Fantastic Four: First Steps

Fantastic Four: First Steps is one of the more refreshing movies the MCU has produced since Endgame. Its ‘60s-inspired retro aesthetic carves out its own identity in a series of films that have all started to look the same, but where it really stands out is in being one of the most earnest and optimistic movies in the entire saga. The First Family is an inspirational symbol for everyone on their alternate Earth, and they tackle a world-ending threat with a surprising amount of uncomplicated love for the people they protect. First Steps is idealistic and sentimental, and somehow manages to get those feelings across while galaxy-ending threats loom over its heroes. This movie feels more evocative of the breezy origin films of the early MCU than the series’ more weighty, self-important later entries, and as such, it’s a bit understated and might feel like filler if it didn’t star such important characters finally making their official entry into this series. But at its heart, it’s a feel-good movie about a family just trying to keep it together. I can’t fault it too much when it marks the first time in a hot minute that an MCU movie hasn’t had me leaving the theater feeling like I need to go wash off the snark my body has accumulated over two hours. — Kenneth Shepard