Parents' Guide to The Fantastic Four: First Steps

Marvel's "first family of superheroes" is (finally) served well by this charmingly retro, family focused adventure that centers on motherly love, teamwork, and optimism. After three previous, underwhelming adaptations, The Fantastic Four: First Steps finally sets the right tone, even if it reserves some character development for future sequels. Rather than rehash the characters' origin story, the multiple screenwriters drop viewers into the action four years after their initial transformation, introducing viewers to a team that's already established. Reed Richards is a classic overthinker, fretting over whether his newborn child will have superpowers, but this isn't an angst-filled brood-fest. Even Ben Grimm (who, unlike Bruce Banner/the Hulk, can't transition back from his rock-like form) is more wistful than tormented. His biggest struggle is figuring out how to talk to a charismatic schoolteacher (Natasha Lyonne) from his old neighborhood. The ensemble is strong, especially Kirby and Quinn, though it's slightly jarring to see Pascal, best known for morally ambiguous roles, play such a wholesome, by-the-book leader. Garner delivers a nuanced performance as the mysterious Silver Surfer, although the screenplay leans a bit too heavily on jokes about her "sexy alien" appearance compared to her male predecessor.

The film is also a standout on the technical front. It boasts fabulous 1960s-inspired production design, vibrant mod costumes (Sue's wardrobe deserves its own fashion spread), a memorable Michael Giacchino score, and crisply edited action sequences that keep the suspense high. It's also notably low on visible casualties (aside from the destruction of anonymous planets), which makes it one of the more family-friendly MCU entries. The adorable baby may remind viewers of The Incredibles and is responsible for much of the story's comic relief, despite its unexpectedly chaotic birth. In contrast to the cynical antiheroes of Thunderbolts*, this movie embraces the earnest, banter-filled spirit of Saturday morning cartoons. A sweet, straightforward reintroduction to some of Marvel's most iconic characters, The Fantastic Four: First Steps is accessible to MCU newcomers while still offering plenty of Easter eggs for longtime fans.