The Fantastic Four: First Steps

Synopsis: Set against the vibrant backdrop of a 1960s-inspired, retro-futuristic world, Marvel Studios' "The Fantastic Four: First Steps" introduces Marvel's First Family--Reed Richards/Mister Fantastic (Pedro Pascal), Sue Storm/Invisible Woman (Vanessa Kirby), Johnny Storm/Human Torch (Joseph Quinn) and Ben Grimm/The Thing (Ebon Moss-Bachrach) as they face their most daunting challenge yet. Forced to balance their roles as heroes with the strength of their family bond, they must defend Earth from a ravenous space god called Galactus (Ralph Ineson) and his enigmatic Herald, Silver Surfer (Julia Garner). And if Galactus' plan to devour the entire planet and everyone on it weren't bad enough, it suddenly gets very personal. 

Movie Review: 

“The Fantastic Four: First Steps,” directed by Matt Shakman, marks the 37th film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) and represents the fourth attempt to bring the Fantastic Four to life on the big screen. I’m thrilled to say that this version truly delivers! It’s a visual and emotional rollercoaster that might just be one of the best entries in the MCU in quite some time.

What really sets this movie apart is its unique style, which feels refreshingly different from other MCU films. The 1960s-inspired futuristic world has a delightful sci-fi vibe reminiscent of “The Jetsons,” complete with stunning production design that makes it visually captivating.

Pedro Pascal shines as Reed Richards, also known as Mister Fantastic. He embodies the character’s brilliance with a personality and attitude that showcase his intelligence, even if he sometimes struggles to express his emotions. It’s a standout performance that highlights a different side of Pedro.

Vanessa Kirby, playing Sue Storm (the Invisible Woman), might just steal the show. She’s incredible in this role—strong, smart, and caring. The chemistry between her and Pedro feels genuine and romantic, adding emotional depth to their relationship that really makes you invest in them.

Johnny Storm, portrayed by Joseph Quinn, and Ben Grimm, played by Ebon Moss-Bachrach, are perfectly cast. They bring some of the funniest moments to the film, adding a fun and caring family dynamic that I absolutely loved. Their scenes together are a highlight!

One of my favorite parts of the movie is an awe-inspiring action sequence set in space. It’s riveting and features some of the best visual effects I’ve seen in a comic book movie in a long time—think “Star Wars” level of epicness!

Julia Garner does a fantastic job as the Silver Surfer, portraying a character who is both ruthless and sympathetic, making her a compelling presence. Ralph Ineson voices Galactus, bringing a terrifying quality that makes him feel powerful and a sense of doom That makes him one of the most compelling villains I've seen in the MCU. The third act is incredibly satisfying, packed with action and emotion that made it a blast to watch. My only complaint is that there were a few moments of subpar CGI. Overall, “The Fantastic Four: First Steps” is a visually stunning and heartfelt blockbuster—definitely one of my favorite movies of the year so far. I’m giving it a solid 4.5 out of 5 stars!

Director: Matt Shakman 

Cast: Pedro Pascal, Vanessa Kirby, Ebon Moss- Bachrach, Joseph Quinn, Ralph Ineson, Julia Garner, Paul Walter Hauser, Natasha Lyonne, Sarah Niles, Mark Gatiss and Matthew Wood 

Runtime: 115 Minutes