First of all, I have nothing against the new SUPERMAN movie, the buzz it generated, and I CERTAINLY have nothing against its contributions to the economy and cultural history of the great city of Cleveland, OH, the Birthplace of Rock & Roll and a city that, while others have chosen the legendary phoenix as a symbol of rebirth, has adopted the Buzzard, the cocky mascot of WMMS 100.7 FM, the station as much a part of Cleveland as the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame it helped bring to town, but just as he was for most of his "life", the Man of Steel has seemed like an unattainable ideal. While Everyman would like to be Superman, one super hero movie shines the spot on four heroes who are closer to Everyman and Everywoman. I refer, of course, to THE FANTASTIC FOUR: FIRST STEPS, starring Pedro Pascal (MATERIALISTS) offering an Oscar -worthy portrayal of the leader, scientific genius Reed "Mr. Fantastic" Richards, Vanessa Kirby (NAPOLEON) as a mightier, stronger iteration of his wife Susan Storm Richards, the Invisible Woman (the "Invisible Girl" nickname seems like a misnomer), Joseph Quinn (STRANGER THINGS) as the hot-tempered speed demon, and Sue's kid brother, Johnny Storm, only the second hero to be named the Human Torch, and Ebon Moss-Bachrach, who brings his unique personality and gastronomic knowledge that made him a hit on THE BEAR to the character of bashful Benjamin J. Grimm, a/k/a the ever-loving blue-eyed Thing. Set on Earth 820 of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, an Earth that bears more than a passing resemblance to New York of the 1960's, (David Crosby to the contrary, I DO remember the 60's and I WAS there.) FIRST STEPS is a loving tribute to the original books by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby who created a more realistic form of super hero, one with more imperfections than Superman and his buds, one who tried his/her best, although they didn't always succeed, as well as to the 60s themselves. (Long time Marvelites will recognize the characters and events referenced, even, SPOILER ALERT, the FF cartoon shows produced by Hanna-Barbera, DePatie-Freleng,and Marvel Animation for FOX Kids. Could a new FF toon show be too far behind? Please say no, Disney+!) Although the FF are clearly why you came, the most dramatic performance belongs to Julia Garner (INVENTING ANNA) as Shalla-Bal, a completely reimagined version of Lee and Kirby's greatest tragic hero , the sky-spanning Silver Surfer. (If anybody even thinks of calling her "Surfette." they should also think of calling an ambulance!) The special effects are dazzling, the acting is possibly the best in a Marvel movie, Michael Giacchino contributes another stirring music score,and the MARVELous pop tradition continues with music from the Fleetwoods and Brenton Wood,to name just two.
Whether you grew up with the WABC all-Americans,the WMCA Good Guys,or the Merry Marvel Marching Society or you're just discovering 60s culture, F4 FIRST STEPS is the best step any comic book movie fan,nay,any MOVIE fan can take.
Excelsior!
Sturdy Steve
