Fantastic Four Rotten Tomatoes Score Revealed: On Par With Thunderbolts

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The initial reception for “The Fantastic Four: First Steps” has been favorable, earning an impressive 87% rating on Rotten Tomatoes from critics.

The Marvel Cinematic Universe’s reboot is receiving high praise due to its nostalgic visual style, heartfelt narrative, and exceptional acting, signaling a significant change in direction for Marvel’s original characters following numerous film mistakes over the years.

However, not all viewers seem to agree, as some have expressed dissatisfaction, labeling the movie as lackluster and inconsistent. Let me break down the general consensus among the reviews.

Before we begin, it’s worth noting that “The Fantastic Four: First Steps” has an impressive 88% rating, which surpasses “Captain America: Brave New World” (46%) significantly and is by far the highest score among all previously released “Fantastic Four” films.

The highly-anticipated movie, “The Fantastic Four: First Steps,” is set to debut with comparable success to films like the first “Doctor Strange” (89%), “Thunderbolts” (88%), “Ant-Man and the Wasp” (87%), and “Infinity War” (85%). Given that these are all excellent movies, here’s hoping the Fantastic Four doesn’t disappoint!

What do the reviews say?

The negative?

Critics who wrote unfavorable reviews identified several recurring issues. They found the movie lacked spark and interpersonal connections between characters, finding them dull or uninteresting even with an ensemble cast. The pacing was another point of contention, being described as sluggish and overly talkative, with not enough action sequences to keep things moving. Many also pointed out a lackluster tone or forgettable presentation, suggesting the film failed to evoke the sense of amazement or excitement typically associated with Marvel’s first family. A few went so far as to say it seemed more like a stylish placeholder than a bold reboot, with one critic likening it to a static diorama instead of a dynamic, living universe.

“With one exception, the team members are colossal bores.” – Boston Globe

The Marvel Cinematic Universe has a new, perplexing take on its superhero characters in this film. Unfortunately, it struggles to maintain a consistent mood, making it less enjoyable.” – United Press International

Here, a lack of friendship and compatibility among the characters is disastrous. Regrettably, even the robot servant, reminiscent of WALL-E, fails to captivate us with its charm.” – Gone With The Twins

According to Screen Rex, this Marvel movie falls into a major mistake by being both foreseeable and, to make matters worse, tedious.

“It feels less like a victory than it does a total surrender.” – IndieWire

The positive?

The movie “The Fantastic Four: First Steps” is being praised as a modern, trendy, and emotionally genuine reboot that finally gives Marvel’s original team their due. Critics have noted its retro-futuristic design, powerful acting, particularly from Pedro Pascal and Vanessa Kirby, and exceptional set design. Many appreciate its focus on character development, finding it touching and optimistic, with a strong emphasis on family themes. The direction by Matt Shakman, creative visuals, and Michael Giacchino’s impactful music have also been praised. Some even call it the best “Fantastic Four” film yet, as it manages to pay homage to its comic book origins while offering a fresh take on the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

The Movie Podcast raves that “The Fantastic Four: First Steps” is simply outstanding! The music scores are enchanting, the graphics are stunningly advanced, and the actors’ interactions sparkle with energy.

According to CBR, ‘First Steps’ stands out as the top Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) movie in a while, thanks to its strong acting, thrilling action sequences, and stunning visual effects.

A tribute to Jack Kirby, as well as to every artist and writer who’s brought these characters to life, from The Weekend Warrior (Substack)

This film offers a family-centric experience with high-stakes drama, spot-on performances, and a unique blend of vintage and advanced futurism, making it stand independently.” – Film Enthusiast Magazine

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2025-07-23 05:31