Unless you were living under a rock this summer, you have likely heard of either “Superman” or “The Fantastic Four.”
Grossing over a combined $1.2 billion, these films share a number of similarities. Both being released in July of this year, they show a fresh take on classic characters. Featuring colorful, unexplored worlds with bold, new castings, these films reshape the old and set precedent for the new.
It’s undeniable that both of these will change the superhero landscape moving forward, and I’d argue that the change is for the better.
The difference, then, is the context in which we got these films. “Superman” was directed by the new CEO of DC Studios, James Gunn.
After the years of failure of the DC Extended Universe, Gunn was brought in to try to correct the course. “Superman” was the first theatrical release in his new position, and he absolutely knocked it out of the park.
“Superman” takes a God-like entity and crafts a human story. A story about love, identity and finding your family, featuring a charming and super-powered world of heroes and action. As both a critical and commercial success, “Superman” marks a new beginning for DC — a bright one.
“The Fantastic Four: First Steps” was released just two weeks later to much of the same reception. The film was well-received among critics, a commercial success and a turning point in its franchise. However, the larger context around the film is much different.
The Marvel Cinematic Universe wasn’t a string of mistakes like the DCEU was — it used to be the pinnacle of movie success. Now, the MCU isn’t trying to reset; it’s trying to rediscover its old charm.
Before “The Fantastic Four,” Marvel had a less-than-consistent track record.
The last three years have been a roller coaster of quality for the franchise, but the general trend is obvious. Less box office success, less audience grace, and less interest in the superhero genre overall.
This movie aims to combat this slump by changing the formula.
A new, separate story from the main universe. A brighter, faster, fresher take on the comics. It has its serious moments, but it’s not afraid to be lighthearted. This angle evidently worked, and it has reinvigorated a lot of love for this franchise. This is the first time in a long time that I am excited to see where this story leads.
So, what similarities in these films make them both work so well?
Most importantly, they both take the biggest strength of the genre in stride — the stories are already written. Many often forget that both publishers have decades of stories to base films on, now with the benefit of retrospect. They take the stories, characters and themes that are proven to have worked, and cut the rest.
Superman vs. Lex Luthor, the Fantastic Four vs. Galactus. Historic, fan-loved rivalries. A story about Superman’s home world, the Fantastic Four fighting to be accepted in their community. Recognizable, tried and true formulas. Superman learning that he isn’t perfect, Reed Richards accepting the responsibilities of being a father. These themes make the viewer empathize with the films and bring the heroes down to our level.
This brings up the next strength of these two movies — they are relatable. They tell stories of love, family, acceptance and failure.
They’re not tales of superhumans being perfect, or examples of always doing what’s right; these are stories of perseverance. Getting up after you make a mistake. Defending your decision to the world, no matter how hard it may seem. Realizing that you have flaws and working to grow past them.
Any viewer of any background can relate to a character in these films and get emotionally invested in the story. Understanding your heritage. Finding love. Seeing the world changing around you, and learning how to change with it. It’s human.
Finally, these films are simply a joy to watch.
The plots are largely self-contained; there’s no “homework” necessary, unlike most other superhero films.
The visuals are stunning, both in terms of CGI and camerawork.
“The Fantastic Four” specifically has multiple shots that could be considered art, worthy of being hung up in a gallery. The editing is fast, the colors pop and the scores are moving and memorable.
Watching never feels slow or like a chore — it’s a movie. Relax, watch with friends, take a break and just enjoy. This contributed greatly to the general positive reception and left most fans with a smile on their face walking out of the theater.
This summer has the opportunity to change superhero storytelling forever. Both “Superman” and “The Fantastic Four” should mark a new era for their respective franchises, if the studios can embrace the change. I’ll be patiently waiting for the next projects from both, with my fingers crossed that they can capture even a fraction of this magic.
