Overview: Set against the vibrant backdrop of a 1960s-inspired, retro-futuristic world, Marvel Studios’ The Fantastic Four: First Steps introduces Marvel’s First Family--Reed Richards/Mister Fantastic (Pedro Pascal), Sue Storm/Invisible Woman (Vanessa Kirby), Johnny Storm/Human Torch (Joseph Quinn) and Ben Grimm/The Thing (Ebon Moss-Bachrach) as they face their most daunting challenge yet.

Forced to balance their roles as heroes with the strength of their family bond, they must defend Earth from a ravenous space god called Galactus (Ralph Ineson) and his enigmatic Herald, Silver Surfer (Julia Garner). And if Galactus’ plan to devour the entire planet and everyone on it weren’t bad enough, it suddenly gets very personal.

Verdict: Fabulous! Fantastic! Fun-tastic! And it’s about time! We were hoping this to be better than recent Marvel efforts, and it is. This retro-futuristic story and script takes us back to what made the MCU stellar in the first place. It’s filled with vintage realism along with comedy and fantasy, presented by a group of well-cast astronauts turned superhero characters fighting to protect Earth. But pay close attention for surprise cameos of A-list actors and more characters from previous MCU films that may or may not be easily recognizable.

They are members of a super cool, tight family, each with specific powers. Science genius Mr. Fantastic – Reed Richards (Pedro Pascal), Invisible Woman – Sue Storm (Vanessa Kirby), The Thing – Ben Grimm (electronically stone clad Ebon Moss-Bachrach), and fiery Human Torch – Johnny Storm (Joseph Quinn). They play well together with good interaction and chemistry along with H.E.R.B.I.E the robot, Reeds’ tech assistant and protector for the whole family. He’s kind of an homage to Rosie the robot maid from The Jetsons. To keep it retro, his programs are stored on VHS cassettes. There are other throwback powers and characteristics reminiscent of The Incredibles.

Director Matt Shakman (TV episodes including WandaVision, The Great, Fargo, and Game of Thrones), not only covers the action, but also reveals the human emotions which draw you into these characters. For example, he zeroes in on The Thing’s eyes, a superhero who was so physically transformed, and you can tell how awkward and isolated he feels because of his gigantic stone-like appearance. British cinematographer, Jess Hall has worked with Shakman before using ’60’s filmmaking techniques including vintage lenses and shooting scenes in 16 mm.

This screenplay is actually well put together, including some humor to go along with realistic relationships. It was written by Josh Friedman, Eric Pearson, Jeff Kaplan and Ian Springer. Many times when you have a number of writers from big films working on another big budget film, the script can get overstuffed and not cohesive. But this one, at less than two hours, flows pretty well, breaking the mold. Composer Michael Giacchino, infuses and expands this film with superhero, 60’s hopeful space age musical tones from experience with other Marvel and Disney action films. They include The Incredibles, Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, and UP. He’s a master with creating emotion and this score helps enhance the characters.

It starts with a short newsreel-style catchup summarizing The Fantastic 4’s roots and origin, but Director Shakman doesn’t dwell on it. They get right to it going to the Multiverse version of Earth-828 (the number being a nod to co-creator Jack Kirby’s birthday), with a 1960’s inspired era and the space race. Sue surprisingly discovers and reveals to husband Reed that she’s pregnant. They celebrate with the team until until Silver Surfer/Shalla-Bal (Julia Garner) shows up with a message that all-powerful God-like Galactus (Ralph Ineson) is ready to literally devour Earth. The Silver Surfer is an unbeatable foe on her own. Garner is presented as an eye-catching sleek, metallically mirrored messenger sent by the powerful Galactus, known for obliterating many planets.

In an FX infused sequence they seek out Galactus attempting to save Earth. The omnipotent villain senses and demands a human bargaining chip in exchange for saving Earth. The Fantastic Four will do anything to protect the family and barely escape with their lives. Shakman handles added extreme chaos and all get involved when Sue suddenly starts going though labor while the ship is careening through space. From then on, the film becomes clash after clash to save Earth using all their powers to keep the family safe and together. Kudos to Shakman for casting such a cooperative new member.