The Fantastic Four: First Steps Review – A Positive Step Forward!

This is the fourth attempt at making a Fantastic Four movie… fantastic. Should I say that again? The MCU has, at long last, introduced the greatest superhero family of all time. The Fantastic Four: First Steps is EASILY the best of every Fantastic Four movie we have gotten.

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This is due to the characters themselves. They’re charming, faithful, and share strong chemistry that makes the theme of family in First Steps so much stronger. Interpretations of these characters from Pedro Pascal, Vanessa Kirby, Joseph Quinn, and Ebon Moss-Bachrach have already been cemented as the best versions of these characters put to film. While I do wish we got more developed character arcs, the performances and depiction of core character traits made them the hardened essence of this film.

First Steps ccomplishes a tremendous number of feats stylistically. The retro aesthetic of the production design looks wonderful, emulating a “Jetsons” type atmosphere. Michael Giacchino’s score has already become a staple for this film, and blends excellently within the background. I also have to admit that the VFX are simply breathtaking (minus the distracting use of CGI for baby Franklin). This is important in conceiving the antagonists of Silver Surfer and Galactus. Shalla-Bal’s inclusion into the story is great, along with the several chase scenes she’s a part of.

Galactus, as instrumental of a villainous figure as he is in the comics, is simply incredible. The art direction, practical effects, and performance from Ralph Ineson make him into the terrifying force of nature he was always meant to be. Their integration into the film achieves one thing Marvel traditionally falls short on: tension. My chief complaint is with the editing, and how much it feels was snipped out of the film. I’m unsure if the deleted scenes were done so in service of this story’s overall quality, but those gaps could’ve been filled to better flesh out these characters and amp up their arcs.

The Fantastic Four: First Steps continues to take this MCU in a positive direction. It’s a great standalone movie with a strong assembly of heroes at its center.

‘First Steps’ Rating – 4/5