The Fantastic Four: First Steps

'Fantastic Four: First Steps' is a really well-made action adventure film. It happens to be the fourth 'Fantastic Four' film, and 2nd reboot, but it's the first MCU version and the most faithful to the comics - you don't need to have seen any of the previous films, or any Marvel films for that matter. There's a really nice charm and style, almost Jetsons-esque, as this is set in the 1960s. It's definitely helped by it's really strong lead cast - Reed Richards/Mr Fantastic (Pascal), Sue Storm/Invisible Woman (Kirby), Johnny Storm/Human Torch (Quinn) and Ben Grimm/The Thing (Moss-Bachrach), with HERBIE the robot as a nice support.

The plot is quite straightforward and mostly-uncomplicated - very refreshing. The first 20min are a good introduction to the team/family without going into too much detail, done quite well as a talk show montage, and then we get straight into it. The Silver Surfer (Garner) shows up, heralding the impending arrival of Galactus (Ineson) the world-eater, setting in motion events as Reed tries to solve this impossible problem. The actual solution is pretty far-fetched, but also within the realms of comic-book-plausibility. Some good cameos - Lyonne as Rachel, Walter Hauser as Mole Man, Gatiss as Ted Gilbert.

Everything fits together so well - the score, cinematography, CGI, especially in space, the costumes and set design, complemented by the charismatic cast and their realistic banter, with a nice light tone throughout, until the final act battle with Galactus. The ending is handled well and has strong emotion. Great to see each of them use their powers, with Johnny's fire seeming almost realistic and Sue's forcefields being more than just shields. I quite like Ben's beard! And the nice nod to Stan Lee with the spaceship being named Excelsior. Reed has some heart and isn't just the typical supernerd. Mid-credits scene links to the upcoming MCU films - can't wait to see these Fantastic Four join up with the rest of the MCU.

The Fantastic Four: First Steps is comfortably the best cinematic outing to date for Marvel's first family. It's the first time since the original Iron Man that the MCU has offered a truly standalone experience which falters straight away by rushing through so much backstory but quickly finds its footing afterwards. There is a real heart to this as it hones in on the family aspect to a degree that would make Vin Diesel very proud and maintains a focus on it during the trademark city levelling third act.

It's called Marvel casting for good reason and the core four assembled here embody it beautifully. They can all do the standard issue quips with ease but their greatest strength is how convincingly the family dynamic between them is. Pedro Pascal nails the sensitivity of this Reed Richards, Vanessa Kirby anchors everything at certain points thanks to her commanding yet empathetic presence. Joseph Quinn is really funny and Ebon Moss-Bachrach shows a softer side to Ben Grimm.

Ralph Ineson's powerful voice is a natural fit for Galactus so when it's combined with the character's sheer scale he becomes a suitably imposing villain. Michael Giacchino's wonderful score also helps to convey a sense of terror in those moments and it's almost as good as the trailers implied every other time it's used. Julia Garner is a great remorseful Silver Surfer who gets enough to do however Natasha Lyonne and especially Paul Walter Hauser deserved more screen time.

Matt Shakman's clean direction delivers one of the best looking MCU films as the film fully commits to its alternate reality 1960s retro aesthetic and the visual effects are consistently strong despite a few weak spots. Kasra Farahani's fantastic production design builds on what was started in Loki and is a big reason why this looks so good. There are only 2 major action sequences which means they have to be good and thankfully both of them are seriously impressive and ambitious.

"The Fantastic Four: First Steps" is a story about family above all else, where each member of the team is equally important. The movie excels when fleshing out the various bonds between Pedro, Vanessa, Ebon, & Joseph.

Pedro nails Reed's stoicism and dashing brilliance, while Joseph makes Johnny feel ever so valiant. But man, I can't remember the last time I adored two Marvel heroes like Ebon's Ben and Vanessa's Sue. They hold the family together and ground the others when no one else can. Silver Surfer is perfection with this metallic voice and looks really really good. Galactus is awesome in IMAX.

The combination of practical effects and CGI is...you guessed it...Fantastic...say that again! VFX were immaculate. Cosmically and on Earth, Matt Shakman dropped a visual feast. It is stunning, stylish, self-contained, and easy to jump into. I had such a good time with this one. The retrofuturism is so pleasing. The retro '60s aesthetic works on all fronts.

Marvel's first family shines with chemistry & charisma Stan Lee and Jack Kirby would be proud of. The "FF" dazzle from start to finish, Matt Shakman delivers one of Marvel's best. Michael Giacchino's score is triumphant and easily his best work in the MCU. Can't wait to watch it again tomorrow!

There are 2 credit scenes, but you already know, that you'll stay for them. Fantastic!

This version of the Fantastic Four checks all the boxes, and has some inspirational parts, but 100% plays out as expected. There aren't any surprises. Every turn of the story is foreshadowed if you're paying attention.

So it's passable for casual viewing. You'll probably appreciate the visual design and the music, and you may enjoy the acting despite its pervasive flatness.

Ultimately the best part was the depiction of old-fashioned values, when times were simpler. The idealists among us will find that refreshing.

The Fantastic Four: First Steps doesn't just reboot a legacy - it rewires it with care, clarity, and cinematic control. From its very first frames, the film announces a shift in tone: retro aesthetics lend a nostalgic yet distinct visual palette, while the story grounds itself not in multiversal noise, but in human decisions and scientific curiosity. This is a Marvel film that respects both the super and the human.

Unlike most origin stories, the setup here is brisk and assured. The film's first act is structured to give audiences a quick, satisfying look at the team's backstory and past deeds, never lingering too long but still managing to earn every emotional beat. There's no hand-holding, and yet nothing feels rushed.

Where this film truly surprises is in its character work. Johnny Storm isn't just the loud, reckless sibling - here, his intelligence is finally given equal weight, offering context to his presence among astronauts. Ben Grimm, too, is more than the "muscle"; there's a deep sincerity to his character, a balance of science and strength. The team chemistry feels lived-in - full of quiet bickering, mutual admiration, and a rhythm only shared by families who've been through things together. Their bond feels earned.

Villain-wise, First Steps pulls off a rarity: a visually formidable Galactus rendered with restraint, not excess. Though Silver Surfer purists may still hold a soft spot for Doug Jones' performance in Rise of the Silver Surfer, this iteration serves the story's vision well. And in a surprise turn, even HERBIE - the team's robo companion - is no gimmick. The CGI character is narratively vital, not just another quip machine.

Director Matt Shakman strikes an impressive balance between science-fiction and superheroism, giving each frame a purpose. The film doesn't lean heavily on humor (thankfully), instead relying on strong dramatic beats, coherent action, and a screenplay that embraces a comic-book sensibility - particularly during its stylized crescendo.

Visually, the film is a treat. From cosmic scenes to grounded lab environments, everything feels tangible and lived-in. The action is clean, never bloated, with each power sequence well-thought-out and easy to follow. While the score doesn't stand out as a whole, it's used judiciously, heightening the right moments without becoming overwhelming.

Despite being part of a sprawling cinematic universe, First Steps works remarkably well as a standalone. It carves space for the Fantastic Four without relying on MCU cameos or overstuffed references. That said, the post-credit scene is minimal yet seismic - enough to send a wave of gasps through the theatre.

Sum up - The Fantastic Four: First Steps is both a film and a foundation. It's smart without being cold, epic without losing intimacy, and finally gives Marvel's First Family the treatment they deserve. More than a comeback - this is a course correction.