The Fantastic 4: First Steps

Originality is not a word often used nowadays in reviews of superhero and comic book films.

The Fantastic 4: First Steps is original.

At once gloriously retro in its 60’s sci-fi aesthetic and ‘wholesome’ outlook but thoroughly modern in its tone, sense of character and script.

Marvel Studios spent Phase 5 on somewhat of a critical and commercial rollercoaster (despite everything averaging out largely great, especially on the TV side – dig that Ironheart final episode reveal!)

As they launch Phase 6 with this standalone, separate universe, largely cameo-free, light-hearted and fun (but not necessarily side-splittingly funny) film it feels like a breath of fresh air and a really exciting start point to the Avengers films to come.

As always, the casting is immaculate and the portrayals of these characters feel absolutely spot on.

Not just leaning on the stereotype behaviour of before, we’re given a living and breathing, rounded family unit who could seamlessly take a leadership role and stand out amongst our heroes on Earth 616.

The styling is glorious but all in service to the story, vibe and aesthetic. It’s never overbearing and invites you into its universe.

Great cinematography and a straight-forward, succinct and snappy story with a big villain and nary an ‘item collecting’ plot device in sight and you're left scratching your head as to how so many have got this formula wrong in the past.

It, strangely, feels rather akin to Pixar’s magnificent The Incredibles rather than much recent Marvel fare but its space scenes contain the grandeur and visuals of Interstellar.

For those who felt they wanted a Marvel ‘shake up’ this is it. For those ‘ride or die’ fans, we have another masterpiece to add to the collection.

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