Some superhero movies go for real-world relevance. "The Fantastic Four: First Steps" succeeds by doubling down on whimsical, wide-eyed wonder.

Set on a retro-futuristic alternate Earth, “First Steps” allows the story of the Fantastic Four to play out unencumbered by ongoing storylines or characters from other movies and TV shows, making it the most accessible and straightforward MCU movie in years.

Is the new “Fantastic Four” movie fantastic? No, and not everyone will love the amount of downtime in this one. But good is good enough for a Marvel superhero movie these days.

First Steps" took the top spot at the box office this weekend, knocking DC Studios' "Superman" to second place.

On this week's episode of IndieWire's "Screen Talk" podcast, we review Matt Shakman's Marvel needle-reset "The Fantastic Four: First Steps" and parse the latest fall festival announcements.

Set in a 1960s-inspired, retro-futuristic world, the film presents a new iteration of Marvel's First Family: Reed Richards/Mister Fantastic (Pedro Pascal), Sue Storm/Invisible Woman (Vanessa Kirby), Johnny Storm/Human Torch (Joseph Quinn), and Ben Grimm/The Thing (Ebon Moss-Bachrach).

A lot has to do with the fantastic four at the heart of this Marvel family, who live together and eat together, and are played by actors who play well off each other, particularly the always-splendid Kirby.

Flame on! There’s more than one hot new superhero movie at a theater near you. “The Fantastic Four: First Steps” is a depiction of the super-powered family that have been loved for decades by fans. Other versions of the movie haven'[t been so well received.