Fantastic Four: First Steps - Baby on Board

 

 

 

 Fantastic Four: First Steps

2025

 

Genre: Superhero

 

Director: Matt Shakman

 

Stars: Pedro Pascal, Vanessa Kirby, Ebon Moss-Bachrach, Joseph Quinn, Julia Garner, Sarah Niles, Ralph Ineson

 

Mohan's Measure ⭐⭐⭐⭐

 

 In short, there's simply not a more congenial spot
For happily-ever-aftering than here...in Camelot.

 

Earth 828 is a beautiful throwback to the Kennedy Days, when people and fashions showed a certain European refinement; when everyone was fascinated with getting to outer space; when polyester and plastic were the materials of choice, and when the United States led the world in a United Nations pact.

 

Akin to Superman, Director Shakman's reboot of the Fantastic Four begins with their origins being second to the story of four meta-humans who struggle with the same human issues we do, but on a different level  their loneliness, struggles with relationships and wanting children rests in their being products of a freak accident.  But, it is this beautiful humanity that makes this movie shine. Their characters express modesty and ordinariness despite being hero-worshiped by the teeming populations of the Big Apple - 828.

 

This contrasts greatly with the enemy, a "space god."  One is instantly reminded of our own spirituality when he is described as "the devourer of worlds," and there are moments when his horned helmet appears like a kireetam.  But his intentions are to take the words that describe him literally.  His goal to destroy the Earth is assuaged, not by our four warriors, but instead, a little baby.  The tiny offspring is understood to have powers on levels that make the villain shudder, and his passion is to bring him to his side.

 

But, miracles abound, especially in a mother protecting her child.