The Big Screen

WHILE Superman got to theatres first with a surprisingly optimistic superhero film, The Fantastic Four: First Steps follows closely and seems to be tapping the same hope-filled well.

The “First Family” of Marvel have been through four previous attempts at big screen success, but have never managed to connect with audiences.

Hoping to change that, Marvel Studios have tapped some of their most trusted writers in Josh Friedman and Eric Pearson, along with steady-handed Matt Shakman as director and an all new cast of impressive talent.

Set in an alternate world where the futuristic optimism of the 1960’s actually flourished and shaped things for the better, the story skips much of the usual “origin tale” tropes and instead pits the titular superhero family against the greatest threat possible, the planet-eating titan Galactus.

Reed “Mr. Fantastic” Richards (Pedro Pascal) and his wife Sue “The Invisible Woman” Storm (Vanessa Kirby) along with her brother Johnny “The Human Torch” Storm (Joseph Quinn) and best friend Ben “The Thing” Grimm (Ebon Moss-Bachrach) must draw close as a family to find the strength to overcome.

As always, if you’re on board with the Marvel movies, you’ll surely enjoy this because they’ve got their machine running so effectively these dayS.

There’s also a chance you will be delightfully surprised by something just a little different from their usual formula.

For those needing more Pedro Pascal in their week, Eddington is also being released.

From director Ari Aster (Midsommar) this black comedy Western also stars Joaquin Phoenix, Dierdre O’Connell and Emma Stone, and tells the story of a Mayoral election that devolves into utter chaos.

Set in 2020 at the start of COVID lockdowns, the titular small town’s sheriff Joe (Phoenix) runs against established Mayor Ted (Pascal) when they clash over mandates to control the spread of the virus.

Conspiracy theories, religious extremism, political “othering” and abundant gun-violence abound as the film pushes everyone toward confrontation.

Aster’s previous films are incredibly well shot, boast brilliant performances from everybody he casts, contain deeply fascinating ideas and are painfully difficult to watch – this is a man who revels in conflict and tension, and does not indulge in happy endings.

Four Letters of Love will almost certainly be your Mum’s favourite movie of the year, if she is able to see it.

Starring Pierce Brosnan, Helena Bonham Carter and Gabriel Byrne, the film is an adaptation of Niall Williams 1997 novel.

The trailers paint the picture of a budding romance between young lovers beset by the interference of cynical parents, but fails to capture the actual magic of the story, which is, admittedly, difficult to explain.

Living in Ireland, young Nicolas and Isabel are both victims of difficult childhood circumstances who have never met and yet are drawn together by inexplicable, almost supernatural forces.

Director Polly Steele has taken on a challenge in bringing such a beloved piece of writing to the screen, but manages to weave the elements of romance, mystery and drama into an inspiring experience.

By Lindsay HALL