The Fantastic Four is something like the Batman of the Marvel universe, having undergone more than one reincarnation as the film rights were passed from studio to studio. The narrative styles and mood changed, but even with trust-inspiring news, ther...

"The Fantastic Four: First Steps" doesn't bother to show the team gaining their powers again, since almost everyone is familiar with the lore. From a TV program clip, the viewer learns that the team has existed for four years. They have defeated more than one villain, even made peace with some, and now each is doing something for the soul. But the main thing is that Reed Richards (Pedro Pascal) and Sue Storm (Vanessa Kirby) are trying to have a child. And when the desired plus sign appears, it turns out that the long-awaited happiness also brings trouble: Galactus is coming to Earth, wanting to consume the planet, and is also interested in the child.

Unexpectedly, the one oriented toward modern trends suddenly again took the place of a messenger of traditional values. Sue Storm is so immersed in motherhood that as a team member she is barely visible throughout the film. Even at group conferences, she stands apart, taking on a more important role – that of a mother.

Roman Kovalev

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No matter how hard they try to show the characters as wiser, none of them have undergone significant changes since 2005, so the chosen narrative theme helped to reveal the heroes a little differently. Johnny Storm (Joseph Quinn), though chasing skirts, in this case shows interest in only one; the Thing (Ebon Moss-Bachrach), though he looks at his reflection in shop windows with a hint of self-pity, overall doesn't seem too embarrassed by his appearance, even grows a beard; and Reed Richards, though obsessed with science, at some point realizes his role as a father.

Let's not pretend that Marvel didn't raise the topic on purpose, just as they once used the third "Guardians of the Galaxy" as a hook for fans' hearts. But watching yet again as a villainous villain attacks Earth just because Earth is an object of desire has also become tiresome. So, even if Galactus is still an underdeveloped antagonist, now we need to save not only the global world but also our personal world – the child. Is this a manipulation of the viewer's feelings by the creators? Yes. Is it bad manipulation? No. Parenthood creates ground for moral questions, and the main leitmotif of the story is the fear of life changing with the arrival of a child.

Among the film's pluses is the visual component. "The Fantastic Four: First Steps" doesn't look like something luxurious that should pompously open the sixth phase of the cinematic universe, but it is self-sufficient. The film begins with a retro-style title sequence in the team's white and blue colors, as muted as the times when impeccably lacquered hairstyles were not just fashion but the norm of everyday life. Retro-futurism is captivating; watching the sixties setting, where cars fly, ladies carry minimalist handbags, men wear impeccably tailored coats, and society behaves more restrained and understanding, is visually and emotionally pleasing. After all, for those who can't let go of modern aesthetics, there's a robot on hand that you can pat on the back for a job well done.

The visual effects specialists also worked on Galactus's vessel. Not without flaws, but overall it looks graphically quite detailed. Galactus doesn't resemble a parody of himself that would go trick-or-treating on Halloween. He is a villain whose purple gaze can instill, if not terror, then at least discomfort. Perhaps he wouldn't be so effective if not for his goal. While watching, you become attached to the conflict on a human level. By the way, if you miss "Fast & Furious," which also starred Vanessa Kirby, then you should pay attention to "The Fantastic Four" as a variation on the theme of "family above all."

Yes, the ethical dilemma is built a bit clumsily, and everything is resolved solely by a loud speech delivered from a pedestal, which is quite absurd, because literally a few words can make all superpowers instantly cease conflicts to unite against a common enemy. But, it seems, we have seen so many fairy-tale scenarios that this one no longer looks alien within this universe, and you don't even hold it against the film, because it's like being offended by a child who speaks to you at their level of perception.

You simply accept the fact that at least on an emotional and visual level, you are shown something quite decent. And it's unclear whether we missed these characters so much that we are ready to forgive a lot, or whether our standards for superheroics have dropped so low that relatively coherent content already causes a surge of positive emotions.

You just look at this family, who have each other's backs, and from that you catch a wave of understanding and acceptance that even the most serious flaws (for example, a pregnant woman in space) although embarrassing, get lost in the overall perception of the film.

"The Fantastic Four" will have to reach a new level in subsequent films, but within the scope of this one, which is rightly called "First Steps," you accept it as it is, and are even ready to give it your condescending approval.