‘The Fantastic Four: First Steps’ Review: Marvel’s First Family Soars with Heart and Style
I was beyond excited to dive into ‘The Fantastic Four: First Steps,’ Marvel’s bold leap to bring its pioneering superhero team into the MCU. With a powerhouse cast, a fresh narrative approach, and a vibrant retro aesthetic, this film had me eager to see if it could finally capture the magic of Marvel’s First Family. After years of mixed attempts to get these iconic characters right on the big screen, I went in hoping for a movie that honors their legacy while carving out something new and thrilling.
The story plunges us into a dazzling, alternate Earth-828, styled like a 1960s sci-fi dreamscape with sleek chrome spaceships and pastel-colored cityscapes. We meet Reed Richards, Sue Storm, Johnny Storm, and Ben Grimm not as rookies but as seasoned heroes grappling with a colossal threat: Galactus, a planet-eating cosmic entity, and his enigmatic herald, the Silver Surfer. Wisely skipping the tired origin story of cosmic radiation mishaps, the film focuses on the team’s tight-knit dynamic and their high-stakes mission to protect Earth. The setting feels distinct from the broader MCU, giving the movie a standalone vibe that’s refreshing and easy to follow, even if you haven’t kept up with every Marvel project.
The cast is the heart of this adventure, bringing depth and chemistry to these beloved characters. Pedro Pascal’s Reed Richards is a brilliant but awkward scientist, his stretchy powers used in wildly inventive ways, like wrapping around enemies or forming makeshift bridges. Vanessa Kirby’s Sue Storm is the team’s emotional anchor, wielding her invisibility and force fields with precision and ferocity, especially in a standout sequence where she shields civilians from a collapsing structure. Joseph Quinn’s Johnny Storm lights up the screen—literally—with his fiery antics and cocky charm, though I craved a bit more of his signature wit. Ebon Moss-Bachrach’s Ben Grimm, aka The Thing, delivers a heartfelt performance, balancing gruff humor with the tragedy of his rocky form, though his character sometimes feels sidelined in favor of flashier moments. Their interactions feel like a real family—bickering, teasing, but fiercely loyal—making their teamwork against cosmic odds all the more compelling.
Visually, the film is a feast, channeling the bold, imaginative art of Jack Kirby with a retro-futuristic flair. Director Matt Shakman crafts a world that’s both nostalgic and forward-looking, from the Fantastic Four’s high-tech Baxter Building to the shimmering, otherworldly visuals of Galactus’ cosmic domain.
The action sequences are a highlight, blending creativity and spectacle—think Reed stretching into impossible shapes to outsmart foes or Johnny blazing through the sky in a fiery dogfight. Julia Garner’s Silver Surfer is a revelation, her sleek, reflective design and haunting presence adding layers to the cosmic herald’s conflicted role. Ralph Ineson’s booming voice gives Galactus a menacing gravitas, though I wished the script delved deeper into his motivations beyond planetary hunger. Michael Giacchino’s score weaves a playful, adventurous tone that elevates every scene, from quiet character moments to epic battles.
That said, the movie isn’t without its hiccups. The script, penned by Josh Friedman, Eric Pearson, Jeff Kaplan, and Ian Springer, prioritizes action and family drama over humor, which can make the tone feel heavier than it needs to be. While the cast shines, some characters, particularly Johnny and Ben, don’t get enough standout moments to fully showcase their personalities. The pacing falters in the second half, rushing through the escalating cosmic stakes, which leaves Galactus’ threat feeling a bit underdeveloped.
Early test screenings flagged some uneven CGI, and while the final cut looks polished for the most part, a few effects—like certain shots of The Thing’s rocky texture—still feel slightly off. These flaws don’t derail the experience, but they keep the film from reaching the heights of Marvel’s absolute best.
‘The Fantastic Four: First Steps’ delivers a thrilling, heartfelt take on Marvel’s First Family, blending stunning visuals, a stellar cast, and a world that feels alive and distinct. It’s easily the strongest cinematic outing for these characters yet, capturing their spirit of adventure, teamwork, and heart. While it stumbles in spots, the movie sets a promising foundation for future stories, and I’m already counting down to see where this team goes next.
Score: 8/10