Review- The Fantastic Four: First Steps

The fourth time is the charm as Director Matt Shakman presents the Fantastic Four with a stunning introduction to the MCU, offering a fresh take and a step in the right direction for the franchise.

When the Earth is threatened by the Silver Surfer (played by Julia Garner), the Fantastic Four, a family of superhero astronauts, must unite people from all over the world to defend the planet against a ravenous space god known as Galactus (voiced by Ralph Ineson).

“The Fantastic Four: First Steps” is unlike anything we have seen in previous films within the Marvel Universe. Set in a high-tech 1960s context within the 828 universe, this movie feels like a breath of fresh air, as you don’t need any prior knowledge of the franchise to enjoy it. Shakman has created a fully realized world that feels technologically advanced (and reminiscent of “The Jetsons”) while staying grounded with well-developed characters who receive plenty of screentime, making them feel relatable and authentic.

This family-driven story impressively showcases why Marvel’s First Family is so important to the brand. Pedro Pascal excels as Reed Richards, bringing his scientifically focused and nerdy persona to life. Vanessa Kirby serves as the emotional anchor of the family as Sue Storm; her portrayal is fierce, warm, sarcastic, and lovable, which is no easy task. As her brother Johnny Storm, Joseph Quinn breaks away from the stereotypical “hothead” and cocky party boy archetype; instead, he presents a lovable jerk who adds depth and skill to the team. Ebon Moss-Bachrach shines as Ben Grimm, conveying emotion through a tough exterior and creating layers to the character, making him more than just the brawn of the family. In previous portrayals, Grimm was primarily upset about his appearance. However, this version highlights the emotional weight of being “The Thing” while also emphasizing the love the city has for him.

Galactus is one of the best villains in the Marvel universe. His immense scale dominates the film, and his intentions regarding both Earth and the Fantastic Four raise the stakes significantly. The character’s design is fantastic, and the combination of visual effects with practical effects is truly impressive, emphasizing his size and weight. Additionally, Garner’s fierce and stoic portrayal of the Silver Surfer works perfectly in tandem with Galactus, offering a fresh perspective on the character.

This film breaks away from the typical superhero formula of alternating action sequences with scenes. It never sacrifices story for action, which is one of the reasons it works so well. This is not an origin story, and we could easily have become confused about the characters. However, the film dedicates enough time to developing the characters, allowing them to express their intentions, hopes, and dreams for the world. When action sequences do occur, they are warranted and executed perfectly, effectively showcasing each character’s powers.

“The Fantastic Four: First Steps” is a step in the right direction for Marvel and is the film fans have been waiting for. It’s visually stunning, featuring rich characters and an immersive world, all enhanced by one of the most beautifully epic scores since the first Avengers movie. This impressive accomplishment highlights why Marvel’s First Family is so significant. Each actor brings something valuable to their character, making them relatable to the audience. The movie moves at a brisk pace and never feels dragged out. There’s just enough action to keep you entertained, without sacrificing the story for fight scenes. It offers a fresh perspective and a breathtaking introduction that should not be missed.

Also, the trailers gave away nothing, which I love!

For those wondering, there is a mid-credit and post-credit scene.