‘Fantastic Four: First Steps’ Scores Big With Critics on Rotten Tomatoes
Fantastic Four: First Steps is finally here, and people are already talking. The movie just had its big premiere at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion in Los Angeles on July 21, and fans don’t have to wait long for its full release on July 25. This film is part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, making it the 37th movie in the franchise. Directed by Matt Shakman, it stars Pedro Pascal, Vanessa Kirby, Ebon Moss-Bachrach, and Joseph Quinn as the famous superhero team.
Now that the review embargo has been lifted, we know what critics think. According to Rotten Tomatoes, Fantastic Four: First Steps has scored an 88% approval rating from 105 critics. That means it’s officially fresh.
Most reviewers seem to agree that Marvel has finally found a way to make the Fantastic Four work on screen. After years of failed attempts, this version feels different. Many are saying that the Fantastic Four now feel like more than just a forgotten superhero group.
A lot of praise is being given to the movie’s style and tone. Some critics liked its throwback, 1960s-inspired retro-futuristic look, mixed with what they describe as real chemistry between the main actors. One review said, “Fantastic Four is the film that proves that superhero fatigue can be solved with movies that truly want to innovate…” Another review called the movie’s style “remarkably stylish” and said it upgrades what could have been a simple origin story. Many are calling it fun and energetic, with a hopeful vibe.
As one reviewer put it, “it’s just a Hell of a lot of fun.” Some feel that the movie focuses on family in a way that makes the story feel more real and emotional, saying the characters actually feel connected, which helps the movie stand out.
It’s the first time in a long time that the Fantastic Four have felt like more than just an IP Hollywood didn’t quite know what to do with.
Brent Hankins
‘Fantastic Four’ is the film that proves that superhero fatigue can be solved with movies that truly want to innovate…[Full review in Spanish]
Randy Meeks
The film’s remarkably stylish retro-futuristic aesthetic mixed with the palpable familial chemistry of the core cast upgrade what could have been a by-the-numbers Fantastic Four/Galactus origin story.
Kyle Wilson
The Fantastic Four: First Steps has panache, a retro-future energy capturing the hopeful sci-fi tone of the 1960s, and best of all, it’s just a Hell of a lot of fun.
Travis Hopson
Living up to its subtitle to venture into a higher level of solidarity, “The Fantastic Four: First Steps” presents the proper elevated level of accountability and character connection that comes with family
Don Shanahan
However, not everyone is impressed. While most critics liked the film, there are some who didn’t. A few think the movie is too slow and has too much talking, saying it feels more like an episode of Star Trek than a superhero movie. Others said the amazing visuals weren’t enough to save it from being boring. One review even said, “this Fantastic Four adventure is far from fantastic.”
Fantastic bore.
Jim Schembri
First Steps marks a slight improvement from the preceding trilogy of terror. But Marvel still can’t nail what should be one of its premiere attractions.
Johnny Oleksinski
There are no real character traits, no personalities and no obvious chemistry or spark between our key players. Marvel has been bland before, but rarely this lethargic and, indeed, uninterested in its own cartoon mythology.
Chris Wasser
Some of the best visuals Marvel has produced in years can’t make up for this slow paced, talkative, action deficient movie that feels more like a Star Trek episode than a big budget movie. This Fantastic Four adventure is far from fantastic.
Lucas Moore
What they’ve created is a toybox, a diorama that marries design styles and technology but that never feels like a place where actual people live.
Alonso Duralde
Still, most critics are calling the film a success. Produced by Marvel Studios and distributed by Walt Disney Studios, Fantastic Four: First Steps tells the story of the superhero team as they defend their retro-futuristic world from Galactus, a giant cosmic being who eats planets. Ralph Ineson voices Galactus, while other supporting actors like Julia Garner and Natasha Lyonne round out the cast. Marvel is already working on a sequel, which shows they believe this new version of the Fantastic Four is going to work.
In the end, reviews say that Fantastic Four: First Steps is a fresh and fun take on Marvel’s first family, and for once, it seems like fans might actually agree.
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