Armed with a flashy retro futurist aesthetic and warm family chemistry, the MCU’s introduction to Marvel’s First Family heralds a promising new venture for the struggling franchise. Starring Pedro Pascal as Reed Richards/Mr Fantastic, Vanessa Kirby as Susan “Sue” Storm/Invisible Woman, Joseph Quinn as Johnny Storm/Human Torch, and Ebon Moss-Bachrach as Ben Grimm/The Thing, the film skips telling another origin story and places them smack dab in the middle of an intergalactic crisis. Here's our full The Fantastic Four: First Steps Review and breakdown.
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For context, this version of Fantastic Four exists in a different multiverse as our other MCU heroes, a futuristic world with the aesthetics of the 1960s era, a la the original comics. That makes them the only protectors of this world, and that is how Marvel was able to create a fully contained film free from the burden of interconnectedness. A wise move, given it’s becoming tiring to juggle MCU’s increasingly more interwoven universe, leading to fatigue.
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The film follows the foursome as celebrities, beloved by the masses for guarding the world. Living together at the Baxter Building, the family is in bliss and about to be more so with Sue and Reed discovering they’re expecting. But their domestic happiness doesn’t last long with the arrival of metallic alien Silver Surfer (Julia Garner). She is sent by planet-devouring giant Galactus to warn it has selected Earth to devour next. Facing their most dangerous task ever, Reed and co are forced to make sacrifices beyond their imagination.
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It is no understatement to say that First Steps’ greatest strength lies with its winsome main cast. The camaraderie between the Fantastic Four (and their house robot H.E.R.B.I.E.) is easy and natural. There are scenes that could totally belong in a family sitcom, just a banter-filled dinner or cozy evening together, but they work to win over audiences with their chemistry.
The Fantastic Four: First Steps Review
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Pascal shines in his turn as the genius leader of the group. While the movie frequently makes fun of his technobabble timidness, the script and Pedro’s performance also infused him with more layers: his huge sense of responsibility, anxiety, and overprotectiveness. You can immediately tell how burdened Reed is with his brilliance. And yet, you can still feel the huge heart beating underneath the elastic physique. Not sure if Marvel intended it, but this Reed seems like someone with the genius of Tony Stark and the earnestness of Steve Rogers. Does that point to his place as the next-generation leader of the Avengers one day? Theorists are welcome in the comments!
The Fantastic Four: First Steps Review
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Kirby deftly takes on Sue Storm with so much poise and grace. Midway through the movie, her character must juggle motherhood with being a superhero. While being a mother often gets a character sidelined in a story, hers only serves to highlight her strength as a woman: a gentle yet fiercely protective force. Sue’s arc is so satisfying, and it is more fascinating than expected to watch a heavily pregnant lady be in the thick of action instead of a damsel — we certainly don’t see that a lot in action-heavy media!
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Quinn as Johnny and Moss-Bachrach as Ben largely act as formidable supporting pillars for Reed and Sue. They provide the hijinks and banters that give the film its MCU stamp of humor. Their characters aren’t given much this go around, but the two are solid, and I can’t wait to see them utilized more going forward (they do get some memorable moments, though, don’t worry).
The Fantastic Four: First Steps Review
It’s not that hard to fall in love with this Fantastic Four. Luckily, they’re also surrounded by a solid script that highlights the warm relationship they’ve cultivated with their community. It’s a wholesome symbiosis you can’t help but root for. Gotta say, it’s been a while since we’ve seen an MCU storyline this straightforward, just a good ol’ fashioned “save the world” plot.
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Of course, this film’s undeniable selling point is its retro setting. Director Matt Shakman, no stranger to recreating vintage visuals since WandaVision, has fashioned a campy Jetson-esque universe that gives the film a one of a kind look and a touch of whimsy. From props to color grading to aspect ratio to costume and music, the film truly commits to the bit. In particular, the score by Michael Giacchino deserves a shoutout for its instantly iconic sound. That choir-infused main theme might rival The Avengers theme for MCU’s best ever score already!
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Some of the complaints about recent Marvel offerings concern its poorly-done visual effects. That problem is largely absent here, except for some really awkward shots of Reed and Sue’s clearly CGI baby. But if you’re willing to overlook that, everything else looks great, including Ben’s rock visage, Galactus, and most impressively, Silver Surfer’s reflective body. The film also does a good job combining VFX and practical ones — always important to create an immersive experience.
The Fantastic Four: First Steps Review
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The only weak thing about the film is its main conflict. With the film placing so much weight on building up the core four’s relationships, Galactus — said to be the comic’s biggest villain — feels just like a throwaway threat, and the motivation behind his evil pursuit feels underbaked. They do give Silver Surfer a deeper background story, but all in all, the villainy is in the “meh” category in the pantheon of MCU baddies.
Like most first steps, this movie isn’t without some stumbles. However, First Steps mostly has and does the right things. Like a great crowdpleaser, it’s charming, satisfying, and truly marvelous.
