Notes
My quick rating - 6.9/10. Marvel’s First Family finally takes center stage in The Fantastic 4: First Steps, and director Matt Shakman plants them in a world that feels both familiar and refreshingly different. Against a vibrant 1960s-inspired retro-futuristic backdrop, this version of the team pops with color and imagination. The film avoids Marvel’s recent tendency to overstuff, instead keeping the focus on establishing its characters. At times, that works beautifully, though it also makes the movie feel more like a prologue than a fully satisfying adventure.
Casting is a highlight. Pedro Pascal gives Reed Richards the mix of authority and warmth the role demands. Vanessa Kirby shines as Sue Storm, balancing maternal strength with heroism. Ebon Moss-Bachrach adds strength and humor as Ben Grimm, while Joseph Quinn makes Johnny Storm a lively, cocky spark, and this time a brain as well. Even HERBIE, the team’s robotic sidekick, earns his spot, dodging the “gimmick” label by actually adding some usefulness.
One of the most memorable sequences arrives when Sue gives birth to Franklin—in space. It’s a bold, weirdly delightful moment that reinforces the film’s emphasis on family. Introducing Franklin right away also signals Marvel’s long-term plans, and the scene itself ends up more memorable than some of the big action beats. Only The Fantastic 4: First Steps could turn childbirth into a cosmic event.
The villains don’t fare quite as well. Galactus towers with visual grandeur but never feels threatening, a problem when you’re dealing with a literal world-eater. Silver Surfer makes an appearance but has little screen time, feeling more like a teaser than a real player. Fans who remember Doug Jones in Rise of the Silver Surfer may find this version underwhelming, though it fits the film’s “first step” vibe.
The pacing is another mixed bag. There are fun character moments and bursts of energy, but certain stretches drag or feel disconnected. The tension is light, and the emotional stakes never quite soar. On the plus side, the story doesn’t bog down in recycled origins or endless multiverse cameos. It keeps things simple, easy to follow, and refreshingly contained.
What really works is Shakman’s touch. He strikes a smart balance between science fiction and superhero spectacle, giving each frame a deliberate style that leans into the retro aesthetic. The film stands on its own while still planting the tiniest seeds for Phase 6 in the after-credits scene. It’s clear Marvel is stepping back from overcomplication and rediscovering the strength of simplicity.
The Fantastic 4: First Steps isn’t a knockout, but it’s a visually impressive, character-driven reintroduction to Marvel’s most important family. Going in expecting failure, I was glad to see it sets the foundation, reminds us this is ultimately a story about family bonds, and even manages to welcome a new member into zero gravity. As first steps go, I think it’s solid—now let’s see where the journey leads.
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