The Quality Has Definitely Increased, But What Is This Blandness... Review of 'The Fantastic Four: First Steps' (+Cookie)

The essence is to confront the essence, which is the way of the world. The two giants of the superhero realm have upheld the way of the world. Following DC's introduction of the world's first superhero, 'Superman', Marvel has now brought forth the world's first superhero family, 'The Fantastic Four'. Set to be released on July 24, 〈The Fantastic Four: First Steps〉 depicts the story of the Fantastic Four, who gained special abilities after an accident in Earth-828 in the 1960s, as they confront the threat of Galactus, who seeks to consume the Earth. This ambitious project marks the opening of 'Phase 6' for the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), which has recently experienced ups and downs in quality and audience reception with the expansion of its universe. Given the mixed results of previous adaptations compared to the original's popularity, will this new Fantastic Four live up to the MCU's reputation? Here’s a preview of the film from the press screening held on July 23, a day before its release.

The Beauty of Retro Design, VFX Elevated to the Extreme

The greatest advantage of 〈The Fantastic Four: First Steps〉 is that it is truly a visual delight. Superhero films often borrow futuristic designs that transcend the current era, showcasing advanced technology. While the science in 〈The Fantastic Four: First Steps〉 is far ahead of our time, the setting is in the 1960s. As it garnered attention from its announcement, this film distinguishes itself as a retro-style sci-fi. Thanks to this, it evokes nostalgia for the American landscape of that time, providing a warm mood rarely seen in other genre films (though for Korean audiences, including this writer, it may not evoke nostalgia but rather a classic film sentiment).

In particular, this retro design resonates perfectly with the film's emotional tone. As mentioned earlier, the Fantastic Four are family heroes, and one of the reasons they are beloved in North America, the birthplace of comics, is their dynamic. Their playful bickering, coupled with their efforts and sacrifices for each other as a family, has become the unique charm of the Fantastic Four in the cynical and rough comic world. From the costumes in the film, the softness of knits is highlighted rather than the smoothness of spandex or the rigidity of mechanical suits, showing an understanding of the characters' appeal. Reflecting the characteristics of classic superheroes while also embodying the warmth unique to the Fantastic Four, this cozy retro sentiment can be found throughout the film.

Moreover, the quality issues that have been pointed out multiple times have been resolved. The villains in this 〈The Fantastic Four: First Steps〉 are Galactus and Shalla-Bal, both of whom are notoriously difficult to adapt into live-action. Galactus, known as 'the devourer of worlds', has an unimaginably massive size, while Shalla-Bal, who shines silver and can pass through most objects, presents challenges in realistic portrayal. However, 〈The Fantastic Four: First Steps〉 successfully captures the presence of both characters as if they could exist in reality. Particularly, the scenes where Galactus confronts the Fantastic Four, including his appearance, are shot in a 1.43:1 aspect ratio, further emphasizing his grandeur (which can be seen in IMAX theaters). The individual abilities of the Fantastic Four, Reed Richards' flexibility, Sue Storm's force field, Johnny Storm's flames, and The Thing itself are all portrayed seamlessly. This film can confidently be said to provide the highest level of visual completion and satisfaction.

Abandoning Uniqueness for Conventionality... If You Know the Comics, You'll Think "This Guy Again"

The advantages of 〈The Fantastic Four: First Steps〉 are clear. However, the drawbacks are also evident. This film, featuring the Fantastic Four as protagonists and set in the 1960s, somewhat dilutes the advantages presented by previous MCU films. The MCU has often showcased bold developments to the point of obsession. At times, it has hidden so much information that it was mocked as 'trailer fraud', and the unexpected developments in the main story have left audiences in awe. However, this film follows a rather mundane progression, which is disappointing in terms of 'toxicity'. Additionally, while it aims for a warm emotional tone and family film, the scale depicted is large, yet the consequences are described vaguely, leading to a sense of unreality.

Despite the title of being the world's first superhero team, the overall intensity and novelty of the action are lacking. Having seen superhero team-ups like The Avengers and Justice League, 〈The Fantastic Four: First Steps〉 fails to present organic scenes, even though it features a team of heroes from the start. If this film had dealt with the origin of the Fantastic Four, it would have been acceptable, but it opens with the characters already established for four years, yet the organic action between them, let alone individual actions, falls short of expectations.

Another point that may divide opinions is that this film is not solely about the Fantastic 'Four'. The story involves a character who becomes deeply involved with the arrival of Galactus, but the problem is that this character is introduced for the first time to the audience and is overused among comic fans, making it difficult to immerse in the issues surrounding this character. Especially since this character is one of the strongest in the universe, (considering the precedent set by Captain Marvel) there are already concerns about how the MCU will handle this character later. Fans who are quick to catch on may know who I’m talking about, but I will only mention this much for those who are completely unaware.

Nevertheless, Suitable for MCU Beginners and Returnees

Despite the clear drawbacks, 〈The Fantastic Four: First Steps〉 still shines with its advantages. Firstly, there are no connections to the existing MCU in terms of the universe, making it accessible for anyone to watch. The story and character composition are also straightforward enough for people of all ages to enjoy. Additionally, the presence of the robot Herbie, who assists the Fantastic Four, is remarkable. It embodies the charm of 'retrofuturism'. Furthermore, the unforgettable theme song is personally one of the film's attractions. It resonates directly with the public, capturing the essence of the Fantastic Four, making the title 'hero' well-deserved.

Set to be released on July 24, 〈The Fantastic Four: First Steps〉 is a blockbuster armed with a solid charm. In a genre that is becoming increasingly stimulating, it is a work that reminds us of the strong bonds of community and family, making it recommendable to everyone. It is sufficient to restore the honor of the 'Fantastic Four live-action film', which has been labeled a failure, especially due to its predecessor. However, it remains uncertain whether it can capture the interest of Korean audiences who have already lost interest in the MCU. Competing with anticipated Korean films, the performance of this film may seem somewhat bland, and it will be interesting to see if its box office results can exceed expectations.

+ There are a total of two post-credit scenes. One after the main ending credits and one after the full ending credits. The first post-credit scene hints at future projects, so it is recommended to watch it if possible. However, the second post-credit scene can be skipped if you have no nostalgia for the Fantastic Four or American cartoon animations.