Fresh off watching this movie, it seems that the MCU had a similar idea for the Fantastic Four as the DCU had for Superman (2025): do away with origin stories, and present heroes as already established and living in an already full realized world lore-wise. So, in this Multiverse-tale, the Fantastic Four - Reed Richard (Mr. Fantastic), Sue Storm (Invisible Woman), Johnny Storm (The Human Torch) and Ben Grimm (The Thing) - are based on Earth-848, and have been in action for 4 years since they gained their powers post-exposure to cosmic rays. I am glad to say that unlike Superman (2025), it was actually refreshing to get a montage of the superheroes at work. A lot of the montage had already been used in the marketing of this film, and even more of it was added online with the recent release of the first 5 minutes of the movie. Their powers are very well presented, particularly Mr. Fantastic's stretching powers, and the Human Torch's ability to basically suck up surrounding flames to put out a runaway fire is an awesome permutation of the power that I never knew he had. However, the Fantastic Four is more than just their powers: Reed Richards contributes a ton to technological development due to his intellectual prowess, and Sue Storm has quite the knack for diplomacy. Though it's a very short moment, the opening chapter of this movie shows us why this world idolizes the Fantastic Four, and it very quickly introduces something that Superman (2025) seemingly lacked: Stakes!!!
However, peace and serenity doesn't rein for too long; the director isn't "burying the lead" in this movie. Therefore, it doesn't take long before the Silver Surfer pops up on the scene heralding the eventual destruction of the earth, thus setting the tone of the movie; this is a disaster movie plain and simple.
If I had to rename this movie (because I simply never understood the whole "First Steps" idea), I would've gone with Fantastic Four: Year 4...which I understand is "on the nose" with everyone trying to squeeze as much mileage out of the "4" as possible; it just works. The movie does a good job of showing that the FF who've never had secret identities are celebrated and fully integrated into the life of this society. They have a cartoon which endears them to kids & kids at heart, and Johnny even gets to ink an ad deal. However, far from their celebrity, we get to see that Reed wrestles with the guilt of the team's cosmic rays exposure, and especially what it may pose for any of his potential children; Johnny, despite his fame and his eligible bachelor status (no womanizing this time around), finds himself itching to return to space. Ben has a more subdued struggle this time around; though he's the most obviously disfigured of the bunch and Reed's biggest regret, the movie didn't hype this up as much as has been done in other iterations...but the loneliness is still palpable.
Personally, this felt like a well-crafted movie. The retro-futuristic aesthetic was done to perfection. The environment is its own character, and it just feels believable that if the world was allowed to progress as it should, this is one of the workable permutations. Along these lines, I initially didn't think the introduction of Herbie the Robot would work so well, but Herbie can be added to the list of useful loveable droids in the line of R2D2, Wall-E and BB-8. It was a deep-cut to pull him in - originally a character from the animated series - and plop him into this film, but it worked. He is a welcome addition who goes so far as to dabble in some tasks that Reed abandons, and he is essential to the team on their space missions (just like R2D2).
I am glad that they got Galactus right this time around. Comic book accurate Galactus is perceived in a form that is familiar to the planet dwellers who are about to be destroyed, but choosing to make him a big ominous cloud in Fantastic Four II: Rise of the Silver Surfer rubbed people the wrong way. This time we get to experience him as the massive gigantic force of nature that he really is. His gigantic eyes peering down on the heroes very easily evokes Dormammu from Dr. Strange. He is a complex character, knowing what he used to be before, and transformed into a slave to his hunger; however, he is somewhat ambivalent. His relationship to his herald and her responsibilities also adds to the complexities of his actions.
The action was top-notch. It felt well-deserved after the setup had been laid. I think Mr. Fantastic got a lot more screentime in the thick of things than he has in previous iterations, and the CGI looked great. It also made sense. One decision bt Galactus during their battle reminded me of the World War Hulk panel below, and it made perfect sense in context and in real-life too. It was a bit distressing to almost witness "spaghettification" onscreen though.
This movie probably did the most to elevate Johnny Storm's character because it actually turned him into a genius. Gone is the airhead who'd mistakenly sleep with Dr. Doom's fiancee, and in his place is a subtle soul who provided one of the most important breakthroughs in the movie. Definitely didn't have this one on my bingo cards. Also didn't have Reed and Sue pegged as the kind to give us one of the movie's darker moments, but it was pragmatically handled.
The MCU and director Matt Shakman have knocked it out of the park with this film. The casting was great, and everyone felt suited to their roles. The movie is bright and colourful, the science and tech is great. Take a bow.
This movie is an A- in my books.
God Bless.
Definitely going to watch it again...for the culture.
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