The Fantastic Four are selfish parents — but that isn’t the movie’s main problem

Here is a 188-word summary of the key points from the article: The latest Marvel Cinematic Universe film, "The Fantastic Four: First Steps," poses a moral dilemma for the superhero family. When they encounter the powerful being Galactus, he offers to spare Earth if they hand over their newborn son Franklin. Despite the stakes, the Fantastic Four refuse, unwilling to sacrifice their child even to save the planet. This decision highlights a key difference between the Fantastic Four and other Marvel teams - they are a traditional family, rather than a found family. The film explores how the Fantastic Four's familial bonds affect their decision-making, even if it comes at the cost of the greater good. However, the film struggles to fully develop the characters' experiences of parenthood, treating Franklin more as a plot device than an opportunity for meaningful character growth. The article argues that the MCU often uses family ties as shortcuts to pathos, without fully exploring the dynamics of real family relationships. While "First Steps" takes a step in the right direction, it ultimately falls short of truly delving into the Fantastic Four's family dynamics.