The Fantastic Four: First Steps

The movie was bland. Story and action both were meh.. As a fan of the superhero genre I was hugely disappointed both by the movie and by the critics hyping it up.

You hardly see anything "heroic" being done that gets your heart pumping nor are you invested in any of the Fantastic Four. The power scaling makes zero sense at different parts of the movie, Galactus is nerfed to the max (to the point of being silly) and this universe has the stupidest / most gullible NPCs ever. This is exactly how the conversation goes with them, NPCs - "oh no the world is going to end, you can't save us" F4 - "we will save you don't worry" NPCs - (panic over and tears in their eyes) "ok"

Save the money, buy something on the Steam sale. I left before end credits.

When it comes to adapting The Fantastic Four for the big screen, there have been 4 previous failed attempts (including the unreleased 1994 rights retaining film). So with the bar already pretty low, the MCU had a big challenge not only in these characters' interpretation but also the step off entry for Phase 6. Because if even Marvel Studios couldn't faithfully adapt this family for the silver screen, then no one honestly can. And I'm happy to report that I really enjoyed First Steps.

What's really refreshing about the film is that you can jump into this movie without prior MCU knowledge as this film stands on its own in Earth 828 (numbers used as an homage to Jack Kirby's DOB). Even with the aesthetics of the 1960's, director Matt Shakman throws us into an intrepid and exciting universe with little time spent on the Fantastic Four's origin story. The origin story still gets the exposition hand out there but within the confines of a news montage celebrating the team's heroics early on.

The Fantastic Four here, feel very fleshed out and realized with Pedro Pascal, Vanessa Kirby, Joseph Quinn and Ebon Moss Bachrach's portrayals all uniformly coexisting with excellent banter that the other films tried but skipped out on. Their family dynamics are also on full display in the both quieter moments and the action sequences.

Galactus was the character I was the most worried about. Because thai could have easily been another MODOK situation. Thankfully that's not the case as Ralph Ineson's iteration as the planet harvester. For one, he's not a damn cloud, and two he is very menacing and can cause some serious damage. His herald Silver Surfer is also great and has the best action sequence in the whole film.

The music from Michael Giacchino is great as well as another great superhero score. Alongside the brooding tune for The Batman, his cheery tune for the Fantastic Four is instantly synonymous with them and recognizable.

With Thunderbolts, Superman and now Fantastic Four First Steps, I feel more hopeful than ever before for superhero flicks especially with Marvel back on their winning streak and DC starting their fresh new universe.

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.

This film stands out as one of the finest entries the Marvel Cinematic Universe has delivered in years. In an era where superhero fatigue is often discussed, it manages to feel fresh, engaging, and surprisingly well crafted. The only notable drawback is its relatively brief runtime, which, while keeping the pace brisk, also leaves you wishing for a little more breathing room to explore certain moments in greater depth. In fact, it occasionally feels as though certain scenes or connective sequences were trimmed or removed.

Within this tight framework, the balance of elements is remarkably effective. The humor is sharp without feeling forced, adding levity at the right points to prevent the narrative from becoming overly heavy. The moments of seriousness carry genuine emotional weight, offering stakes that feel both personal and impactful. While the action is somewhat limited compared to other MCU installments, what is present is well choreographed, visually appealing, and integrated into the story rather than serving as mere spectacle.

The performances across the board are commendable, with each actor bringing nuance to their roles. That said, one lingering wish is for more focus on certain characters. Reed Richards and Ben Grimm in particular could have benefitted from additional screen time to deepen their arcs. Likewise, Galactus, though imposing, is largely confined to narration; a flashback or more direct involvement would have heightened his menace. Shalla-Bal, the Silver Surfer, is compelling, but additional sequences exploring her homeworld, its culture, and the dire circumstances that forced her sacrifice would have enriched her arc. Seeing the emotional weight of her decision to become Galactus's herald, torn between saving her planet and surrendering her freedom, could have created a more powerful audience connection.

By the end, you may still hope these elements are expanded in a sequel, but you will not resent their absence here. And yes, it is most certainly rewatchable and thoroughly enjoyable.

Yeah, I liked this movie but in a strange way.

No doubt it's a different take on recent Marvel movies: retro and conventional, yet elegant. There's just enough action, depth, and climax, though nothing exceptional. It's gentle and centered around family, making it enjoyable for anyone not just hardcore comic fans. The plot, characters and acting was done very well in my opinion and what sets this movie apart from most marvel movies out there.

Then come the parts that only comic fans might question. How Sue managed to handle Galactus in the final battle, and the portrayal of Galactus's own capabilities, felt a bit questionable. A little too light, I'd say.

I give it an 8, not because it's great, because in the current struggling landscape of marvel movies, it somehow worked and managed to stand out by avoiding any major faults. And you have to look at it from a marvel comics lens. But in some other ways, it's more of a 7.

Hopefully, Marvel is on track to gradually bring back the glory, intense and climax of Avengers: Infinity War and Endgame to the big screen. Fingers crossed!