Movies THE FANTASTIC FOUR: FIRST STEPS (Passes $400 Million Globally; Dragonlord's Review, post #1)

[Dragonlordxxxxx]

I kind of suspect they offered the Silver Surfer role to Keanu Reeves the way it was always rumored, and he turned it down. And when he did, they said, "Listen, you Canadian bastard. If you don't take the roll, we're gonna cut surfers dick off." But John Wick didn't care because he's all balls and he said fine just do it. And they did it. Because Disney doesn't fuck around either.

After given the ultimatum, Keanu replied, "Fuck you, Kevin Feige! Shows what you know, the Surfer is dickless in the first place. Screw you and Marvel. FYI, my agent has another role lined up for me. The character is a celestial being and is more powerful than your stupid Silver Surfer because my character can change reality."

(One year later)

 

[Blonde Oliveira]

Youre misunderstanding. FF and SS were never my thing, and I think SS is kind of a dumb character anyway. My complaint is the eye-rolling "whatever, guys" type of complaint. But the people super invested in FF and/or SS are not just "fine with it". Appealing to her actual appearing in the comics doesnt really mean much when her appearance as SS was basically a throw away for a few pages and never thought of again. You might as well say that Thanos could have been defeated by being arrested, put in handcuffs and put in the back of a squad car because that actually happened in the comics.

When I say it was stupid, I mean from a perspective of appealing to an existing fanbase and probably even finanically. I dont think its far fetched to say that literally zero FF or SS fans were clamoring for a Shalla Ball appearance in a FF movie, especially in whats considered a classic storyline. There are people that didnt want this and are less invested in the movie now, I spent the weekend with many of them. Dismissing them as not being "actual hardcore fans" of FF isnt accurate at all, and to be fair this was always a BS line of reasoning for swapping Radd for Bal. Like I said, this character is essentially a cameo appearance. SS might be sort of a d tier character in terms of popularity, but he does have his fans. None of them are pumping their fist for Shall Ball. Meanwhile, theres an actual fanbase of Norrin Radd, many of whom are like "Man, fuck you guys".

Like it or not, these sort of swaps instantly put off a segment of people, regardless of whether thyere fans. You can argue whether theyre feelings are valid or not. Thats not what Im saying and its not a discussion Im looking for. But I am saying that these people exist and at this point theres even sort of a hyper reaction to stuff like this. On top of that, theres lots of actual fans of FF and SS that youre dismissing by insinuating that they arent "actual hardcore" fans.

I didnt say there were no female cosplays. What I mean, until this year, there was basically literally one dude that ever cosplayed as SS. It was just him for several years in a row. Yeah, I probably missed a couple here and there. But he was sort of a SDCC mainstay. This year there were actually multiple SS cosplays and I hadnt seen that before. But literally zero of them were Shala Ball. The popularity of this character in the comcis was probably 0.0 on any scale.

What Im saying is, its fine if somebody likes her in the movie. Its a dumb move for reasons Ive already stated but it isnt like they were screwing with one of my favorite characters or something. But for many people, they did screw with it and they arent just fine with that because she appeared as a throwaway character 40 years ago.


Like they didnt truncate SS and Galactus'origin for this movie or anything? I mean, its MCU, they play kind of fast and loose sometimes with these things. You could swap at Nova and just give a few hints here and there and you dont need to go into full exposition back story, because they didnt even really do that for this one as far as SS or Galactus go. Just a few tidbits and it was done. Theres no reason they couldnt have done the same thing for Nova and filled in the blanks later.

I'm one of those big SS fans. Norrin is my boy.

When they first announced the gender swap, I thought it was odd. But once it was made clear this film was taking place in a different universe to the regular MCU, I was fine with it.

If people are less invested in the FF now because of this alternate universe Silver Surfer... I dunno, they should kinda get over it, tbh. We've already seen a different Reed Richards in Doctor Strange. Do they really not think we'll ever see OG Surfer?

 

[Bob Gray]

I'm one of those big SS fans. Norrin is my boy.

When they first announced the gender swap, I thought it was odd. But once it was made clear this film was taking place in a different universe to the regular MCU, I was fine with it.

If people are less invested in the FF now because of this alternate universe Silver Surfer... I dunno, they should kinda get over it, tbh. We've already seen a different Reed Richards in Doctor Strange. Do they really not think we'll ever see OG Surfer?

@SmilinDesperado was saying theres a longer game at play here and Radd will eventually likely appear. Personally, I dont see it. This is one of the most famous storylines with SS and one where he can make a big impact on both the story as well as for people being introduced to the character. Its not like they're gonna do a Herald Ordeal movie or something.

I wouldn't exactly be shocked if Radd made some appearance somewhere, but id guess it as more of a cameo. Maybe he'll be a big deal later, I suppose. But I just don't see why we would make a guess like that based on this movie alone?

 

[Blonde Oliveira]

@SmilinDesperado was saying theres a longer game at play here and Radd will eventually likely appear. Personally, I dont see it. This is one of the most famous storylines with SS and one where he can make a big impact on both the story as well as for people being introduced to the character. Its not like they're gonna do a Herald Ordeal movie or something.

I wouldn't exactly be shocked if Radd made some appearance somewhere, but id guess it as more of a cameo. Maybe he'll be a big deal later, I suppose. But I just don't see why we would make a guess like that based on this movie alone?

I could see them putting him in Secret Wars to start with, then a subsequent FF movie. Everyone and their mother will probably be in that movie.

 

[SmilinDesperado]

@SmilinDesperado was saying theres a longer game at play here and Radd will eventually likely appear. Personally, I dont see it. This is one of the most famous storylines with SS and one where he can make a big impact on both the story as well as for people being introduced to the character. Its not like they're gonna do a Herald Ordeal movie or something.

I wouldn't exactly be shocked if Radd made some appearance somewhere, but id guess it as more of a cameo. Maybe he'll be a big deal later, I suppose. But I just don't see why we would make a guess like that based on this movie alone?

Yeah, I see them putting Radd in eventually. This isn't like the days of the old X-men movies where they just totally change up major characters for nothing. There's minor changes to minor characters, but I just don't see them totally writing out a character like Norrin.
Take a character like Taskmaster from 'Black Widow'. He's supposed to be a shit talking male mercenary. They made him a mute female. That female version died in Thunderbolts, and they've already crafted a story that Taskmaster's abilities come from technology made by the Red Room. I'm pretty sure the actual Taskmaster, Tony Masters, will eventually show up and take over that role.
They had to pivot to Shuri being the Black Panther because of Chadwick's death, but we're going to get another male Black Panther down the line.
There's no reason that SS couldn't have a similar storyline, or an enhanced one that would help make his overall character more interesting. He could have been a past herald, or be a future one, or one from another universe, or he becomes one because of Shalla. There's a lot of possibiities.
I've never been a big fan of him myself. I've always found him to be pretty bland. So introducing him via Shalla could give him an extra something to show his personality while showing more of her as well. It seems like most people liked her, so more of her only helps the overall story.

I think with the nature of this whole big Marvel movie universe and multiverses and such, it's impossible to really judge what happens in one movie as some sort of completed story.

 

[Dragonlordxxxxx]

Iman Vellani gives her review for Fantastic Four: First Steps.

 

[FyrFytr998]

6/10

Decent film based off the visuals. Story was mid, but Galactus was pulled off really well. Pacing was much better in Superman. I’m a marvel stan, but DC might be the new king of comicbook movies.

 

[Dragonlordxxxxx]

Giganto featured in a commercial.

 

[Dragonlordxxxxx]

Watched it a second time in theaters. The film's pacing felt faster the second time around. Still amazed at the production design, the art design, the practical sets and location. First Steps is one of the most visually beautiful MCU movies ever made.

I will also praise the movie's bold choice of having only TWO major action sequences. In a normal superhero movie, we would get on an average of 4 to 5 action scenes. This film has the confidence to not rely on razzle dazzle action scenes to tell its story.

Love the character portrayals and performances by the cast even more. They retained each of the characters' core personalities and offered a few new and well-done takes on the characters. I still believe this Johnny had the best representation out of all of them. Just wished he cried or showed more emotion after the battle.

The little details they injected are so impressive. Like showing Ben holding the delicate cookies without them breaking apart. Without needing to verbalize it, the film showed Ben has full mastery of his strength. And that's why he was able to deliver the baby with his gentle hands. The Thing was always labeled as a gentle giant in the comics. They've taken that moniker to another level in this movie.

Little details like Johnny scratching HERBIE's head on different occasions like a pet.

And like @Loiosh mentioned, this was the best representation of an MCU character explaining things in a scientific manner. Pedro is so good as Reed. He was the leader, the brains and the strategic field commander we wanted but interjected with a lot of humanity and very human flaws.

I love the way they presented the scene where Reed ignored Johnny's request for new space suits, saying that it's a low priority among his schedule and will get to it when he has the chance. Viewers get the impression that he's dismissive towards Johnny or doesn't really care about him. A few days later, he showed Johnny the new suits. It's little things like that that shows Reed is a man of his word and in his own way shows his affection to his brother-in-law.

The F4 really felt like a family. All four have terrific chemistry with each other. I love that they're not portrayed as a dysfunctional family. Every member is a more mature version of themselves compared to past live-action iterations.

I'm bumping up my rating from 8 to 8.5. I really think this film is one of those cozy movies you watch from time to time over the years and appreciate it more and more.

 

[PRIDEWASBETTER]

 

[Magooglie]

Fantastic Four first steps should be the 2nd movie in the MCU watch order.

 

[JudoThrowFiasco]

It was simple but enjoyable. Like the setting, the atmosphere and the visuals. It was just underwhelming and everyone aside from Surfer basically surfing a wormhole seemed under powered. I cringed hard at Sue's momma bear power display at the end. Really didn't like Pascal as Reed but he had some moments.

6.5 /10

 

[clutchCAT420]

It was simple but enjoyable. Like the setting, the atmosphere and the visuals. It was just underwhelming and everyone aside from Surfer basically surfing a wormhole seemed under powered. I cringed hard at Sue's momma bear power display at the end. Really didn't like Pascal as Reed but he had some moments.

6.5 /10

Sue is too old for this movie. Almost like a favor from Disney to gcunt..

 

[ufcfan4]

I thought it was awesome. Blew away my expectations (which, admittedly, even though I’d heard the film was good, weren’t particularly high). I walked away from this one legitimately feeling like it is one of the best MCU films. The visuals, the aesthetic, the overall technical work were highly impressive. Add to that the fact that all four leads ranged from quite good to excellent. The characterizations of the F4, in general, were really effective and memorable. As Dragon said, you really got the sense of this group as a tight-knit family. That bond comes across very early, which is impressive because sometimes it takes time to really convey that sort of thing.

Galactus looked epic and was very effectively utilized in the film- sparingly but just enough that he made a huge impact. Very good performance there. I also liked Garner as the Silver Surfer. She was involved in some of the best scenes in the film, particularly one action/chase set piece.

The visual quality and the performances alone would have made this an easy recommend for me. The fact that I thoroughly enjoyed the big confrontation scene late in the film was really the icing on the cake.

Solid summer movie season so far in my opinion. Superman and Fantastic Four make for a very good comic book film season and we aren’t far removed from Thunderbolts, which I also really enjoyed.

I think it’s a credit to Feige and co. (and obviously the respective directors, casts, and crews) that despite all the criticism of the recent MCU era, they delivered two very solid entries to lead into the two Avengers films.

If the Thunderbolts and the Fantastic Four are poised to play a big role in Doomsday, I’m definitely sold.

 

[Dragonlordxxxxx]

Solid summer movie season so far in my opinion. Superman and Fantastic Four make for a very good comic book film season and we aren’t far removed from Thunderbolts, which I also really enjoyed.

I think it’s a credit to Feige and co. (and obviously the respective directors, casts, and crews) that despite all the criticism of the recent MCU era, they delivered two very solid entries to lead into the two Avengers films.

If the Thunderbolts and the Fantastic Four are poised to play a big role in Doomsday, I’m definitely sold.

With Thunderbolts, Superman and First Steps receiving positive reception from critics and audience alike and with Avengers: Doomsday coming up next year, this situation reminds me of 2017 where we also got some good CBMs like Logan, GotG 3, Spider-Man: Homecoming, Wonder Woman and Thor: Ragnarok before Avengers: Infinity War came out in 2018.

 

[ufcfan4]

With Thunderbolts, Superman and First Steps receiving positive reception from critics and audience alike and with Avengers: Doomsday coming up next year, this situation reminds me of 2017 where we also got some good CBMs like Logan, GotG 3, Spider-Man: Homecoming, Wonder Woman and Thor: Ragnarok before Avengers: Infinity War came out in 2018.

Great parallel. That was certainly a cool period for the genre.

 

[PRIDEWASBETTER]

I thought it was awesome. Blew away my expectations (which, admittedly, even though I’d heard the film was good, weren’t particularly high). I walked away from this one legitimately feeling like it is one of the best MCU films. The visuals, the aesthetic, the overall technical work were highly impressive. Add to that the fact that all four leads ranged from quite good to excellent. The characterizations of the F4, in general, were really effective and memorable. As Dragon said, you really got the sense of this group as a tight-knit family. That bond comes across very early, which is impressive because sometimes it takes time to really convey that sort of thing.

Galactus looked epic and was very effectively utilized in the film- sparingly but just enough that he made a huge impact. Very good performance there. I also liked Garner as the Silver Surfer. She was involved in some of the best scenes in the film, particularly one action/chase set piece.

The visual quality and the performances alone would have made this an easy recommend for me. The fact that I thoroughly enjoyed the big confrontation scene late in the film was really the icing on the cake.

Solid summer movie season so far in my opinion. Superman and Fantastic Four make for a very good comic book film season and we aren’t far removed from Thunderbolts, which I also really enjoyed.

I think it’s a credit to Feige and co. (and obviously the respective directors, casts, and crews) that despite all the criticism of the recent MCU era, they delivered two very solid entries to lead into the two Avengers films.

If the Thunderbolts and the Fantastic Four are poised to play a big role in Doomsday, I’m definitely sold.

Just saw it and I agree with all of this.

They nailed the castings and they told a simple and heartfelt story.

 

[tobiaswins]

The best fantastic four movie to date. Not exactly a high bar but I still enjoyed it quite a bit. The futuristic 50’s feeling at times felt like a live action Jetsons. They also didn’t overdo the humor this time which I appreciated. Nothing ground breaking but very enjoyable. Pedro Pascal did good but man….they could’ve had David Tennant….le sigh

 

[heavyarms21]

@Dragonlordxxxxx


9/10

I dont have to put spoiler tags.

First off.

Casting was excellent. Vanessa Kriby absolutely nails Sue.

Even though I'm not a fan of Pascal's outside of movies and TVs , can't deny he's reliable in whatever he is in .

Joseph Quinn to me is a star and I like that his Johnny isn't just a cocky Moron the characters Choices were an Important point in Justifying using Shalah Bal over Norin Radd.

Ebon as thing was also nice and pretty neat to go with a Rock Beard for thing.


In the lead up I wasn't a fan of them Choosing to do Shalah Bal but the choice to make her a pseudo romantic connection with Johnny hit the Right notes allowed Jonnhy to be a more well written character. Plus it fits the Mother similarity to Sue.

Still want to see OG Norin Rad though.


Funny the Best Fantastic 4 movie to me is still the 1st Incredibles and that ends with the Underminer which is an oder to Moleman , and this One Starts with Moleman so that's a pretty cool coincidence.

The Retro feel and look just feels like a Giant love letter to Jack Kirby.

I enjoyed this.

 

[heavyarms21]

Missed Opportunity when they asked if fighting Galactus was like fighting a Space/Cosmic Dragon should have said Cloud instead.