Review Round-Up: "Superman" and "The Fantastic Four: First Steps"
Capsule reviews of this month's superhero films plus thoughts on the never-ending question of superhero fatigue.
While superhero films keep being made, there will be the constant question of whether superhero fatigue is setting in. Whenever a few Marvel or DC titles underperform, it always seems to raise the question of whether the genre is starting to run its course. But as long as films like the ones being reviewed in this post do well, that question gets answered.
As the strong hold of Superman and the opening of The Fantastic Four: First Steps are showing, audiences aren’t weary of superhero movies. However, they seem to be sending a message of not wanting to do too much homework going into the theater. That’s likely why my favorite superhero film of the year, Thunderbolts*, and Captain America: Brave New World, which felt like a Captain America/The Incredible Hulk/Eternals sequel rolled into one, fell short of expectations.
Even as a fan of both Marvel and DC who recognizes that both properties are perpetuating the cinematic universe trend, I still always hope for them to make films that aren’t two-hour teasers for future projects or have too much connective tissue with other franchise properties. Thankfully, the two superhero films released this month avoid falling into both traps. While not perfect, both pictures still prove that superhero films can be both fun and have on their own identity.
David Corenswet stars as the titular Man of Steel in “Superman,” a Warner Bros. Picture.
Superman:
After the DC Cinematic Universe experienced a string of highs and lows, both James Gunn and Peter Safran have given the franchise a slight re-set starting with the iconic character of Superman. While the new Superman reboot might not be one that changes the face of the superhero genre, it’s still a pleasing-enough restart for the comic book franchise that has the escapist humor and action one craves from a film like this and also, takes some admirable filmmaking swings.
When the movie opens, it dares to open with our titular hero, who’s now played by David Corenswet, in a losing battle. As he’s saving evil forces from Metropolis with his billionaire arch-nemesis Lex Luthor (Nicholas Hoult) mercilessly on his tail, he’s punched down to the point where he accepts defeat. Yet, he smoothly dusts himself off and rebuilds before the eventual next battle, proving the opening sequence to be a genesis for the titular hero’s story line. How even with superhuman abilities ranging from flight to super breath, his kindness proves to be his greatest superpower.
Idealistic with an intense need to fight for pure goodness in this world, this Superman is one worth rooting for with his humanism and charm played superbly by lead actor David Corenswet. The immense romantic chemistry between Corenswet and Rachel Brosnahan as famed reporter Lois Lane proves to be another highlight. Surrounding the two charming leads is a superb supporting cast including the always-amazing Nicholas Hoult as the maniacal Lex Luthor and Edi Gathegi as Mister Terrific. Despite being rather underused, both Isabela Merced as Hawkgirl and Pruitt Taylor Vince, who gets one of the film’s best scenes as Pa Kent, also leave a grand impression.
Along with some characters not getting as much an air time, there is a jarring tonal shift between light comic book movie humor and immense gravitas in some points that’s too swift. But the sincerity that Superman wears like a badge of honor is more than enough to overcome that and makes me not only want to see it a second time but anticipate what else James Gunn has in store for the new DC Cinematic Universe.
Grade: B+
The Fantastic Four: First Steps:
Despite being the original Marvel family, the Fantastic Four has had a rocky journey throughout the silver screen. Even as someone who appreciates the Foxverse film that came out 20 years ago enough, I wondered whether the Fantastic Four could have a fresh start as the Marvel Cinematic Universe hits the “Reset” button on their story. Relievingly, they have.
As it follows the titular heroes: Mr. Fantastic (Pedro Pascal), Invisible Woman (Vanessa Kirby), Human Torch (Joseph Quinn), and the Thing (Ebon Moss-Bachrach), like Superman, the film eschews the familiar origin story formula by establishing them at a point in time where they’re already super-powered and hailed as public heroes. Furthermore, it avoids having too much connective tissue with other Marvel properties to its own benefit.
As The Fantastic Four: First Steps continues to craft its own identity outside previous MCU installments, the retro-futuristic production design by Kasra Farahani and old-fashioned costuming from Oscar winner Alexandra Byrne help give it more character. Then, of course, there’s the titular Fantastic Four.
All four actors deliver their A-game as they bring the famed family unit to life. That being said, the film still belongs to Vanessa Kirby as Sue Storm. Between her role as Alanna in the Mission: Impossible series, her Oscar-nominated work in Pieces of a Woman, and The World to Come, I’ve become a massive fan of Kirby’s and her interpretation of Sue Storm is another strong performance in her continuously dynamic filmography. Nurturing and motherly yet also the glue tenaciously holding the family together, Vanessa Kirby is a force of nature.
Kirby is the strong anchor of an MCU entry that admittedly, may not have the audience feeling the eventual high stakes for our main heroes that it aims for in the third act given our knowledge that they’ll return for Avengers: Doomsday. At the same time, The Fantastic Four: First Steps proves to be a satisfactory enough installment that thrives on its quartet of performances and its emphasis on the family theme that’s surely been at the core of the source material.
Grade: B
Superman and The Fantastic Four: First Steps are currently playing in theaters.