Written by Cameron Labonte

“Maybe the most impressive visuals I’ve ever seen in the MCU.” – Kent Garrison

Marvel Studios’ fourth attempt at The Fantastic Four on the big screen finally does them justice. The Fantastic Four are Marvel’s first family and are some of the most important characters to Marvel’s legacy across all medias. This being their introduction to the greater Marvel Cinematic Universe has me more excited than ever for what their future will look like, especially their inclusion in the upcoming movies Avengers: Doomsday and Avengers: Secret Wars.

Visuals: Just like its competitor Superman, this film really captures what a Fantastic Four comic book feels like; goofy, vibrant, and lively. But it also brings its own twist; a parallel world set outside of the main MCU timeline. This allows the movie to capture a very unique world, filled with retro-futuristic tech and a city where everyone is family. It looks like it takes place in 1960 and 2100 at the same time. With a lot of the scenes being set in space, it also allows for some very impactful spatial shots.

Characters: The movie really gives a focus on the main four: Mr. Fantastic, Human Torch, Invisible Woman, and The Thing. Other than that there are really only two big supporting characters being the villains Silver Surfer and the menacing Galactus. The family’s dynamic is awesome and it was interesting to see the strange relationship between Human Torch and Silver Surfer.

Plot: This plot is very unique as it revolves around four heroes, not just one. Them having to deal with the birth of Franklin Richards while trying to stop a world-threatening threat that is Galactus is a wild contrast. I just wish this movie had a tiny bit of a runtime extension to further cement them in the overall universe after the climax of the film.

Cameron Labonte, graphic design student from Montreal, Canada.