The Fantastic Four: First Steps Review: A Satisfying MCU Chapter That Still Squanders Potential

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In the film titled “The Fantastic Four: First Steps”, the action begins swiftly after an attention-grabbing introduction. The narrative plunges us into the Marvel Universe, with our quartet of heroes being the lone team in this world. This fast-paced start aims to avoid retelling their origin story once more by presenting a dynamic montage showcasing the team before their transformation, their heroics, and significant achievements. However, while it skips repetition, it also amps up the excitement – possibly too much. It’s like a thrilling roller coaster ride that propels you forward at the start but then slows down. The positive aspect is that despite a slow pickup in pace initially, once it gathers speed, it doesn’t let go – for both good and bad reasons.

The advantage of using this movie narrative strategy lies in the audience quickly understanding why the film isn’t based on the primary Earth from the Marvel Cinematic Universe; it would have been difficult to manage all these elements alongside the history tied to live-action Earth-616. Director Matt Shakman gives the world a unique, retro-futuristic aesthetic, reminiscent of Disney, which lends an individual charm to the entire film and sets it apart from any other Marvel Studios production. However, despite its visually grandiose aspects, this world’s bombast can’t compare to its quiet moments that don’t rely on the scenery of Earth-828 at all.

In this film, Marvel continues to excel in the art of casting, with each actor bringing their characters to life in unique and compelling ways. Pedro Pascal as Reed Richards perfectly captures the relentless intellect that fans have come to expect from the character, causing friction among his peers and providing ample dramatic tension. Vanessa Kirby’s Sue Storm is the emotional core of the movie, delivering its most poignant moments with depth and intensity. Ebon Moss-Bachrach takes on the challenging role of Ben Grimm, a Marvel hero who hasn’t been fully realized before, but Moss-Bachrach breathes life into the character, making The Thing feel authentic to comic book fans. Joseph Quinn as Johnny Storm may have fewer scenes, but he is a talented actor who makes his moments count, particularly in one crucial sequence.

As a movie reviewer, I can confidently say that “First Steps” truly honors the intellect and abilities of each member of the Fantastic Four, not just Reed Richards. This is evident in the innovative ways Ben and Johnny approach complex issues, going beyond physical confrontations (though they both have an undeniable passion for those as well). Sue delivers a standout performance that highlights Kirby’s acting skills, proving she’s more than just her power. The plotline feels authentically comic book, not merely a cinematic adaptation of our beloved tales from the past. For longtime Fantastic Four fans, this should be a satisfying watch, but there seems to be something missing that prevents it from reaching its full potential.

In “The Fantastic Four: First Steps,” there’s a major issue where an overabundance of background information is presented at the start, creating a feeling of emptiness rather than providing depth to the world and the team. The initial part lacks intensity despite offering enjoyable character exchanges among the main quartet. However, it isn’t until Julia Garner as Silver Surfer appears on the scene that the movie gains any real interest due to her captivating performance and intriguing moments. Once she arrives, the film picks up speed, featuring a lengthy space sequence filled with stunning visuals and an exceptional unique spacecraft, which outshines anything in the MCU this year. After the team encounters Galactus (Ralph Ineson) and returns to Earth, nothing that follows is as engaging as Shakman’s trippy scene showcasing the team brainstorming solutions in the cosmos.

As a die-hard movie enthusiast, I must admit that The Fantastic Four: First Steps had an immense promise, yet it failed to fully deliver on its potential. Every scene was brimming with possibility, but the final product never quite reached the heights it seemed destined for. The film’s initial act felt sluggish, seemingly waiting for the arrival of the Silver Surfer, and then, without warning, it accelerated at an alarming pace, leaving little room to breathe. Occasionally, dramatic moments managed to surface, but overall, this high-speed journey left us with too few opportunities to appreciate the scenery. Essentially, in its haste to move forward, it sacrificed some essential elements along the way.

In the portrayal of Reed Richards in Pascal’s version, while his performance is commendable, the character’s use of powers doesn’t always align with his personality, suggesting Marvel may be cautious about how his abilities are received. As a result, they only utilize them when strictly necessary. The dialogue between characters can feel formulaic at times, like each interaction is ticking off a list to ensure every pair within the group has a scene together. Despite being enjoyable, these moments are brief due to the rapid pace of the storyline.

The standout performances by lesser characters, such as Ralph Ineson’s Galactus and Paul Walter Hauser’s Harvey Elder (Mole Man), steal the show in brief appearances. Galactus radiates a powerful presence due to his impressive size, costume design, and distinctive voice. Moreover, Hauser’s Mole Man, while appearing sparingly, delivers a scene that is a strong contender for the funniest moments in the MCU. Despite their limited screen time, these two characters make a more lasting impression than the main cast after the movie ends. Additionally, the robot HERBIE, who appears consistently throughout the film, can be compared to WALL-E as an iconic cinematic robot.

Titled “The Fantastic Four: First Steps“, this film’s subtitle is fitting as it indeed serves as an initial step for the team, filled with challenges. On a positive note, the characters and actors perform well, but something essential seems to be lacking, perhaps due to the disconnection from the broader MCU or maybe because Marvel is meticulously establishing this team. Unfortunately, the film tends to lack fresh additions more than it delivers them. Despite being the best Marvel movie of the year with an impressive soundtrack and funny scenes, it’s hard not to feel underwhelmed given its predecessors, making the praise feel somewhat backhanded.

Rating: 3.5 out of 5

The Fantastic Four: First Steps hits theaters on July 25th.

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2025-07-22 19:23