A Fresh Take and a New Aesthetic for Marvel

⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ (OUT OF 5 STARS)

As the Marvel multiverse continues to expand following the merger of Disney and 20th Century Studios, The Fantastic Four devotees have eagerly awaited the return of Marvel’s First Family. Set in the retro-futuristic world of Earth-828, director Matt Shakman masterfully guides this blended family of metahuman misfits on an adventure unlike anything audiences have seen in this universe before.

While familiar to Marvel enthusiasts, the origin story of Reed Richards / Mister Fantastic (Pedro Pascal), Sue Storm / Invisible Woman (Vanessa Kirby), Ben Grimm / The Thing (Ebon Moss-Bachrach), and Johnny Storm / Human Torch (Joseph Quinn) is cleverly conveyed through a vintage montage (reminiscent of The Incredibles opening). This sets the stage for their established role as protectors of humanity, ensuring stability in interactions both within their own ranks and against villainous forces from Earth and beyond. Yet, they live an idyllic life in the heart of New York City, even awaiting the arrival of Reed and Sue’s first child they don’t realise how danger lurks around the corner. Their peaceful existence is shattered when the celestial herald, the Silver Surfer (Julia Garner), arrives, announcing that the world is about to be devoured by the cosmic entity Galactus (voiced by Ralph Ineson), and humanity must prepare for its demise.

What will truly jolt fans into a new reality is the distinct aesthetic and tone of The Fantastic Four: First Steps. While the recent trend in the comic-book-inspired universe has leaned towards darker narratives, this film takes a sharp turn into the past. Drawing inspiration from the likes of The Jetsons and The Incredibles, Reed Richards and company inhabit a world that operates as if it sprang directly from a classic graphic novel, and the production team fully embraces what this affords them. This ensemble cast operates with seemingly unlimited resources, timelines that defy conventional logic, and relationships that transcend human reality. Despite these fantastical elements, the cast and production team make it all feel believable, drawing the audience into a story reminiscent of a different era while simultaneously existing in one that transcends our own sensibilities. Interestingly, this approach works, proving that escapism is often what we desire from these stories, rather than being lectured on how we should live.

Pascal, Kirby, Moss-Bachrach, and Quinn have unequivocally made their case; they successfully prove they deserve to wear the iconic suits of the new Fantastic Four. First Steps embodies the amiable reality of Mr. Fantastic, the narrative strength of The Thing, the passionate flame of the Human Torch, and the familial power of the Invisible Woman. This film provides the world with hope that superheroes can genuinely inspire, entertain, and allow us all to enter their world as we yearn to escape our own.

Reel Dialogue: Fighting for My Family

The Fantastic Four: First Steps is, at its core, a story about family. It’s a blended, sometimes dysfunctional, family under attack on every front, but the importance of their bond remains paramount to this superhero adventure. The theme of family will undoubtedly bring a smile to some people’s faces, while for others, it may cause tears to well up. While this comic-book-inspired tale does get a little cheesy at times, there’s no denying the crucial role familial connection plays for the characters and society.

As they fight for their family and society, this bond among humans proves to be a bittersweet gift given to us all. Have you ever considered how your family, for better or worse, is a gift from God? This film encourages viewers to cherish the family they have or to strive to improve their relationships with the family they’ve been given.

Regardless of your personal experience with your family, have you taken the time to show your parents, children, and extended family the appreciation they deserve today?

Exodus 20:12 – “Honour your father and your mother, that your days may be long in the land that the lord your God is giving you.”

Psalm 127:3-5 – “Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the children of one’s youth. Blessed is the man who fills his quiver with them! He shall not be put to shame when he speaks with his enemies in the gate.”

Article supplied with thanks to City Bible Forum.

All images: Movie publicity

Will you love the man of steel as he has been James Gunn-ed?

⭐ ⭐ ⭐ 1/2 (OUT OF 5 STARS)

The feeling is that we have seen the majority of this new version of Superman, given the hype and publicity surrounding this latest entry into the franchise from writer/director James Gunn (Guardians of the Galaxy). As the man behind the cape attempts to salvage the DC Universe and Warner Bros., this reinvention of the conventional superhero film, one of the most beloved superheroes, will polarise fans in the weeks ahead.

Inspired by the All-Star Superman comic book series by Grant Morrison and Frank Quitely, we enter the world of Clark Kent (David Corenswet) as Superman is at one of the most vulnerable stages of his life. The Man of Steel is exposed to having more weak spots than mere Kryptonite, as Lex Luthor (Nicholas Hoult) has developed a multi-layered media and military campaign to bring the superhuman down. While this is all happening around his super persona, he must determine how to balance his work at the Daily Planet with his love for Lois Lane (Rachel Brosnahan). With the aid of the Green Lantern (Nathan Fillion), Mr Terrific (Edi Gathegi), and Hawkgirl (Isabela Merced), Superman must find a way to maintain world peace as he is personally attacked and as a superhero from all sides.

To take on this iconic figure is a feat that will require the strength of Atlas and the wisdom of Solomon to accomplish, given the numerous alliterations that have occurred on both the big and small screens throughout the decades. James Gunn has conquered Marvel with his quirky and endearing introduction of the Guardians of the Galaxy franchise and his twisted reboot of The Suicide Squad. The reality is that this version of Superman would be unique. That is what audiences will get: a new vision of the man in the blue tights that will force fans to determine if they are ready for the change. As it contains more comedy and humanity in the character’s world, there is a light heartedness that may cause some to cheer and others to yearn for Christopher Reeve or Henry Cavill once again.

On one side, we gain a world where Clark Kent and Lois Lane show how their worlds struggle to fit together. A Metropolis where metahumans are accepted and where villains are more campy than villainous. Jonathan and Martha Kent (Pruitt Taylor Vince and Neva Howell, respectively) are less noble and more homespun, with the heart of the film going to his furry and less-than-disciplined sidekick, Krypto, who proves once again that no one should mess with the dog in the hero’s journey. These storyline strengths are hampered by a multitude of characters and plot points that make this a storyline that is difficult to follow. David Corenswet has the charisma to carry this franchise on his shoulders. Still, James Gunn has burdened him with so many story devices that some may find it hard to embrace this version of the most familiar superhero on the planet.

Superman has been reimagined by James Gunn, and fans will need to see if they can move on from all that has preceded them in comics, television, and on-screen with this character to embrace this new future of Kal-El. It is a new world for this Man of Steel. Are you willing to shed the past and fly into the future with him once again? The box office will tell.

Reel Dialogue: How Do You Define A Hero?

This is a question that can take on a multitude of answers. As James Gunn redefines one of the world’s iconic examples of superheroes, this is a question we need to address once again. From the fictional character to the unsung, humble members of our community, the label of hero can transcend cultures, genders, ages, and nations.

Hero: a person noted for courageous acts or nobility of character

This broad definition can be applied to many individuals throughout history. Still, there is only one person who truly fits into this without blemish. One whose courageous act was enough to save the world. It is hard to look past Jesus as the true definition of hero. All others pale in comparison, not to diminish their value, but merely to point to the one who set the standard for true heroism.

Who Is The True Superman Of This World?

Leaving the crowd behind, they took him along, just as he was, in the boat. There were also other boats with him. A furious squall came up, and the waves broke over the boat, so that it was nearly swamped. Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on a cushion. The disciples woke him and said to him, “teacher, don’t you care if we drown?” He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “quiet! Be still!” Then the wind died down and it was completely calm. He said to his disciples, “why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?”

They were terrified and asked each other, “who is this? Even the wind and the waves obey him!” – Mark 4: 36-41

Article supplied with thanks to City Bible Forum.

All images: Movie publicity

About the author: Russ Matthews is a film critic at City Bible Forum and Reel Dialogue. He has a passion for film and sparking spiritual conversations.

⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐ (OUT OF 5 STARS)

Racing cars is a rite of passage for the aging movie star from Steve McQueen to Paul Newman. Films that incorporate the yearning for the adrenaline rush and skirting the edge of danger that permeates the hearts of men worldwide. Brad Pitt (Once Upon a Time in… Hollywood) ventures into the world of motorheads in top-tier racing as he jumps behind the wheel in Formula One. 

He embodies the seasoned and pieced-together journeyman driver Sonny Hayes. After years of driving every type of car in venues worldwide, the racer is approached by Ruben Cervantes (Javier Bardem), APXGP team owner, former F1 driver, and friend. The company owner needs help mentoring rookie prodigy Joshua “Noah” Pearce (Damson Idris) and helping save his driving team. Despite his reluctance to jump in the seat of the F1 racing machine, Sonny decides to take this chance to redeem himself from his past and does his best to salvage this floundering team.

Each year provides viewers with another option of racing glory, but what gives this project a heightened excitement goes beyond seeing Brad Pitt and Javier Bardem together on screen. The intrigue comes with the man in the director’s chair; Top Gun: Maverick‘s Joseph Kosinski will have audiences salivating for a viewer experience that moves from jets to race cars. This anticipation is rewarded from the opening credits as the filmmaker puts the audience in the driver’s seat and keeps the foot on the gas for 156 minutes. A run time that could be argued went one race too many. Still, the overall entertainment experience makes it worth the trip to the cinema. 

Most of the film resides on the greatest race tracks in the world. Still, many want to know if Pitt and Idris are more than eye candy to draw you to the cars. Once again, viewers can thank the production of Maverick for screenwriter Ehren Kruger for delivering a great story, albeit familiar, to complement the races. The team dynamic and chemistry amongst all players take this production from mere racing to a story that draws in those who may not be interested in the racing component. Kerry Condon (The Banshees of Inisherin) holds her own in a world of alpha males. At the same time, Tobias Menzies (The Crown) plays the smarmy interloper needed to keep the characters honest. 

F1 will have audiences feeling like they are in the driver’s seat and they merely need to hold on for the ride. Pitt, Idris and Bardem push the limits of danger and expectation in this breathtaking and compelling film that will make you want to fly!

Reel Dialogue: Mentorship

Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another – Proverbs 27:17

What is the value of a good mentor? At the heart of F1 is an example of Biblical mentorship. Sonny and Joshua’s relationship is one in which one man directs another’s path for his development and for the benefit of their team. Amongst all of the relationships within this film, their eventual friendship leads to some of the most endearing elements of the film.

And what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men who will be able to teach others also – 2 Timothy 2:2

Mentorship and training are seen throughout the Bible. Jesus had his disciples, but a fascinating study can be found in the coaching relationship between Paul and Timothy. The apostle wrote some of the most personal letters to his trainee. These men set a precedence for the value of an older individual investing in the life of someone younger. Like Sonny and Joshua, the allegiance between Paul and Timothy benefits trainees today. It does lead to the very thing that genuinely benefits mankind.

Letters that show the mentoring role of Paul to Timothy: 1 & 2 Timothy

Article supplied with thanks to City Bible Forum.

All images: Movie publicity

About the author: Russ Matthews is a film critic at City Bible Forum and Reel Dialogue. He has a passion for film and sparking spiritual conversations.