This afternoon, I went to see “Fantastic Four – First Steps” starring Pedro Pascal as Reed Richards (Mr. Fantastic), Vanessa Kirby as Sue Storm-Richards (Invisible Woman), Ebon Moss-Bachrach as Ben Grimm (The Thing), Joseph Quinn as Johnny Storm (The Human Torch), Julia Garner as Shalla-Bal (Silver Surfer), and Ralph Ineson as Galactus. The film was Ralph Ineson as Galactus. Matt Shakman directed the film.
The story takes place on Earth-828, four years after the team acquired their powers from exposure to cosmic rays while in space. (Fun fact: 828 is a reference to Jack Kirby’s birthday.) Now, the Fantastic Four confront the planet-devouring entity Galactus, who, through his herald the Silver Surfer, declares Earth’s imminent destruction.
The Fantastic Four face their greatest challenge when the Silver Surfer announces the impending arrival of Galactus, a cosmic entity intent on devouring Earth. After their attempt to negotiate fails and they learn of Galactus’s desire for Sue’s unborn child, the team refuses to hand him over, and Sue gives birth to Franklin Richards.
With the world against them, Sue inspires hope, and Reed devises a plan to teleport Earth to a distant galaxy. However, the Silver Surfer, revealed to be Shalla-Bal, destroys their escape routes. Learning of Galactus’s deception, Shalla-Bal has a change of heart and sacrifices herself to send Galactus into a void. Sue dies from overexertion but is miraculously revived by Franklin’s nascent powers, saving the team and Earth.
It took me back to my childhood, the feel of the Kirby/Lee era. I loved the story, the chemistry between the characters, and the 60s setting. I found myself connecting with the team before the second act. The special effects were well done, especially Ben Grimm and Galactus. It kept a balance between dark and humorous moments.
There is a mid-credit scene, which is a pivotal moment for the upcoming Avengers films, as well as a post-credit scene. Franklin Richards is a likely plot point for the Avengers: Doomsday storyline.
Overall, it was fantastic; Marvel Studios is on the path to redemption and I rate it 8.5 out of 10.
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