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Although it’s titled The Fantastic Four: First Steps, this is not the first time a Fantastic Four movie has hit the big screen. After a couple of failed attempts over the past 20 years to get this franchise right, this new installment has seemed the most promising so far due to the stellar cast and stunning visuals. Kicking off Phase 6 of the MCU against a vibrant backdrop of a 1960s-inspired, retro-futuristic world, Marvel’s First Family is forced to balance their roles as heroes with the strength of their family bond, while defending Earth from a ravenous space god called Galactus and his enigmatic Herald, Silver Surfer. Meshing together a stylistic aesthetic with a cast of top-tier talent, The Fantastic Four: First Steps is a fun, spirited watch with tangible stakes, mesmerizing action, and a central message about family that will resonate with all.
Marvel’s First Family Returns in a Retro-Futuristic Adventure That Packs Heart and Style
The story at play – our heroes needing to prevent the Earth from being devoured by a planet-eating villain – is simple yet effective. It allows us to get to know this version of our characters and their powers, whilst becoming accustomed to the style of the world and our heroes’ place in it. With a runtime of under two hours and a storyline surrounding a tight-knit family figuring out how to save their son and the inhabitants of Earth, it’s easily digestible and fun, whilst including the elements of comic book movies that we know and love. Whilst this means it mostly plays things safe and occasionally feels a little too familiar, the addition of a baby on the way and a threat that may be the strongest we’ve had since Thanos means it boasts emotional beats and a flair of its own, exacerbated even further by the visual style. Themes of parenthood and morality aren’t exactly new to the MCU, but seeing them explored in this way undoubtedly provides a resonant story that many can relate to.
As Sue (Vanessa Kirby) and Reed (Pedro Pascal) are tasked with a big decision surrounding the fate of the planet in exchange for their son, the stakes not only feel high but also cruel and difficult. It’s an easy story to devour and digest, and one that makes us question our own choices alongside having a blast with a bunch of heroes.
Full to the brim with color and life, The Fantastic Four: First Steps is undeniably the best the MCU has looked for quite some time, maybe even ever. Every frame is full of the electric blues of their uniforms, the hustle and bustle of a ’60s city, and elements of a world that feels both retro and futuristic at once. Even the outfits of the civilians feature prominent primary colors and eye-catching updos, ensuring every scene oozes with life and style. Whilst predominantly being set in a city, the plot allows us to venture as far as outer space, with seamless CGI and glorious cinematography that deserves to be seen on the biggest screen possible. As his proclivity for planet-eating suggests, our villain Galactus is somewhat large, and this movie absolutely smashes his impossible-to-envision scope and looming presence. Even Reed’s stretching, something that’s been hard to nail in the past, looks pretty believable this time around. When paired with Michael Giacchino’s bouncy, beat-filled score that may even be the movie’s best asset, quite the all-rounder is created. Attention is paid to ensure the audience feels transported and immersed in a world both familiar and far different from the ones we’re used to seeing in this cinematic universe, and it works a treat.
Tying everything together perfectly is the cast, who not only fully commit to becoming their characters but also prove why their faces have been gracing our screens so frequently over the last couple of years. Pedro Pascal (The Last of Us) is the perfect Reed Richards, embodying his superhuman smarts, love for his wife, and methodical ways of thinking (for better and worse) effortlessly. Joseph Quinn (Stranger Things) nails the cheeky charm of Johnny Storm, ensuring the character is as wisecracking and charismatic as we want him to be. It’s easy to forget that it’s Ebon Moss-Bachrach (The Bear) under all those rocks, but his turn as Ben Grimm, or ‘The Thing’, is wonderful nonetheless, and he perfectly embodies both the banter and sincerity of the character. Our villains, Galactus and Silver Surfer, are played by Ralph Ineson (The Witch) and Julia Garner (Ozark), respectively, and both give instantly memorable voice performances. Stealing the spotlight entirely is Vanessa Kirby as our invisible woman, Sue Storm (Mission: Impossible). Truly, the best on-screen version of this character so far, with mesmerizing strength, tear-jerking love for her son, and immense courage and drive, Kirby is a marvel, and Sue Storm is finally the kick-ass hero that she deserves to be.
Due to being thrust straight into a world where our heroes are already established, there are elements of The Fantastic Four that feel rushed. Bigger themes and character traits, including Grimm’s feelings towards his physical appearance, are only hinted at, and there are supporting characters or two that feel forced in for plot convenience. However, this is easy to forgive when the movie has so much else going for it: heart, humor, and a family feel that can warm even the most cold-hearted of us. Exploring how we move heaven and Earth for our kids and the importance of coming together to face adversity, The Fantastic Four: First Steps is an enjoyable superhero flick that provides the fun that we pay the admission price for. Our cast is great, the storyline is digestible, and the score and visual style ensure it becomes memorable and stands out within the franchise.
Rating: B
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The Fantastic Four: First Steps
Against the vibrant backdrop of a 1960s-inspired, retro-futuristic world, Marvel's First Family is forced to balance their roles as heroes with the strength of their family bond, while defending Earth from a ravenous space god called Galactus and his enigmatic Herald, Silver Surfer.
Release Date: July 25, 2025
Director: Matt Shakman
Cast: Pedro Pascal , Vanessa Kirby , Ebon Moss-Bachrach
