Fantastic, Sue Storm/Invisible Woman, Johnny Storm/Human Torch and Ben Grimm/The Thing as they face their most daunting challenge yet.' The Fantastic Four: First Steps trailer The first official trailer for The Fantastic Four: First Steps is now here, giving us our first look at the Silver Surfer and teasing the gigantic antagonist, Galactus. Give it a watch right here: Check out other trailers for the Marvel movie right here: A new look at The Fantastic Four: First Steps was also shared to announce that tickets for the movie are now available. Check it out here: You can also check out these clips from the movie: The Fantastic Four: First Steps director Matt Shakman is the director of The Fantastic Four: First Steps. While Shakman only has one feature movie directing credit on his resume (the 2014 movie Cut Bank), he does have Marvel experience, having directed all nine episodes of the Marvel Disney Plus series WandaVision. Now he's getting to officially play in the MCU sandbox. Shakman's other directing credits have come in the world of TV, where he has directed episodes of shows like The Great, Succession, The Boys, Billions, Games of Thrones, It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia and Welcome to Chippendales. The Fantastic Four: First Steps behind the scenes It has been a bit of a process getting the Fantastic Four their first official movie in the MCU. After Disney acquired 20th Century Fox, and as a result the Fantastic Four and the other Marvel characters the latter studio had rights to, they started working on a new Fantastic Four movie. Spider-Man: No Way Home director Jon Watts was originally the director tapped for the movie, but he exited the project in 2022, with reports saying it was an amicable split and that Watts needed a break from the superhero genre. Shakman was then brought on to take over as director. Marvel Studios head Kevin Feige is on board as the producer of The Fantastic Four: First Steps, while Mitch Bell is listed as a co-producer and Louis D'Esposito, Grant Curits and Tim Lewis are executive producers. Also worth noting is that Oscar-winning composer Michael Giacchino crafted the music for the movie. Giacchino is no stranger to the MCU, having worked on Doctor Strange, Spider-Man: Homecoming, Spider-Man: Far From Home, Spider-Man: No Way Home and Thor: Love & Thunder. Solve the daily Crossword
