‘The Fantastic Four: First Steps’ Review: Marvel’s First Family Soars with Heart and Style

by

I couldn’t wait to jump into ‘The Fantastic Four: First Steps,’ as Marvel took a daring step to introduce its groundbreaking superhero team into the MCU. With a strong cast, a unique storytelling style, and a lively retro vibe, this movie had me eager to see if it could finally embody the charm of Marvel’s First Family. After years of attempts with varying success to get these classic characters right on the silver screen, I entered with high hopes for a film that respects their history while creating something fresh and exciting.

This story takes us on an exhilarating journey into Earth-828, a world reminiscent of a 1960’s sci-fi fantasy, filled with gleaming chrome spaceships and soft pastel cityscapes. Here we encounter Reed Richards, Sue Storm, Johnny Storm, and Ben Grimm not as novices but as experienced heroes. They are faced with an immense challenge: Galactus, a cosmic entity that consumes planets, and his mysterious emissary, the Silver Surfer. The film avoids the repetitive origin story of cosmic radiation accidents, instead focusing on the camaraderie within the team and their crucial mission to save Earth. Compared to the larger Marvel Cinematic Universe, the setting presents a unique flavor, making the movie feel self-contained yet engaging, even for those who haven’t followed every Marvel production closely.

In this adventure, the characters take center stage, infusing depth and chemistry into adored roles. Pedro Pascal’s Reed Richards embodies a brilliant yet awkward scientist, utilizing his elastic abilities in imaginative ways such as wrapping around adversaries or constructing impromptu bridges. Vanessa Kirby’s Sue Storm serves as the emotional core, employing her invisibility and force fields with precision and intensity, particularly during an impactful scene where she safeguards civilians from a crumbling building. Joseph Quinn’s Johnny Storm captivates with his flamboyant pyrotechnics and charismatic swagger; however, I yearned for more of his trademark wit. Ebon Moss-Bachrach brings warmth to Ben Grimm (The Thing), striking a balance between gruff humor and the sorrow of his stony form. Regrettably, his character occasionally takes a backseat to more spectacular moments. Their dynamic is authentic—quarreling, jesting, yet unwaveringly devoted—lending their joint efforts against cosmic perils an added layer of suspense.

In a visually stunning manner, the movie mirrors the vibrant, inventive style of Jack Kirby, blended with a touch of retro-futurism. Director Matt Shakman constructs a universe that’s both reminiscent of the past and innovative, ranging from the advanced Baxter Building of the Fantastic Four to the glittering, alien landscapes of Galactus’ cosmic realm.

In this rephrased version:

The action scenes are particularly noteworthy, showcasing both creativity and grandeur – such as Reed contorting into extraordinary forms to outwit adversaries or Johnny flying through the skies in a thrilling dogfight. Julia Garner’s portrayal of the Silver Surfer stands out, with her shiny, mirrored appearance and eerie demeanor adding depth to the cosmic enforcer’s complex character. Ralph Ineson’s booming voice lends Galactus a formidable intensity, yet I found myself yearning for the script to explore his motivations beyond a mere craving for worlds. Michael Giacchino’s music skillfully infuses an enjoyable, adventurous spirit into every scene, enhancing even the quieter character interactions as well as the intense battles.

To put it simply, while the movie is enjoyable overall, it has its share of bumps. The writers, Josh Friedman, Eric Pearson, Jeff Kaplan, and Ian Springer, focus more on action and family drama than comedy, which can make the mood seem too intense at times. Despite a stellar cast, characters like Johnny and Ben don’t get enough memorable scenes to truly express their individuality. The tempo slows in the latter part, hurrying through the growing cosmic perils, resulting in Galactus’ menace appearing less impactful.

Initial test viewings revealed some inconsistencies in the computer-generated imagery. Although the overall edit seems smooth, certain effects, such as specific depictions of The Thing’s rocky exterior, still appear somewhat unnatural. These minor imperfections don’t significantly impact the viewing experience, but they prevent the film from attaining the pinnacle of quality that Marvel’s top-tier productions often achieve.

‘The Fantastic Four: Initial Journey’

This film offers an exhilarating, emotionally resonant portrayal of Marvel’s Original Family, seamlessly combining spectacular visuals, a talented ensemble, and a vibrant, unique world. It undeniably stands as the most compelling cinematic rendition of these characters so far, encapsulating their essence of adventure, camaraderie, and emotion. Although it falters in certain areas, the movie lays a solid groundwork for upcoming tales, leaving me eagerly awaiting the next chapter in this team’s journey.

Score: 8/10

Read More

2025-07-22 20:44