MOVIE REVIEWS / The Fantastic 4: First Steps
The Fantastic 4: First Steps
Marvel finally made the Fantastic Four film we’ve been waiting for. It feels mature and character-driven, bringing back that early MCU magic, similar to Iron Man or the first Captain America, where story mattered more than spectacle.
ABOUT THE FILM
The Fantastic 4: First Steps
2025 · 115 min · Science Fiction · Adventure · Action
- Directed by
- Matt Shakman
- Written by
- Jack Kirby, Stan Lee, Eric Pearson, Jeff Kaplan, Ian Springer, Kat Wood, Josh Friedman
- Edited by
- Nona Khodai, Tim Roche
- Cast
- Pedro Pascal as Reed Richards / Mister FantasticVanessa Kirby as Sue Storm / Invisible WomanEbon Moss-Bachrach as Ben Grimm / The ThingJoseph Quinn as Johnny Storm / Human TorchRalph Ineson as GalactusJulia Garner as Shalla-Bal / Silver SurferPaul Walter Hauser as Harvey Elder / Mole ManNatasha Lyonne as Rachel RozmanSarah Niles as Lynne Nichols / F4 Chief of StaffMark Gatiss as Ted GilbertAda Scott as Franklin RichardsMatthew Wood as H.E.R.B.I.E. (voice)
Synopsis from TMDB
Against the vibrant backdrop of a 1960s-inspired, retro-futuristic world, Marvel's First Family is forced to balance their roles as heroes with the strength of their family bond, while defending Earth from a ravenous space god called Galactus and his enigmatic Herald, Silver Surfer.
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Marvel finally made the Fantastic Four film we’ve been waiting for. It feels mature and character-driven, bringing back that early MCU magic, similar to Iron Man or the first Captain America, where story mattered more than spectacle.
Pedro Pascal is a perfect Reed Richards: brilliant, distant, and struggling with his own humanity. If anyone felt Pedro fatigue recently, this film crushes it. Pascal reminds us exactly why we love him and why he deserves a central spot in the MCU.
Vanessa Kirby’s Sue Storm is the emotional core of the movie. She genuinely feels like a protector, fierce yet vulnerable, grounding every scene she’s in with warmth and strength. Joseph Quinn makes Johnny Storm more than just a cocky playboy; he’s charismatic, likable, and fully fleshed out as a hero in his own right. Ebon Moss-Bachrach nails Ben Grimm, delivering the humor and heart you’d expect.
Director Matt Shakman balances action and dialogue expertly. The film gives equal attention to each character, letting the team dynamic genuinely shine. The introduction of Galactus (voiced by Ralph Ineson) is truly intimidating, not just due to his cosmic presence but the existential dread he brings. Plus, Franklin Richards actually matters in the story, offering more depth and raising the stakes for everyone involved.
The visuals are strong overall, especially with the team’s powers. Reed’s stretching looks believable, Johnny’s flames impress, and Sue’s force fields dazzle with their crystal-rainbow effect.
With that said, the film struggles noticeably with its CGI, especially with Ben Grimm. Close-ups look great, but wide shots often reveal a rubbery, artificial texture that’s distracting. Unfortunately, this issue isn’t isolated; several key CGI moments suffer from this rubbery, less-than-realistic appearance, pulling you out of important scenes. Additionally, slower moments drag slightly, and the heavy dialogue occasionally telegraphs the ending.
Ultimately, Fantastic Four feels like a standalone story set comfortably in its own corner of Marvel’s universe (Earth-828, a nice Kirby nod). It focuses on family, both the one you’re born with and the one you choose, and leaves you feeling genuinely moved. Marvel might finally be getting its groove back with now two back to back hits (Thunderbolts*)!