Fantastic Four: A Fresh, Smart Start for Marvel’s First Family

Directed By: Matt Shakman

Run time: 2 hours and 10 minutes

Rating: PG-13 (for sci-fi action and some thematic elements)

Release date: July 26, 2025

Well, it’s Safe to say Marvel’s First Family Is Finally in Safe hands. Going into Fantastic Four: First Steps, I didn’t have high expectations. Can you blame me? I think most fans felt the same. The last two big-screen versions left more scorch marks than superhero impact. Even the 2005 film, which I had a soft spot for growing up, never quite captured the magic that made the Fantastic Four so iconic. But this one? It surprised me, in the best way.

Director Matt Shakman and screenwriters Josh Friedman, Jeff Kaplan, and Ian Springer take on the challenging task of rebooting a franchise that’s been through the wringer. And let’s not even talk about the version with Michael B. Jordan… man, I was rooting for him.

While this isn’t the MCU’s best film, it is a strong outing that finally gives Marvel’s First Family what they’ve long deserved: a solid cinematic foundation.

The Setup: Sci-Fi Meets Family Drama

Fantastic Four: First Steps marks Marvel Studios’ official introduction of Reed Richards (Pedro Pascal), Sue Storm (Vanessa Kirby), Johnny Storm (Joseph Quinn), and Ben Grimm (Ebon Moss-Bachrach) into the MCU. Set in an alternate timeline, a clever workaround, the film feels less like your typical superhero epic and more like a mix of retro-futurism, intimate drama, and looming cosmic threat.

I really like the vibe here. It’s got a fresh energy that works well for this kind of story. What stands out most is how it leans into the family dynamic of Marvel’s First Family. That emotional core helps ground the more sci-fi-heavy elements, which, smartly, are pushed into the background to let the relationships shine.

The Leads: Chemistry Among the Family

We actually feel the love between Reed and Sue. It’s in the body language, the subtle glances, the way they hold space for each other. No forced exposition, just the kind of cues that let you know this is a couple with real history and deep connection.

Pascal brings an unexpected weariness to Reed Richards, a man burdened by both genius and guilt. He’s not the cocky, arrogant version we’ve seen before. This Reed is more emotionally guarded, a reluctant leader who carries the weight of saving the world… and raising a super-gifted newborn, Franklin. You can see it in his posture, in the panic behind his eyes. And I’m not just talking about Galactus’s boots. There’s a moment where Reed is on the verge of an anxiety attack, and I found myself wondering how deep Pascal had to go internally to make it feel that real. This is the more grounded, serious version of Richards I’ve been waiting for and this time, the world around him actually honors his brilliance. And yes, the rigged-out Fantasticar? That thing was slick—futuristic, functional, and full of comic-book personality. The kind of ride that reminds you exactly why superhero teams are so fun to root for.

Kirby is fantastic as Sue Storm. She brings a quiet but commanding presence to the role. While Reed may be the team’s brain, Sue is absolutely its heart. Her strength isn’t loud, but it’s firm motherly, not just to the child she’s carrying, but to the team itself. She has a few emotional beats that really land, especially in the final act, and I appreciated that the film doesn’t just treat her like a support character. They actually show the immense power Sue can tap into, and it’s stunning.

Joseph Quinn’s Johnny Storm is the firestarter, literally and figuratively. He brings the right balance of swagger and soul, stealing scenes without ever trying too hard. This version of Johnny is a little more toned down than the hot-headed take we got from Chris Evans (and no, he doesn’t fly into Lloyd Banks’ “We On Fire,” though that would’ve been wild). But Quinn’s take fits this team better. He’s charming, a little chaotic, but also clearly intelligent, which I appreciated. There is one choice they made with Johnny that I’m still on the fence about… but I’ll get into that later.

Then there’s Ebon Moss-Bachrach as Ben Grimm, aka The Thing, and man, he’s the emotional core of the film. His version of Ben is rugged, funny, and full of heart. We see glimpses of him grieving his old life and body, but for the most part, he’s embraced and loved especially by the kids. That warmth really radiates. Also, his budding romance with Rachel Rozman (played by Natasha Lyonne)? I want more of that in future films. Their chemistry is surprisingly tender. And yes, he delivers the iconic line: “It’s clobberin’ time!” and it hits just right.

Together, these four leads have the kind of chemistry that previous versions couldn’t quite crack. You believe they’ve been through it. You believe they’d ride for each other. Every joke, every heartfelt moment, every beat lands because it feels earned. They don’t just say they’re a family—they feel like one.

Oh, and I gotta give a quick shoutout to Sarah Niles as Lynne Nichols, the CEO of the Future Foundation. Her role is small, but my girl is working! Between this, F1: The Movie, and Heads of State, she’s clearly cashing in on the summer blockbuster circuit, and I’m here for it.

Silver Surfer, Galactus, and H.E.R.B.I.E.

The big question is: how did they handle Galactus (voiced by Ralph Ineson) on screen? Honestly, it was decent. There were a few noticeable CGI hiccups, and visually, he wasn’t the most stunning villain we’ve seen—but that’s a familiar critique of the MCU at this point. Still, it didn’t take me out of the story. That said, if we can get the level of realism from Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes, it’s fair to wonder why we can’t see that same quality here. That aside, once Galactus hits the city, you feel it. The ground cracks, buildings collapse, and every step lands like an earthquake. His ship? Massive and I mean massive. And yes, we do get to see him devour a world. How does he ingest it? You’ll have to see it for yourself.

As for the Silver Surfer, I know some fans are heated about Julia Garner playing the Shalla-Bal version—but it works well enough here. Her presence is commanding, and her powers are definitely felt. The Fantastic Four don’t exactly have an easy time dealing with her. I appreciated that they gave her an emotional origin story as a herald. Her shift in the final act? Not sure it completely landed for me, but they gave her a motive, and within the pace of the film, it made sense, even if it felt slightly rushed.

Now let’s talk about my favorite character: H.E.R.B.I.E. He was a standout! Fun, adorable, and lowkey, the glue of the group. He’s out here fixing cribs, making food, and just doing the work, like R2-D2 met J5 from Blankman. Yes, I said it! He’s not just a robot. He’s part of the family too.

Visuals, Music and Costumes: A Retro Future That Feels Fresh

Visually, Fantastic Four: First Steps embraces a retro-futuristic aesthetic that feels like The Jetsons reimagined through the lens of 2001: A Space Odyssey, and surprisingly, it works. Cinematographer Autumn Durald Arkapaw deserves major props for giving each scene its emotional tone through color. Cool blues, warm oranges (especially inside the Fantastic Four’s home), and soft metallics give the film texture and warmth without falling into the usual Marvel gloss. The visual effects don’t break new ground, but they land where it counts, especially in the climax, which balances emotion and spectacle more effectively than expected.

Now let’s talk about these costumes because some of the fits in this movie are tough. From background civilians to the suits worn by Marvel’s first family, there’s clear intention behind every hue and texture. You can feel the 1960s influence from tweed to nylon; the materials look and move as if they were pulled straight from that era. It adds to the worldbuilding in a way that’s subtle but immersive. Also, real talk, Reed Richards wears a coat in the final act that’s so clean, I genuinely hope Pedro Pascal kept it. I need that in my closet.

Michael Giacchino’s score ties everything together beautifully. It dances between whimsical charm and pulsing excitement, especially during the action-heavy sequences. The main theme? It stuck with me before, during, and after the scene it anchors. His music doesn’t just accompany the story; it moves with it.

Fantastic Four: First Steps isn’t perfect, but it’s a well-acted, emotionally grounded introduction that gives Marvel’s First Family the respect they’ve long deserved. It sidesteps the chaos of recent MCU entries and leans into something smaller, quieter, and ultimately more human.

What doesn’t work? There are a few things. The pacing dips a bit in the middle, especially after the Galactus encounter. While Silver Surfer’s design is clean and sleek, the CGI texture isn’t always consistent. Franklin’s role in the third act also feels like it could’ve used a rewrite. And some of the film’s political and science-heavy themes are intriguing, but not fully explored.

There’s also a subplot tied to one of Reed’s past decisions that lands with emotional potential but feels underdeveloped. If you’re expecting nonstop action, this might not be your go-to MCU installment. But if you’re craving character-driven storytelling with a retro-sci-fi twist, this one’s worth the ride.

The tone is one of the film’s strongest elements, striking a balance between humor, tension, and unexpected emotional beats. A few scenes even tugged at my heartstrings. Honestly, it’s a step in the right direction. I give the film a 7/10. See it in IMAX this weekend.