Movie Review ~ The Fantastic Four: First Steps

I went to see this movie to accompany my son, but what I found was an unexpected gem. It transported me back to the time when I first started reading *Fantastic Four* comics, exploring that futuristic and fictional world so characteristic of the 1950s and 1960s, which the movie masterfully recreates.

I was overcome with the same excitement I felt when I held those first adventures in my hands, with memorable villains such as the Mole Man, the Mad Thinker, the Devil Alchemist, the Red Ghost, Silver Surfer, and Galactus.

Of course, I noticed the absence of the always imposing Doctor Doom. The retro designs of the ships and devices created by Jack Kirby, the scenes on Yancy Street, the enthusiasm of New Yorkers, the banter between Johnny and Ben, the uniforms... Everything came back to me thanks to this film.

Without a doubt, it is one of the most faithful adaptations to the spirit of the comics, not only for preserving the aesthetics but also for preserving the essence of Stan Lee's scripts.

I admit that I had my reservations about a seemingly radical change: the gender of Silver Surfer, who here is not Norrin Radd, but Shalla Ball, the girlfriend of the original character.

However, the way the story is presented justifies this narrative twist. In addition, another iconic character from the comics is missing: Alicia Masters, Ben Grimm's blind girlfriend.

Although this creative license allows the story to be revitalized by setting it in a different version of Earth.

I never expected to see such an accurate representation of Galactus, including his planet-ship. The atmosphere surrounding the film is award-worthy: from the spectacular retro-futurism to the awe-inspiring world represented by Galactus. And what can be said about the spaceship, reminiscent of the unique style of artist Chesley Bonestell?

The casting is impeccable. I even overlooked details like Pascal's mustache; all I saw in front of me was Reed Richards coming to life. For her part, the choice of Kirby as Sue Richards is simply brilliant.

The character ceases to be a decorative accessory and becomes someone deep and nuanced, just like her companions.

One of the film's great strengths lies in the dynamic between these four superheroes; we truly feel them as a family. We share their pain and witness their capacity for sacrifice in the most critical moments.

Kirby stands out as the emotional leader of the group: she acts with the sensitivity of a mother, the closeness of a sister, the support of a wife, and the loyalty of a friend.

Pascal and the rest of the cast are no slouches either. Each character has their moment to shine, from the touching humanity of The Thing to the vibrant spontaneity of the Human Torch.