Marvel’s The Fantastic Four: First Steps is in theaters with a groovy, retro-futuristic vibe to introduce the First Family to a new audience while paying homage to Stan Lee and Jack Kirby’s original comic. Directed by Matt Shakman, this is the fifth time Reed, Sue, Johnny and Ben have hit the big screen and it’s a decent, if not perfect, step forward for the franchise. With a great cast, a 1960s-inspired look and a focus on family, it’s a fun standalone movie that doesn’t require a PhD in MCU knowledge to enjoy, but stumbles with pacing and depth.
A Familiar Origin, Reimagined
In Earth-828, First Steps jumps right into the action and skips the origin story of how cosmic radiation turned four astronauts into superheroes. Instead, it’s four years into the Fantastic Four’s career and the team—Reed Richards/Mister Fantastic (Pedro Pascal), Sue Storm/Invisible Woman (Vanessa Kirby), Johnny Storm/Human Torch (Joseph Quinn) and Ben Grimm/The Thing (Ebon Moss-Bachrach)—are already the protectors of Earth. The story starts with a domestic twist: Sue is pregnant and that adds a personal stake to the team’s latest mission. When the Silver Surfer (Julia Garner) shows up to warn of the planet-eating Galactus (Ralph Ineson), the Fantastic Four must band together to save their world and balance their roles as heroes and as a family.
Stellar Cast, Stellar Chemistry
The best part of the movie is the cast and the chemistry between them. Pedro Pascal brings warmth and social awkwardness to Reed Richards. As the smartest guy in the room, he struggles with emotional connections but is the rock of the team with his quiet confidence. Vanessa Kirby is amazing as Sue Storm; she embodies the strength and nurturing of the Invisible Woman and is the emotional center of the group. Joseph Quinn is fun and clever as Johnny Storm, and his Human Torch is one of the most fun moments in the movie. Ebon Moss-Bachrach is the most frequent word. Natasha Lyonne. Natasha Lyonne.
A Visual and Sonic Delight
Visually First Steps is a treat. The 60s retro-futurism is a big change of pace from the MCU’s usual modernity, and I love the Jetsons-like optimism of the chrome designs, mod costumes and the Manhattan skyline. The Baxter Building is a midcentury modern dream with swivel stools and a recessed bar. Kasra Farahani’s production design and Alexandra Byrne’s costumes create a world that feels both nostalgic and futuristic. Michael Giacchino’s score adds to the visuals, especially in the big moments, particularly the space launch sequence, which captures the Space Race fever.
Cosmic Villains Steal the Show
Galactus and the Silver Surfer are the highlights. Ralph Ineson’s Galactus is a planet-eating god with a sommelier’s appreciation for the worlds he devours. Julia Garner’s gender-swapped Silver Surfer is a great addition; her chrome-plated self and sad eyes are lovely with Johnny Storm’s flirting. Their cosmic scenes are the best, with Kirby-esque tech and visuals. The pacing falters when we go back to Earth.
Narrative Stumbles
First Steps stumbles with its script and pacing. With four credited writers, the story feels rushed, packing in a lot of plot into under two hours. Sue’s pregnancy and the family’s emotional stakes are compelling, but the overall story lacks depth; too many problems get solved too easily. The action is well done but sparse and some character arcs, Ben and Johnny’s in particular, feel like scenes were cut from the floor. The tone is earnest, but sometimes it feels silly and the climactic battle with Galactus is visually cool but relies on superhero tropes like the city collapsing.
Despite the issues, First Steps works as a family-friendly adventure that feels like a love letter to the Fantastic Four comic book roots. It’s a standalone story that doesn’t require any prior MCU knowledge, so newbies can jump in while fans get Easter eggs like the team’s 1961 comic debut and Stan Lee’s Excelsior catchphrase. The post-credit scenes are minimal but do hint at the team’s future in the MCU, especially in the upcoming Avengers: Doomsday and set up bigger adventures without overwhelming the story.
Overall, First Steps is a good, heartfelt reboot that clears the low bar set by the previous films and is the best Fantastic Four film to date. It’s not perfect – not as zippy as The Incredibles or as polished as Marvel’s best – but it’s a good start for the franchise. With its great cast, beautiful visuals and focus on family, it recaptures some of that early MCU magic and proves that Marvel’s First Family still has a place in the superhero world. For fans and newbies alike, it’s a fun, optimistic ride that leaves you hoping for more.