Plot: What’s it about?
The Fantastic Four was one of Marvel’s first comic books. I’ll go out on a limb and assume that anyone reading this already knows the origin, but in case not – a group of scientists were hit by cosmic rays while in space thus giving them “super” powers. Way back in the mid 90’s there was a movie made, but…it never saw the light of day. It was relatively low budget and made by Roger Corman if that tells you anything. We’d have to wait another two decades for a proper version and one that I consider my favorite of the bunch (so far). That version pre-dated the current Marvel Cinematic Universe back when the Fantastic Four, Deadpool and the X-Men (among others) were still owned by Fox. In it we’d have Chris Evans as the Human Torch, but he’d make more a name for himself in the Captain America films. A couple of years later we’d get the obligatory sequel and a decade after that we’d get the even more obligatory reboot. The less said about that, the better. So, here we are, now in what is the beginning of the MCU’s sixth phase. That’s right folks, we’re nearly 40 films in. Are we ready for the fifth installment of The Fantastic Four? Disney sure hopes so. Flame on!
This film wisely skips the origin story, but if you read the first sentence of this review, you know what happened. Nevertheless we meet the gang with Reed Richards (Pedro Pascal), his wife Sue (Vanessa Kirby), her brother Johnny (Joseph Quinn) and Ben Grimm (Ebon Moss-Cachrach). With Sue pregnant, Reed is anxious and excited. However things change when an alien being known as the Silver Surfer (voiced by Julia Garner) shows up to Earth with a message: “The Earth is doomed. Resistance is futile. Have a nice day.” Well, maybe not that exactly, but you get the idea. Given the gravity of the situation, the gang realize they’ve got to figure out a way to stop Galactus (voiced by Ralph Ineson) from devouring terra firma. This begs the question…can they do it?
Long-time readers of the comic know that Galactus and the Silver Surfer tangled with the FF on countless occasions, so this was a nice homage to some of those stories. We also begin with a montage that pays a nice tribute to the cover of the first comic book. Neat. And I will say that particular attention was paid to the quasi-modern aesthetic depicted in the film. I’m not sure how that’ll correlate to the rest of this phase, but I’m sure it’s been discussed. Looking back from a broader perspective, this one seems to have all the boxes checked. I never felt quite the rush I did with the first one, but that was also like 80 super hero movies ago, so you know…I’ve become desensitized. It’s also to see Galactus in his true form as opposed to that weird cloud-like thing from Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer. This also gives us a peek at the new Doctor Doom if you stay for a mid-credit scene. If not, forget you read that part. Enjoy!
Video: How’s it look?
There’s a lot going on in this one. From the little intricacies of the dwelling to the behemoth that is Galactus and everything in between. The 2.39:1 HEVC 4K image has very little issue with any of the scenes, regardless of how dark they are. There are segments that take place in near pitch black while others are beaming with lights and details in the background. We can’t forget Benjamin Grimm (aka “The Thing”) and his galvanized appearance, which seems to look much more realistic (if that’s possible) than the previous installments. Suffice it to say, if you’re looking for a top notch transfer – look no further.
Audio: How’s it sound?
From the opening montage to the film’s climactic ending, we’re deluged with sound. It comes from anywhere and everywhere. Johnny Storm’s (aka “The Human Torch”) flames are whizzing by, activating all channels all the while Galactus’ planet eating makes full use of the LFE. Vocals are pitch perfect, offering no distortion in the least and the surrounds are almost always churning away. Even the little things, like a blip of a computer or the clicks and whirrs of Herbie (who finally gets some decent screen time) had my head moving and bobbing. Just like the video presentation, this one is a top notch effort.
Supplements: What are the extras?
- Audio Commentary – Director Matt Shakman and production designer Kasra Farahani collaborate on this track which, for all intents and purposes, wasn’t half bad. They talk about the obvious (this is the fifth FF film, etc.), casting, the retro vibe and so forth. It’s not a bad listen.
- Deleted Scenes – We’ve got the obligatory scenes that didn’t make the final cut.
- Thanksgiving Soup Kitchen
- Fantastic Four Day
- Subterranea
- Birthday Sweater
- Taking Turns
- Gag Reel – Have fun. They were!
- Featurettes – Three rather short segments on the genesis of the project, some production design as well as some behind the scenes footage and sound bites from the cast.
- Meet The First Family – The creation of the Fantastic Four saved Marvel Comics in 1961 and has only flourished as years have passed. Matt Shakman and the cast explain how they found themselves gravitating toward each role and creating the ultimate family unit.
- Fantastic Futurism – The filmmakers discuss the process of immersing the cast and crew in the film’s retro-futuristic aesthetic. Join Matt Shakman and crew as they discuss the experience of shooting in gigantic mid-century New York sets and stepping into an otherworldly era.
- From Beyond and Below – The team explores bringing complex characters from the page to the screen, including a larger-than-life Galactus, grounded Harvey Elder/Mole Man, and an emotionally rich Silver Surfer.
The Bottom Line
Well it took five tries, but they got this one right. I personally prefer the 2005 version, but this one does seem to mesh better with the current (and future) MCU. Those out for the tech specs alone will be more than happy and I’m curious as to where this one will take us?
