In "The Fantastic Four: First Steps," the core Four superheroes are a bit of a bore, and in a way that works to the advantage of this grounded tale of heroism and sacrifice, which is scaled properly for what it is.

Can Marvel’s First Family save earth from becoming an intergalactic midnight snack? While “Superman” was burdened with laying the groundwork for an entire shared universe of superheroes, Marvel wisely sets “First Steps” outside of their increasingly muddled mainline continuity.