Fantastic Four: First Steps is the exact type of movie that longtime fans of the Marvel Cinematic Universe have been clamoring for — a true summer blockbuster experience worthy of seeing on the giant screen with lots of intergalactic boom, lots of heart and an engaging narrative worthy of a hit Marvel comic book series.
But if there was a theater experience that would make Galactus proud, it’s ScreenX — the multi-screen panoramic view that only helps enhance the epic of First Steps. Nearly every moment at the Baxter Building’s Future Foundation in New York City is caught in this format, allowing for a widened scope.
Intimate scenes now feel like a full-fledged city problem, as the audience is caught on both sides; witness Johnny Storm “flame on” across two addition screens. Oh, The Thing threw some scumbag across Times Square? You’ll catch hom flying all around you. Better yet, our Fantastic couple can now showcase their “incredible” limb stretching and push-pull gravity on a much wider scope.
While interior moments opt for just the middle screen, this feels like the perfect “first step” for a new viewer of ScreenX. That said, I always wish that the left and right panels were a touch brighter, as the supporting screens don’t always pack the best clarity.
The picture itself is retro, grainy and fitting for the 60s timeline, a deft continuation from Director Matt Shakman’s hit Disney+ series, WandaVision. If you were a fan of the Scarlet Witch & Vision series, First Steps will be right up your alley. And those conflicted about this “Silver Surfer” not being Nolan Radd should be pleased by Julia Garner’s Shalla-Ball. Her herald-level presence and skill set is a wonder to see, a great contrast of interplanetary wonder with this new retro Marvel world.
Pedro Pascal is downright terrific as Reed Richards, capturing a caring man too intelligent for his own good. He’s only outdone by Vanessa Kirby‘s Invisible Woman — arguably a Top 5 MCU character already. Kirby’s name says it all, but her performance as Sue Storm gravitates from team leader, to biting sarcastic sister, to eventual wonder mother. She steals the fire from even her awesome Human Torch bro, played brilliantly by Joseph Quinn. While this Thing has a more accurate to comic look than prior FF movie Things, he does feel a tad short and his accent might initially throw off fans — until he cooks and cooks and cooks, of course. The Bear’s Ebon Moss-Bachrach eventually fits snuggily into the role, and I look forward to seeing his relationship with Rachel (Natasha Lyone) develop in future foundations.
There is so much more to this movie than an assortment of dazzling superhero special powers and familial comraderie that leads to many hugs, tears and cheers. Like James Gunn’s Superman released only a week prior, Fantastic Four: First Steps is another giant leap for fan-kindess needed after years of middling silverscreen superhero experiences. Go see it in ScreenX too, you deserve it.
Movie = 4.5/5
ScreenX = 4.5/5
-Travis Moody