Fantastic Four First Steps Movie Review

Marvel finally gets its first family right in one of their best films not only in years but ever.

Against the vibrant backdrop of a 1960s-inspired, retro-futuristic world, Marvel’s First Family is forced to balance their roles as heroes with the strength of their family bond, while defending Earth from a ravenous space god called Galactus and his enigmatic Herald, Silver Surfer. Director Matt Shakman after 3 previous attempts finally gets marvels first family right in the best MCU film in years that captures the family dynamic that make the Fantastic Four unique from the other superhero teams as well as the weird Jack Kirby Sy Fi vibes all throughout the film. The 60s retro futuristic look of the film makes it different from the other MCU films which is so refreshing combined with the best CGI in a MCU film ever it felt immersive as a viewer and not like CGI soup that you see not just in a lot of MCU films, but big budget blockbusters have been suffering from in the last 15 years.

Matt Shakman’s direction in the film is great throughout the film the way he introduces you to this world is so beautifully done it hooked me from frame one I fell in love with the 60s futuristic look it felt unique, imaginative, and a sense of whimsy too many MCU films just did not have. Shankman’s choices of how he shoots the action scenes are creative like when they are being chased down by silver surfer reminded me of a new hope when Luke and Han are shooting down imperial starfighters but I love that he doesn’t just have one thing going on I love how you have Sue giving birth forcing Reed to have to multitask to help Ben fix the ship and be there for his wife at the same time so not only is it thrilling action but it has great character moments throughout which makes you care even more. The pacing of the film is done well maybe not perfect which is one of my minor criticisms that I feel there could have been a little more time to give Ben a little more to do to let some moments to breath the editing at times feels a little too fast but that’s minor it’s not like other films that rush through character beats. Shakman does a great job with the cast of the film the performances he gets out of them and the dynamic he creates is so good you fall in love with them as a family balancing scene’s that are heartfelt, funny, and dramatic which the previous versions of the Fantastic Four did not have much of at all.

Talking about the cast let’s start with Pedro Pascal as Reed Richerds who absolutely nails it I know there were people concerned he would be the charming Pedro we have seen in the past but he shows that he is one of the best actors working today he captures Reed’s aloofness, being on the spectrum, being caught up in his guilt, his excitement but fear about becoming a dad and being the smartest man in this world which is so different than his characters in last of us and game of thrones. In contrast Vanessa Kirby as Sue storm is just as good showing her emotional intelligence, her maternal instinct as a mother I love the moment when she tells Johnny to kill her she is trying to kill your nephew showing you don’t mess with mama bear or when she and Reed have scenes together you believe them as a couple like how she calls him out with how he thinks while coming from a good place hurts her. I love the way this film lets Sue let loose with her powers on Galactus when she can hold him back from getting Franklin or when she sacrifices herself to push Galactus into the portal is awesome to watch as a viewer. Joesph Quinn is great as Johnny Storm I love how he isn’t played as an idiot but is smart in a different way than the rest of the team he brings a great comic timing that is endearing to the audience that comes from that he wants to be more than just as the sister of Sue he wants to be his own person. I love the relationship he forms with the silver surfer with him figuring out how to speak her language then calls her out with what she is doing and who she used to be which Julia Garner is amazing in the film and brings this character to life bringing a vulnerable majestic quality that makes her stand out. Ebon Moss-Bachrach as Ben Grimm the thing is great but has the least to do I love his dynamic with the team one of my favorite moments is when he realizes Sue is pregnant which makes her go you knew and he goes you see the look on your husbands face which shows you these guys have been friends for a long time which is so endearing to this family. Last member of the cast I want to talk about is Ralph Ineson as Galactus is awesome to see this character brought to life and done right was gratifying since the last attempt if want to call it that was a cloud he was menacing, an actual character, and actually smart when they are trying to trap him but then does not fall for saying clever little bugs is a great moment in the film.

The score by Michael Giacchino shows that he continues to be one of the best composers working today it really brings the 60s futuristic Sy Fi world to life along with the production design. Final thoughts on the film is I loved it which made me thrilled I have not been crazy about a lot of comic book related stories in film in the last few years except The Batman and Across the Spider verse so this was such a breath of fresh air which shows if you bring something new along with putting character and story first you can do exciting things with this genre I will give this film a 4 and a half out of 5 like I have mentioned I have some complaints about the pacing not letting certain moments breath and Bens arc not having as much as I would have liked but those only nip picks go out and see this one I think you be pleasantly surprised.