The Fantastic 4: A New Beginning

On Wednesday, April 30th, the most famous superhero family of all time landed in theaters: the Fantastic 4. After previous interpretations by Tim Story and Josh Trank, Matt Shakman has also brought his version of Mr. Fantastic, Human Torch, Thing, and Invisible Woman to the screen. In the film that opens phase six of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, the Fantastic 4 must save the Earth from Galactus, the devourer of worlds. If previous portrayals of the characters had disappointed audiences and critics, will this adaptation live up to expectations? The film begins with a tender moment between Reed and Susan, who discovers she is pregnant. It is this very first scene that foreshadows the central theme of the entire film: the family atmosphere and the arrival of little Franklin, who will prove to be the pivotal character of the story. Indeed, the child could save the world from Galactus. In fact, the devourer of worlds will make a proposal to the parents: he will spare the Earth in exchange for the child, hinting to the viewers of his intergalactic powers. Thus, the Fantastic 4 are faced with the famous trolley problem of Philippa Ruth Foot. The English philosopher proposed a thought experiment involving a tram driver who, with only the option to use a switch, must decide whether to let the trolley take its course, which would hit five people, or intervene by diverting the trolley onto another track, where there is only one person. The film presents the superheroes with an even more daunting choice because on the first track is the Earth and on the other is little Franklin. The problem is skillfully circumvented by the genius of Reed Richards who "teleports" the trolley, Galactus, onto another track. Yet, the mid-credit scene suggests that the dilemma might reappear, and, at that point, what should the superfamily do? The finale, as anticipated, shows the Fantastic 4 succeeding in their mission to save the Earth from Galactus. And just as an intimate first scene opened the film, the last one shows a funny skit where the family tries to install Franklin's car seat in the Fantasticar. The post-credit scene is also a humorous gag where the robot Herby watches a cartoon of the Fantastic 4 on television. What made all Marvel fans jump out of their seats was the mid-credit scene. With a four-year time skip, Franklin reads with his mother in the Baxter Building's living room. However, when Susan gets up to fetch a new book, a man with a cloak and green hood approaches the child. We do not see his face, but from the mask he holds in his hands, we infer it's him: Doctor Doom. A small taste of what the next film will be: "Avengers: Doomsday."