Marvel’s Fantastic Four Family ‘Re-Booties’ A Classic Tale

Perhaps, the great success superhero comic books have enjoyed since they were first serialized in the 1930’s is that their storylines are timeless. An evil scientist may trap the hero in his basement laboratory, but the method by which he intends to kill off his righteous enemy matters little. The weapon just needs to fit the time. In the 30s, he might have flipped an over-modulated electric current or set a ticking time bomb (so as to escape himself). In the 40s, he might have dialed up a deafening radio wave or fine tuned a crystal gamma-ray. In the 50s, he could have discharged an electron laser beam or injected a man-made virus. In the 60s, to be sure, any new psychedelic drug or brain implant would do the trick. But you get the idea; whatever the means, the evil scientist had to use the latest up-to-date “technology” to do away with his do-good nemesis. All of which is to suggest that the new Fantastic Four: First Steps has a few problems—and a lot of charm—all rooted in the concept of time.

The delightful charm of this cinematic reboot of Marvel’s fantastic family—Dr. Reed Richards (Pedro Pascal), his wife Sue (nee Storm) (Vanessa Kirby), her younger brother Johnny Storm (Joseph Quinn), and Dr. Richard’s best friend, Ben Grimm (Ebon Moss-Bachrach), each of whom has acquired superhuman skills as the result of a “cosmic storm” while venturing into outer space—is that everything is set in the early 1960s. The storefronts are all Mom & Pop shops, a Volkswagen Beetle gets used as a prop, and passersby all wear hats befitting this era when everyone wore hats. Charming too is a depiction of Times Square where the many video billboards of which we are accustomed to today are here very large cathode-ray television consoles. 

But John Glenn only had one Earth orbital flight in 1962, and yet our four heroes have all survived an extraordinary, DNA-changing space mission. Add to this anachronism that the opening scene shows Sue Storm-Richards in her stylish 60s bathroom revealing a digital pregnancy test (is this the “first step”?), and then juxtapose her good news with the very next scene in which a Wall-E styled robot cooks up a celebratory family dinner. Well, we’ve entered a new world in which Elroy Jetson is best friends with Jonny Quest. Or “The Outer Limits” meets “WandaVision”. Or Godzilla rises from the Skywalker’s moisture farm on the planet Tatooine. Officially, says the opening super credit, the year is 828. (What? Wait. By whose calendar?) Unofficially, we are experiencing a bizarre world modeled with a very intentional (and incredibly expensive) retro-futuristic aesthetic. It’s a lot of fun.

Yet, if the production values promise to take the audience to new heights, wouldn’t you think Marvel Studios or director Matt Shakman would give us a storyline that breaks through, too? Sadly not. Sure, the whole premise of First Steps is that a fantastic “fifth” is on the way, but other than that, the plot is about as complicated as any 1960s comic book could deliver. It is no spoiler to inform you that Galactica is hungry again or that the Silver Surfer leads him to Earth to satiate it. Galactica is a clunking colossus of dark metal and glowing eyes. Here (because it’s more modern?) Silver Surfer is a woman. Julia Garner plays the part. MCU nerds might quibble that her credited role is Shalla-Bal. But, whatever her name, the role is the same. (And frankly, what a waste of talent!)

When Stan Lee and Jerry Kirby first collaborated on the idea to compete with DC Comics’ then popular Justice League of America in 1961, they embraced an idea that the Fantastic Four should act like a family. They live together, share meals together (hopefully on time,) and most importantly kid around with each other—you know, banter, tease, and mock each other’s character and predilections. And none of them hides his or her identity. Rubber-limbed Dr. Richards, otherwise known as Mr. Fantastic, is a total science nerd. Human torch Johnny Storm snacks often on dry, sweet cereal (no milk). And Ben Grimm, despite his stony physique, likes to dress warmly. Yet, Sue Storm is now pregnant and, as such, comments about her invisible forces may not be appropriate. But there is a lot of family fun and because it’s been four years since they each acquired their superhuman skills, it’s time for a major TV special to celebrate their worldwide success. Which is exactly when something streaks from the heavens to create global panic. And when the Silver Surfer heralds the planet’s imminent demise, the Fantastic Four race to space (never mind that Sue is pregnant) to challenge their evil oppressor. In that the very nature of superhero adventures is all about justice, no crime shall be committed here in divulging the film’s ending. But it may not be surprising to expect something infantile.

But, hey, the hundreds of thousands of fans of Fantastic Four comics may just love that someone at Marvel Studios (President Kevin Feige?) likes to honor the roots of comic book culture. And that this film does. Enjoy the bizarre charms of retro-futurism. Just don’t ask what time it is. Besides, for the immediate future, Fantastic Four: First Steps is enjoying more showings than any other feature at your local cineplex.

C. Prentiss Orr is a Pittsburgh-based writer who covers film, live theater, and other topics for Entertainment Central. He is the author of the books The Surveyor and the Silversmith and Pittsburgh Born, Pittsburgh Bred.

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