![The Red Right Hand Movie Reviews [Matthew Stogdon]](https://reviews.theredrighthand.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/cropped-header1.png)
Director
Matt Shakman
Starring
Pedro Pascal
Vanessa Kirby
Joseph Quinn
Ebon Moss-Bachrach
Julia Garner
Ralph Ineson
In a retro-futurist universe, alternate to the MCU, Earth is protected by a family of heroes known as the Fantastic Four: Reed Richards [Pascal], Sue Storm [Kirby], Johnny Storm [Quinn], and Ben Grimm [Moss-Bachrach]. And for the past four years this group have been saving the day in the most serialised comic book fashion. Subsequently, they have respect, adoration, and are renowned for their heroism. That is, until the convergence of two major events. The first being the news that Reed and Sue are expecting their firstborn child, and the second being a silver cosmic entity [Garner], heralding the imminent arrival of a planet eating force: Galactus [Ineson]. Facing a threat unlike any before, each of the team must use their skills to support one another and save the Earth from its ultimate fate.
The Fantastic Four: First Steps feels like a parable piece. Namely, be careful what you wish for. Over the course of the first half an hour, we’re given classic comic book setup done well, with lots of playful, fun energy. There’s montages of heroics, Easter eggs and references to silver age comic adversaries, not to mention all the necessary exposition and scenes that establish character traits quickly. It very much embodies the feeling of picking up an old 60s comic and thumbing through the adventure of the week, while knowing that there’s a whole history of battles and stories that took place. All of which is enhanced with a hopeful, triumphant score and God knows the MCU is always in dire need of strong, memorable leitmotifs. Thankfully, once again, Michael Giacchino delivers throughout. But the real standout is the undeniably wonderful and refreshing production design and bright cinematography. Pulling on that 60s vibe, the technology, costumes, and entire world-building are lush, unique, and lively. In truth, it’s exactly what it sets out to be and yet… leaves you cold. But more on that later.
The search for “Marvel’s first family” was always going to be a difficult one. And while initial casting choices may have felt somewhat uninspired or potentially ill-fitting, the characterisation from the central cast is great. Reed is a meticulous nerd, steeped in calculations, believing it is his job to fix all the problems of the world. Sue is a tactical negotiator and the glue that holds everything together, and with her pregnancy is given the full weight of the movie’s emotional core. Johnny is just the right balance of cocky arrogance and heartfelt sincerity, and Ben is similarly a great mix of cantankerous and warm hearted. And this dynamic was important to nail, because we all know this setting isn’t the future of the MCU, this aesthetic will eventually be abandoned to fold into the whole. So it’s of the utmost importance the chemistry and presence of these characters are on point – which, luckily, they are.
On the other side of the coin, we have the movie’s antagonists. There will be a lot of people who will balk at the Silver Surfer being a woman, but the fact that Shalla-Bal has been in the comics since 1968 and is often an alternate reality to the male counterpart, it’s a moot contrivance. That said, like all Silver Surfer stories, this film can’t figure out how to use her best. Or, more accurately, they have one card to play (i.e. the Surfer has been working for Galactus to save her own world and then eventually grows a conscience) but is so overpowered, that they have to sideline her a little too bluntly. On paper it’s not a bad story, it’s just one we’ve seen beat-for-beat in Fantastic Four: Rise Of The Silver Surfer. What is new, however, is the appearance of Galactus. And for better or worse, it’s precisely what fans have been demanding for decades. Show us a big robot man who eats planets. He is uncaring, unfeeling and eternally hungry. And Ineson’s bass-shattering voice is perfect for this towering menace. However, if you were expecting more depth and complexity from this pre-universe being, you’re not really going to get it here.
Evidently this movie is an attempt to course correct and indulge. However, in doing so, Marvel have made a film out of time. And it’s important to remember that no movie is released in a vacuum. This means factoring in the state of the MCU (specifically the very strong but under-appreciated Thunderbolts and the wholly lacklustre Captain America: Brave New World) as well as the release of Superman, marking the start of a rebooted, rival DCU. And in truth, if this approach came out in 2005 it would be everyone’s favourite hero movie. Up there with X2 and Spider-Man 2 as a complete, self contained narrative with a clear start, middle, and an end. And while this is partly a welcome treat for audience’s fatigued with huge expanding plans, it does feel somewhat unambitious. Yes, there’s an uncomplicated simplicity at work but the rudimentary conveniences leave it feeling like an unevolved throwback. Sure, an old Nokia 3310 is cute and nostalgic but the landscape has moved on and if you need to get something done, it can’t rival a smartphone. It also doesn’t help that the entire movie is beset by some truly wobbly CGI. For all the budget on display, it just looks unpolished, and for every seamless pristine image, we get a counter shot that comes off as plasticy and takes you out of the majesty of it all. Meaning, somehow, The Fantastic Four: First Steps did everything it was supposed to do, yet ultimately underwhelmed and felt pedestrian.
Regardless of what the lasting impact will be, the general consensus for this release is that it is a somewhat refreshing standalone story that makes it over the line cleanly but without fanfare. A wholly competent bronze medal winner that deserves praise for emulating what came before but shouldn’t feel like the blueprint for what comes next.
Release Date:
25 July 2025
The Scene To Look Out For:
Having first encountered Galactus and returned to Earth, the press are waiting and lined up with the usual expectations. They assume the team will come back as conquering heroes, with a prepared statement detailing how they bested this new threat. But, in explaining what actually happened, as well as the consequences and ramifications, each of the cast have a chance to stretch themselves. Sue is guarded, Ben is honest, Johnny is optimistic, but Reed is completely shaken and unsure of himself. It’s just great stuff.
Notable Characters:
With the wider rogues gallery getting mentions and nods, the inclusion of Mole Man (played by Paul Walter Hauser) is both very fitting and fun. It’s the perfect emulation of how this movie could easily feel like the culmination of six seasons of television finally making it to the big screen and your favourite characters from the show popping up.
Highlighted Quote:
“Do I tell you how to drive the ship? Don’t tell me how to kill sexy aliens!”
In A Few Words:
“An earnest effort worthy of praise and respect but ultimately a little underserving and anticlimactic.”
Total Score: 3/5
