Les Quatre Fantastiques

I mean I went to theater with quite high expectations. But honestly was a bit disappointed.

Movie tried to explore characters and their depth more but collectively as whole it went bit shallow and mediocre storyline.

It was definitely better than previous ones. But calling it one of the best MCU films? Um nope. Not at all.

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.

Visually, this film was a standout with stunning cinematography, impressive CGI, and a unique retro aesthetic that felt refreshingly different from the usual superhero fare. The story was fairly basic and the short runtime didn't allow enough depth to fully explore the villain's motivations. The casting was nearly perfect, with every actor bringing their character to life in a way that made you love the team not just as a whole but as individuals. Overall, I'd rate it a solid 7.2 out of 10. It's a fun, visually rich ride and I'm genuinely excited to see where the story goes next. The post-credit scene was a 9 out of 10, one of the most dramatic and thrilling I've seen in years.

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 was one of my most anticipated movies but it was disappointing for me.

Now for pros

1. It had some really good CGI at some points. Atleast it did The Thing right. He is being done dirty for a long time.

2. There was chemistry between the cast. The chemistry was better than 2015 version but it wasn't better than the 2005 one.

3. Galactus was done right you could feel his presence in IMAX.

4. I liked Joseph Quinn. He kept the legacy alive of good human torches.

Now for cons

1. Pedro was such a miscast. He played himself. He is not right for Reed.

2. It has more wacky shots than the good ones. The CGI looks unfinished at some points.

3. It was poorly edited. We know they cut 15 to 20 minutes and you could feel it. Something was missing.

4. CGI baby. I think it's about time they stop using the CGI baby. It was giving uncanny vibes.

5. Reed was really underwhelming. He barely used his powers.

6. Although it was only 1 hour 55 minutes long yet it felt longer than other movies which are longer. The pacing was horrible.

7. Most of it was spoiled in the trailers. If you saw all promotional videos and trailer you just saw 50 percent of the movie.

8. The last act was horrible. It felt like that Yelena scene from Black Widow.

9. This movie felt like it was missing a whole act. They should have given creative control to the director.

10. They could have done the post credit better.

This was a misfire by marvel and they should be worried beacuse it is directly related to Doomsday. It is really average. It places at 2nd last in the ranking of 2025 CBM.

I am really disappointed. Fantastic four are one of my favourite characters and they missed another time. When we will get a good F4 film? That's the question.