Fantastic Four: First Steps Movie Review (Spoiler Free)

For the first time in thirty-one years, since the Fantastic Four first appeared on film, the team truly feels like family. A heartfelt drama first, & a superhero blockbuster second!

Genre: Action / Adventure / Sci-Fi

Director: Matt Shakman

Cast: Pedro Pascal, Vanessa Kirby, Joseph Quinn, Ebon Moss-Bachrach, Julia Garner, Ralph Ineson, Paul Walter Hauser, Sarah Niles, Natasha Lyonne & Mark Gatiss.

Run Time: 115 min.

US Release: 24 July 2025

UK Release: 24 July 2025

German Release: 24 July 2025

With my posts of past FF flicks out of the way, this Superhero Sunday is finally the time to talk about the MCU’s very own version of their first family. I grew up with the comic books, the 1994 TV show, caught some reruns of the old 60s series, I even watched a few episodes of the newer 2006 version. Unfortunately, we were all burned more than once when it comes to big-screen adaptations. As such, I was cautious when production was announced, even though I wasn’t a big fan of the trailers themselves. Well, I am happy to announce that First Steps surprised me with its unique approach to the characters. 

So, come clobber with me through my review, as I quantify Marvel’s Fantastic Four: First Steps!

Taking place in a different dimension, on Earth-828, the world celebrates its fourth anniversary since the astronauts Reed Richards, Sue Storm, Ben Grimm, and Johnny Storm became the superhero team Fantastic Four. Forced to balance their roles as protectors with the strength of their tight-knit bond, the team must defend Earth from a ravenous, world-eating, space god.

The screenplay wisely sets aside the idea of another origin story, instead opening with a clever, expository montage of the past four years that shows how the Fantastic Four changed the world for the better, all structured around the team’s anniversary celebration. 

The narrative is simple yet effectively focuses on its family-themed core, fleshing out the central characters while establishing them as a unit overall. The retro-futuristic 60s setting of that world looks different enough from other MCU entries and is appealing to audiences.

As for the tone of the movie, it feels at times darker than other instalments of the long-running franchise, though it also maintains its quips, as well as the humour, without overdoing it. 

Unfortunately, the studio also plays it too safe, resulting in predictability, with a disappointing climax that misses real, high stakes. The plot itself lacks general tension plus depth, losing significant steam in the second act’s latter half. It is here that the uneven pacing can drag a little at times. Then there’s the fan service, which is certainly appreciated, but at times it feels included just for the fans’ sake, with little impact on the overall outcome.

The dialogue is one of the strong points, including heartfelt emotional moments, particularly in its treatment of the family dynamic. Mild banter between Ben and Johnny is included, rounding out the duo’s relationship.

The general performances from the main cast are uniformly strong. Especially the chemistry between Pascal and Kirby is mesmerising, as their personas must find a solution to the obstacle that is Galactus’ demand.

Pedro Pascal sells his rendition of Reed Richards, a top-level intellect genius, who feels the weight of the world resting on his shoulders. Pascal perfectly captures Mr. Fantastic’s internal struggle with the belief that it is his responsibility to solve the planet's problems. 

Vanessa Kirby’s portrayal of Sue Storm, also known as the Invisible Woman, differs vastly from previous iterations. For one, she is central to the team; she is the glue that holds everything together. Sue herself is a powerful female character, with a fierce protective sense for her family.

Ebon Moss-Bachrach brings a nuanced depth to Ben Grimm, aka The Thing, breaking the character out of his usual “brawler” depiction. Joseph Quinn as Johnny Storm - Human Torch - is also more layered. Yes, he is still a womaniser, though he brings much more to the table.

Personally, I would have preferred to see Norrin Radd’s original iteration of the Silver Surfer. Still, Julia Garner does a good job as the villain’s herald, yet I wish she had obtained more screentime. It’s great to see Ralph Ineson depict the comic-book-accurate Galactus on film, though not much is done with the villain, except for him running around New York like Godzilla, demolishing buildings. The potential here is wasted.

There isn’t much of a supporting cast, outside of the core four, including the antagonists. The few secondary characters are mere props to fill out the world, without personality. Harvey Elder, aka the Mole Man, was especially wasted, with Paul Walter Houser giving a silly, over-the-top rendition. 

The camera work, by cinematographer Jess Hall, is part of this blockbuster’s highlight. The epic scope is well captured on lens, framing grand action pieces masterfully. The opening montage of the hero’s first adventures is stylised as if flipping through comic book pages. At the same time, the editing strikes a balance between heroic intimacy and grand sci-fi spectacle. The colour palette feels sterile, matching the retro-futuristic ambience.

The production leans heavily on practical effects to heighten realism. Galactus was brought to life through a blend of a practical suit plus motion capture, with the suit used for two-thirds of the movie. Miniature models further enhance the realism of these scenes, while CGI complements the on-set elements, making each sequence feel more believable. The design for The Thing is a major plus point, staying true to the comics’ look. 

The musical score by Michael Giacchino sounds epic, underlining the picture’s heroic grandeur. It successfully emotes the dramatic notes of the screenplay. 

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Verdict: The thirty-seventh flick in the MCU marks another return to form for the studio. While I did have my doubts, given Marvel’s first family’s very rocky history of on-screen iterations, I must confess that First Steps is not only a great Fantastic Four feature but also another home run for the studio, after the brilliant Thunderbolts*. The script wisely prioritises family dynamics over grand superhero spectacle, crafting a more character-driven narrative. However, it plays things much too safe, taking no real risks, ultimately resulting in a bland, predictable outcome. Pedro Pascal and Vanessa Kirby are the standouts here, as their story presents a genuinely heartbreaking dilemma. Their chemistry is magnificent, grounding the flick’s emotional core. The cinematography, along with the masterful blend of practical as well as digital effects, stands out as the feature’s true highlight. It is not perfect, it stumbles a few times along its way, but Fantastic Four: First Steps deserves a 7.5 out of 10. 

Don’t end the movie once the credits roll, there is an important mid-credit scene & a fun end-credit joke. So, what did you think of this new instalment in the MCU film series? Did you like it? Thank you for reading & if you like the content, think about subscribing.