Marvel’s Fantastic Four movies have never really nailed it, let’s be honest. They’ve always felt like missed opportunities, with awkward scripts, bland villains, and wasted potential. But with The Fantastic Four: First Steps, Marvel seems to be saying: Okay, let’s try this again — and let’s get it right this time. And you know what? They kind of do. It’s not perfect, but it’s a huge step in the right direction — one that gives us hope that the MCU’s next phase might finally give this beloved team the spotlight they’ve always deserved.
The Fantastic Four Story
If you’re tired of the same old origin story, relax. This time, you’re not stuck watching another drawn-out retelling of how four people got zapped by cosmic rays. The Fantastic Four: First Steps throws us straight into the action on Earth-828, Marvel’s new multiverse playground.
Reed Richards (Pedro Pascal), Sue Storm (Vanessa Kirby), Ben Grimm (Ebon Moss-Bachrach), and Johnny Storm (Joseph Quinn) are already big names here. They’ve been heroes for a while, saving the world and bickering like family, which, of course, they are.
Things are ticking along nicely until Reed and Sue drop some unexpected news: they’re having a baby. But the good vibes don’t last long. Out of nowhere, the Silver Surfer (played by Julia Garner) shows up with a galactic-sized warning — Galactus is coming to swallow Earth whole.
The team rockets into space to beg this giant cosmic being for mercy. Spoiler: Galactus doesn’t care much for mercy. He makes an offer Earth can’t accept, so the team heads back home empty-handed — only to find a terrified planet waiting for answers.
Protests break out, panic spreads, and suddenly the Fantastic Four are Earth’s only hope to pull humanity together for one last, desperate plan. No pressure, right?
The Fantastic Four Review
If you’re expecting endless fight scenes, massive explosions, and Avengers-style cameos, this movie might surprise you. Director Matt Shakman and the writing team clearly wanted to slow things down and focus on the family part of Marvel’s First Family. And honestly? It’s about time.
Sure, there’s action — but it’s not non-stop chaos. Ben Grimm barely throws a punch until the final showdown. Instead, Sue Storm finally gets her moment to shine (something past films didn’t really let her do). Johnny, meanwhile, isn’t just the cocky hothead anymore — he’s curious, clever, and actually trying to communicate with the Surfer by learning an alien language. Who knew Johnny had the patience?
One of the biggest wins is Galactus. He’s not a weird cloud this time — he’s huge, menacing, and actually feels like a threat. Watching him casually stomp through Manhattan is weirdly mesmerizing — and sets up even bigger cosmic drama for the next movies.
The Fantastic Four Performance
What makes this film pop is its retro 1960s vibe. Everything from the colours to the costumes gives you a peek back to when the Fantastic Four first hit comic stands. There aren’t many old-school hits on the soundtrack, but the score has that classic, hopeful feel that makes you want to root for them.
The cast is solid. Pedro Pascal plays Reed with a calm intelligence that works well, while Vanessa Kirby’s Sue is strong, warm, and more than just “the invisible one.” Ebon Moss-Bachrach brings a big heart to Ben Grimm — he feels like the gentle rock monster we’ve always wanted. And Joseph Quinn’s Johnny is more grown up than you’d expect, in a good way.
Julia Garner doesn’t get loads of screen time as the Silver Surfer, but her presence is haunting and oddly comforting at the same time. It’s enough to make you hope she sticks around for future MCU chapters.
Final Verdict
At just under two hours, The Fantastic Four: First Steps feels refreshingly tight for a Marvel movie. It doesn’t drag or overload you with pointless cameos or filler subplots. Instead, it does exactly what the title promises — it’s a first step. A thoughtful, careful introduction that reminds us why this team has been loved for so long.
Sure, it’s not flawless — the plot has some soft spots, and Reed and Sue could’ve used a bit more spark. But compared to what came before? This is a giant leap in the right direction. It sets up a whole new universe, teases bigger threats, and — most importantly — makes you care about Marvel’s First Family again.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐½ (3.5/5)
Excited for what’s next? Keep it locked right here at Cinetales for honest reviews and deep dives into all your favorite superheroes.
Follow Us: Facebook | Instagram | X |
Youtube | Pinterest | Google News |
Cinetales is on YouTube; click here to subscribe for the latest videos and updates.