I Fantastici 4 - Gli Inizi

Firstly, a good villain is wasted on a single movie who should have been squeezed out over several movies with tonnes of collaborations between several heroes. It is very apparent that F4 are not a match and not well established yet for such a universal threat and that leads to 2nd point.

Pacing. As I mentioned before, this is the reboot so we are not acquainted with the characters yet. We do not know how capable are they, how well received are them among the people, the state of the world and the multiverse they live in. And we do not know anything about the villain and their capabilities as well. They have to cram all these and more in a two hour movie because they are overly ambitious. I did not feel that I belong in their world because they don't have enough show time to set the stage and at times, all I can feel is the poor CGI world, like I am in a game from 2000s. If you don't feel like you belong to that world, you have no attachment leading to no sense of real threat that the villain is supposed to pose. And also since they don't have enough show time to show premonitions and preparations for the villain, the plot had to make up for it with the director turning a blind eyes to glaring plot holes which is the third issue.

Plot holes. The villain can squeeze all of them to death like Darth Vader. The villain can end the world in a blink of an eye. Even all F4 members combined cannot beat the villain's herald not to mention the main villain. Enough said. So they used all kinds of plot holes and "talk no jitsu" to make sense as to why they won. And the worst part? You won't see any real fight scenes. Villain is too powerful to fight head on anyway so they resort to using plot holes and warm holes. And the ill timed forced humour during serious life or death situations like the "clobbering time" joke is such a sad attempt.

Overall, had very good potential to be a good intro movie and followed up by a good sequel but they got greedy and ended up with this.

So, here we are again. Almost 10 years like clockwork we get a new Fantastic Four reboot (1994, 2005, 2015, 2025).

Four times they made a film, Four times I've been disappointed (though I have a little soft spot for the Tim Story films, I fully recognise they are trash).

I adore these characters. Richards, Sue, Johnny and Ben. You could argue they built Marvel.

So I'm so glad that the 5th film is GOOD.

It isn't perfect, but it was very worthwhile to watch. The visuals were brilliant, the family interactions are on point, the action is exciting and interesting. Story wobbles a little, but never enough to be convoluted or distracting. Experienced TV director Matt Shakman succeeded spectacularly in his film debut.

Pascal, Kirby, Quinn and Moss-Bachrah are the definitive Fantastic Four. Not only are they individually great, the chemistry between them is also. Kirby is a powerhouse, and we get the Sue Storm we deserve. Pascal is now positioned to be a driving force for Marvel, and the potential for Quinn and Moss-Bachrach to interact with wider Marvel is huge.

Make mine Marvel.

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.

"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!

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.