Fantastic Four: First Steps

In a vibrant, retro futuristic version of early 1960s New York in an alternate universe (Earth 828), The celebrated and beloved superhero group, The Fantastic Four consisting of Reed Richards (Pedro Pascal), Sue Storm (Vanessa Kirby), Johnny Storm (Joseph Quinn), and Ben Grimm (Ebon Moss Bachrach) juggle personal life and heroism.  For the last four years, since they were bombarded with cosmic rays while on a mission in space, the heroes have saved the earth from the likes of the Mole Men and the Red Ghost, but against the backdrop of Sue’s unexpected pregnancy, the team faces a cosmic crisis when the planet-devouring Galactus (Ralph Ineson) arrives, heralded by the Silver Surfer (Julia Garner). The four attempt to negotiate with Galactus, but after scanning Sue and discovering the baby she is carrying could relieve him of his ever-present and all devouring hunger, he offers them the salvation of their world in exchange for the child.  Their trip to space to confront Galactus does not go as planned after declining his offer and the Silver Surfer attempts to take the baby from Sue forcefully.  The team is able to buy some time while they come up with a plan to save Earth-828.

Fantastic Four: First Steps is the first full length MCU (Marvel Cinematic Universe) movie featuring the characters considered the “First Family of Marvel Comics”.  The characters have been seen in previous movies outside the MCU, but besides Reed Richards played by John Krasinski in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, these important characters have not appeared within this continuity. The world premiere took place at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion in Los Angeles on July 21, 2025, with a simultaneous streaming event on Disney+, a first for a Disney premiere. The movie opened in U.S. theaters on July 25, 2025, kicks off Phase Six of the MCU. Critical response has been predominantly positive with Rotten Tomatoes shows an 89?% approval from 218 critics, with consensus praising cast chemistry and the retro design. Metacritic rates the film “generally favorable” with a score around 64/100 Reviewers applaud the production design, nostalgic tone, and emotional core, though some note weaknesses with underwritten supporting characters, uneven script, and villains that feel less menacing.

First of all, I liked this film and thought it was a good introduction to the characters.  We do not get a full-origin story, but instead, we are given a recap on the last four years by a television announcer on the four-year anniversary of the team getting their powers. The themes of love and family are well executed and not heavy-handed.  The performances are mainly strong with the actors all being able to connect appropriately with the audience. The movie moves at a good pace and has a rhythm that feels natural letting the story unfold without feeling clumsy.  The visual design is stunning, and the retro-futuristic mid-century modern setting is new and interesting reminiscent of the comic books original era and the beloved cartoon that many of us grew up on. But there are some issues.  Where the story moves at a good pace, there are some parts that are just plain dull.  Mr. Fantastic’s stretching ability is vastly under-utilized, especially since the little we do get of him stretching is done quite well.  The fact that they used Shalla-Bal’s Silver Surfer instead of Norrin Radd without even a mention of Norrin Radd does a disservice to Stan Lee and Silver Surfer creator, Jack Kirby, both of whom loved this character.  I am not against Shalla-Bal being the herald, but I think at least a nod to the original was due.  While not perfect, this movie reinvents Marvel’s First Family with charm and visual flair and offers a fresh Marvel entry that strongly emphasizes family dynamics and stylistic storytelling. The film is very much stand-alone and requires no knowledge of the other MCU films.