Reel Talk: Superman & Fantastic Four: First Steps

Aren’t you special!? To celebrate my glorious return, you’re getting not one, but two reviews for the price of one…which is free…which also means I’m not getting no Fetty Waps! Where’s ODB when you need him cuz somebody better have my money! And no, I don’t take Groupons or Bitcoin!

 CogNegro for the children!

Let’s begin, shall we!?

So, a “smoking Gunn” was what it took to deliver the best Superman since Richard Donner’s 1981 classic Superman II? That certainly seems to be the case. Gone are the dour and melancholic days of the Snyderverse, as well as the superfluous deifying seen in Bryan Singer’s Superman Returns.

The new era of DC Films kicks off with a bang (I’m tempted to use another “Gunn” pun, but I’ll practice restraint, for now) with James Gunn’s Superman. Gunn once again proves that he has a knack for balancing an ensemble cast while infusing heart and wit, even amid seismic stakes.

David Corenswet’s turn as Superman/Clark Kent is both charming and affable. He fully embraces the “boy scout” moniker of the world’s most recognizable superhero without coming across as contrived or off-putting.

The supporting cast also brings its A-game. Nicholas Hoult portrays one of the most menacing and despicable versions of Lex Luthor to date, part tech bro, part megalomaniac, while Rachel Brosnahan and Skyler Gisondo shine as Lois Lane and Jimmy Olsen, respectively.

Yet while audiences will come for Superman, they’ll be talking about Edi Gathegi’s Mister Terrific. A true scene-stealer in every sense of the term, Gathegi embodies coolness, intelligence, and command. His portrayal stands out as a strong representation of a hero of color without ever feeling like a token or "checked box"!

“Woke” accusations be damned—Superman is a fantastic time at the theater and a promising start to James Gunn’s overarching vision for the DC Universe. More importantly, it makes the Man of Steel something he hasn’t been in quite some time: fun and hopeful.

Grade: A
– CgN

Previous attempts at bringing the Fantastic Four to the big screen have resulted in a property that has been justifiably maligned. If we’re counting the infamous Roger Corman version, a straight-to-video release, Marvel Studios’ rendition would be the fourth attempt at creating a franchise from the 63 year old property. And by golly, I think they’ve finally gotten it right… sort of.

The opening montage is fantastically (pun intended) rendered and evokes a sense of 1960s nostalgia and aesthetic that would make Jack Kirby proud. Unfortunately, after that, it just exists.

The action sequences are sufficient to satisfy summer blockbuster aficionados, and some decisions that may have angered comic purists, cough cough female Silver Surfer, are justified through tight storytelling. However, the chemistry among the four themselves feels pedestrian and unremarkable. At times, it was difficult to stay fully engrossed, as many of the character exchanges felt formulaic. On top of that, certain plot points really tested the limits of suspension of disbelief.

Nevertheless, compared to what the MCU has produced in recent years, Fantastic Four clears the bar for a suitable watch and finally breaks the streak of underwhelming films. And it only took a Galactus to do it!

Grade: B‑
– CgN