Our heroes have jetted off into the far reaches of outer space but in terms of the movie franchise itself, The Fantastic Four have struggled to get off the ground.  Films released in 2005 and 2007 were critically panned (yep, they were awful) and a 2015 reboot, featuring a fresh cast, was a box-office failure.  Marvel Studios is intent on bringing them into their cinematic universe and so here we are with another cinematic crack at the characters first created by writer Stan Lee and artist Jack Kirby in the early 1960s.

Like the new Superman currently in cinemas, the writing team wisely decided not to make this another origin story.  A fast-paced opening sequence provides background information for new audiences.  Four years ago, a quartet of American astronauts went into space and after encountering cosmic rays, they returned with superpowers.  Reed Richards can stretch his body, Sue Storm is gifted with invisibility, Ben Grimm has incredible strength, and Johnny Storm turns into a flying human fireball.  The people of Earth look fondly upon these folk, unlike other superheroes, and see them as the world’s protectors.

The core of the film has them trying to outsmart Galactus, an enormous villain with an appetite to match.  Aided by his partner in crime, the Silver Surfer, he intends to “feed” on the planet of Earth and destroy every living part of it.  An added layer of complication is created when Sue Storm falls pregnant and gives birth to a young boy.  Saving the world isn’t easy at the best of times let alone having to do it while caring for a newborn.

I wasn’t sold.  Director Matt Shakman has two hours to work with and yet it’s a film low on drama and energy.  We’re introduced to Mole Man and other inhabitants who live underground but they’re seldom seen.  The Silver Surfer has potential as a “grey” villain torn between good and evil but has little to say.  Galactus is a half-decent villain (liked his look and sound effects) but his motives and intentions are one-note.  It’s as if the movie serves a “bridge” to introduce character arcs and subplots that will be resolved in future Marvel flicks.  I’d have preferred a more complete narrative.  Further, a seen-it-a-million-times storyline about sacrificing one to save many is clumsily handled.

There are upsides.  The film has a 1960s look and vibe which creates a point of difference from other superhero movies.  The comedic elements are fine (nothing special though) with Ebon Moss-Bachrach and Joseph Quinn getting the best of the one-liners in their roles as The Thing and the Human Torch.  Problems are solved too easy, but the action climax has a moderate level of suspense as the protagonists come face-to-face with Galactus.

As the opening movie in the 6^th phase of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, The Fantastic Four: First Steps is serviceable… but not memorable.