2025 | PG-13 | 115 mins | Directed by Matt Shakman
Over the last twenty years, audiences have had the opportunity to witness three Fantastic Four movies. Unfortunately, none of the three have been particularly good with them ranging from just okay to downright awful. In 2019, Disney purchased 21st Century Fox, the studio who had the rights to the Fantastic Four at the time. Fans of Marvel's first family have eagerly waited for the characters to make their appearance in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Now the moment has arrived. The Fantastic Four: First Steps is here, and it means important things for Marvel moving forward.
Director Matt Shakman and company opt to jump right into the character's story four years into them having their powers rather than trying for another origin story. There is a quick recap of the events for audience members who may not be familiar with the characters. The setting this time around is a futuristic 60's that takes place in a different universe than the main MCU storyline. This allows for some wonderful world building and makes this universe feel more lived in for these characters.
The family dynamic is alive and working on all cylinders this time around. All four main cast members work incredibly well together and have great chemistry with one another. Each member gets their moments to shine throughout, and it never feels like any character overshadows another. While everyone gives a good performance, Vanessa Kirby as Sue Storm is the standout. Her performance hits every emotion, and she gets a big moment that puts her over the edge and solidifies her performance as the standout. Joseph Quinn was a pleasant surprise as his Johnny Storm is not set up as a goofball. He does provide some humorous moments, but he gets a few scenes to show his serious side as well. Rounding out the main cast, both Pedro Pascal and Ebon Moss-Bachrach hold their own as Reed Richards and Ben Grimm, respectively.
Galactus and the Silver Surfer provide the conflict for the Fantastic Four. While both characters do get some great moments, their part of the story suffers a bit more than the family drama. Neither character is all that fleshed out, although the Silver Surfer does get a little backstory to give her a bit more depth. Despite not getting too much time to give more than basic motivation, Galactus is an intimidating presence. Ralph Ineson does an excellent job in the role. His menacing voice will leave you wanting more. Julia Garner gives a good performance as the Silver Surfer and works well off her fellow castmates.
There are some big action set pieces throughout the movie, and they all look great. This is one of the best-looking Marvel movies to date. Visually, everything is stunning, and the special effects are some of the best in a comic book movie in quite some time. The only downsides to the effects come in the form of the use of a CGI baby that is used much more than it should be. To add to that, the effects of Reed Richards stretchy skin is still not there. It is the best it has looked on film but more than likely this is as good as it will ever get. Despite those instances of shaky effects, the rest of them look fantastic (no pun intended).
While having a few missteps here and there, The Fantastic Four: First Steps overcomes them. Featuring a great cast that all fit perfectly together, a family dynamic that is both engaging and fun to watch, and some incredible action sequences, this has all the makings of an entertaining summer blockbuster.
Grade: B+
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