Smarts over brawn drive 'Fantastic Four: First Steps'

After an unreleased '90s version, two so-so adaptations in the 2000s, and a disastrous 2015 reboot, it seems like the fourth time is the charm as the Fantastic Four finally makes their highly anticipated entry into the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) as they show viewers why they deserve to be called Marvel's First Family.

- By JANUAR JUNIOR AGUJA

Thanks to the multiverse concept, “The Fantastic Four: First Steps” takes place in an alternate universe. Not having to maintain the continuity of the main MCU storyline (which is now going on its second decade) not only gives the franchise a fresh sandbox to play in, but also allows audiences, especially casual viewers, to enjoy a standalone story without needing to do homework before heading to the cinema.

The film is set on Earth-828, a '60s retrofuturist world where analog technology is the standard. Instead of the Avengers, it’s the Fantastic Four who are the saviors of this Earth. Their heroic efforts after being exposed to cosmic rays during a space mission have turned them into super celebrities like The Beatles.

The team, consisting of Reed Richards / Mister Fantastic (Pedro Pascal), his wife Sue Storm / Invisible Woman (Vanessa Kirby), her brother Johnny Storm / Human Torch (Joseph Quinn), and Ben Grimm / The Thing (Ebon Moss-Bachrach), each has their share of devoted fans.

Skimming over their origin story, the film picks up four years after the world became familiar with the superhero family. They now face a new threat: Galactus (Ralph Ineson), who devours planets marked by his herald, the Silver Surfer (Julia Gamer).

Along the way, Reed and Sue are expecting a baby, who may play a key role in the Earth's salvation or destruction.

Here, the Fantastic Four proves that their superpowers aren’t what make them strong; it’s their intelligence and unity that give them the edge. Together, they must find a way to save their world from Galactus while protecting the future of their family.

We already knew most of the Fantastic Four were brilliant, so it’s refreshing that the film ensures Sue’s cocky brother Johnny Storm is also portrayed as smart in his own way. After all, they were astronauts to begin with.