REVIEW: “The Fantastic Four: First Steps” (2025)

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2025 hasn’t been a standout year for superhero movies, despite the massive success and enthusiastic praise for James Gunn’s “Superman” reboot. However, while some viewers passionately support Gunn’s complex and underdeveloped production that has made significant profits at the box office, neither this film nor Marvel’s first two releases of 2025 (“Captain America: Brave New World”, “Thunderbolts*”) have managed to rival the genre’s past glory.

Let’s discuss the recently released movie in this popular genre, titled “The Fantastic Four: First Steps”. It’s important to note that this isn’t the first time Marvel’s original team has appeared on the big screen. While many remember Roger Corman’s unsuccessful 1994 venture, most are likely familiar with Tim Story’s 2005 film “Fantastic Four” and its sequel “Rise of the Silver Surfer” from 2007. These films had their moments, but they aren’t particularly noteworthy. There was also a failed reboot in 2015, which I think we can all agree is best left in the past.

Given the turbulent past of the Fantastic Four on the silver screen and the MCU’s less-than-stellar performances post-“Endgame”, it’s understandable that some might be hesitant about “First Steps”. However, I must admit, this fresh take on the original First Family is undoubtedly the best we’ve seen. In addition, “First Steps” stands out as one of the best Marvel films in years and serves as a refreshing reminder of the MCU’s golden era. That said, it’s important to note that the movie does have its flaws. But given the current state of the MCU, this is an encouraging stride forward.

Although I don’t particularly enjoy how the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) relies heavily on the multiverse concept, it offers a standalone and unburdened narrative in this movie, which is a good start. What’s more, “First Steps” reminds me of the charm the MCU once had. Its unique style makes the film distinct. Unlike traditional origin stories, “First Steps” effectively presents these characters and their universe.

I, Pedro Pascal, find myself on Earth-828, four years into my extraordinary life as Reed Richards, the universally renowned “everywhere man.” Alongside my incredible wife, Vanessa Kirby as Sue Storm, and my lifelong friend Ebon Moss-Bachrach as Ben Grimm, we’ve got Joseph Quinn by our side as Johnny Storm, Sue’s brother.

An accident in space granted us each unique powers, but instead of dwelling on the change, we chose to harness these abilities for a greater good. We dedicate ourselves to safeguarding mankind, earning us the admiration and affection of New York City.

At the start of the film, Sue learns some delightful information – she’s expecting a baby, following two years of trying. She shares this news with Reed, and their family, as well as the entire city, begins to rejoice over the upcoming arrival. However, the tranquility is disrupted when an enigmatic character named Silver Surfer (played by Julia Garner) emerges, acting as a herald for a cosmic entity called Galactus (portrayed by Ralph Ineson). This Galactus is a terrifying force that consumes planets, tormented by an unquenchable hunger. The Silver Surfer declares that Earth has been chosen for destruction, causing widespread alarm throughout the city.

In a different choice of words,

Reed, Sue, Ben, and Johnny make a promise to safeguard their universe. They journey through space, tracking down vanished planets in various star systems, until they confront the colossal entity Galactus. Reed endeavors to reason with him, but Galactus presents them with one condition: he will only spare Earth if Reed and Sue agree to surrender their unborn child to him. They refuse his proposition and narrowly escape, barely managing to survive. Soon after, Sue gives birth to baby Franklin during the return voyage.

When the team lands on Earth, they find a public that is worried and fearful towards them following news of their defeat. However, with the impending threat of Galactus approaching, the resolute Fantastic Four rush to devise a strategy. As a strong unit, their success in saving their child and planet will require each member to contribute their abilities, courage, and selflessness.

As a movie critic, I must say that in “The Division Infiltration,” Director Matt Shakman masterfully maintains an impressive simplicity which undeniably enhances the film’s appeal. Unlike the plethora of contemporary superhero flicks, this production delivers a compact, character-driven narrative with genuine human emotions at its core. The characters are the beating heart, their interactions ringing true, and the personal conflicts escalate to dizzying heights. All of this unfolds within a visually captivating backdrop, imbued with a 1960s retro-futuristic atmosphere that never fails to impress. This film offers a constant feast for the eyes, keeping audiences enthralled from start to finish.

As Galactus, the formidable antagonist, stands out not due to an intricate backstory or clearly defined motivations, but rather his unique reasons behind his actions are hinted at instead of fully explored. However, his immense size and impact make him a truly terrifying presence on screen. Shakman effectively conveys this grandeur, particularly in the cinematic version. Despite some inconsistencies in scale towards the end of the film, Galactus largely delivers on the fear he is meant to instill.

The film exhibits several minor flaws such as inconsistencies in its narrative flow, an unstable portrayal of Silver Surfer, and occasional poor CGI effects. Yet, as a comprehensive piece, “The Fantastic Four: First Steps” represents the Marvel movie I’ve been eagerly anticipating for years. The performances by Pascal, Kirby, Moss-Bachrach, and Quinn are commendable and play a significant role in making the themes of family, loyalty, and self-sacrifice so impactful. What sets it apart is its unique visual aesthetic and emotional resonance that distinguishes it from recent Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) productions. This film harks back to the ‘golden era’ of MCU when movies felt distinctive and left viewers craving for more. For the first time in a while, I find myself eagerly looking forward to future installments.

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2025-07-26 17:57