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Fantastic Four: First Steps Review – A Cinematic Redemption

REVIEW OVERVIEW

The Film

SUMMARY

The Fantastic Four, bonded as family, face Galactus and the Silver Surfer from their penthouse HQ, defending Earth with heart and science.

Estimated reading time: 5 minutes

A Troubled Legacy, Finally Overcome

The Fantastic Four haven’t had the smoothest cinematic journey. From rubbery suits to cosmic clouds pretending to be Galactus, the legacy has been more miss than hit. First Steps finally gets it. This version doesn’t just fix past mistakes; it builds something new—something that actually feels lived in.

The Heart of the Story: Home Base

Most of the film takes place inside the Fantastic Four’s family penthouse, a sprawling blend of home and high-tech lab. It’s cozy, self-contained, and smartly avoids the usual globe-hopping filler. No tedious side plots. No running back and forth across the city just to stretch the runtime. Ben Grimm might take a walk or two, but everything important happens right where the heart is.

Retro-Futurism Done Right

The production design is a standout. It leans into that retro-futuristic style where curved furniture meets glowing tech. Think The Jetsons with a touch of Mad Men, minus the booze. The sets look used, lived in, and warm—like this team has been here a while, figuring things out together.

The Family That Fights Together

The family dynamic also clicks. Johnny is impulsive without being obnoxious. Sue keeps things grounded. Reed gets lost in his brain but never loses sight of the people around him. And Ben, the emotional anchor, has some of the best quiet moments. The script gives them room to interact without always gearing up for the next explosion. (But yes, it does go big when it needs to.)

Silver Surfer: A Fresh and Poignant Take

Julia Garner plays the Silver Surfer with cool detachment and subtle sadness. It’s a fresh take, and it works. She’s not a copy-and-paste of past versions but something new that honors the spirit. Her scenes are striking and emotionally charged without leaning on tired exposition.

  • Pedro Pascal in The Fantastic Four: First Steps (2025)
  • Vanessa Kirby in The Fantastic Four: First Steps (2025)
  • Pedro Pascal, Ebon Moss-Bachrach, and Vanessa Kirby in The Fantastic Four: First Steps (2025)
  • Matthew Wood, Pedro Pascal, Ebon Moss-Bachrach, Vanessa Kirby, and Joseph Quinn in The Fantastic Four: First Steps (2025)
  • Pedro Pascal, Ebon Moss-Bachrach, Vanessa Kirby, and Joseph Quinn in The Fantastic Four: First Steps (2025)
  • The Fantastic Four: First Steps (2025)

Galactus: As He Was Meant To Be

And then there’s Galactus. No swirling smoke this time. He’s here in full, towering form, and the film treats him with the mythic scale he deserves. Fans of the comics will be relieved. He looks like Galactus. He feels like Galactus. It’s about time.

Confident, Character-Focused Direction

Director Matt Shakman keeps the pacing steady and character-focused. There’s no race to set up the next phase or cram in cameos. The movie takes its time, trusts the audience, and builds something solid.

More Than a Reset: A Proper Introduction

Fantastic Four: First Steps is more than a reset. It’s a proper introduction. Finally, the first family of Marvel gets the welcome they deserve. It’s bold without being loud. Familiar without feeling recycled. And best of all, it’s actually good.


The Fantastic Four: First Steps in is theaters July 25, 2025 (United States)


Details

  • Rating Certificate: PG-13 (for action/violence and some language.)
  • Studios & Distributors: Marvel Studios | Pinewood Studios | New Zealand Film Commission | Quebec Film & TV Production Tax Credit | 20th Century Studios | Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures
  • Director: Matt Shakman
  • Written By: Josh Friedman (screenplay) | Eric Pearson (story & screenplay) | Jeff Kaplan (story & screenplay) | Ian Springer (story & screenplay) | Eric Pearson (story & screenplay) | Kat Wood (story)
  • Country: United Kingdom | United States | Canada | New Zealand
  • Language: English
  • Run Time: 115 Mins.
  • Aspect Ratio: 1.33:1 (some scenes) | 1.43:1 (IMAX GT Laser version, some scenes) | 1.90:1 (IMAX Digital & non-GT Laser versions) | 2.39:1 (theatrical ratio)
  • Release Date: 25 July 2025

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The Fantastic Four, bonded as family, face Galactus and the Silver Surfer from their penthouse HQ, defending Earth with heart and science.Fantastic Four: First Steps Review - A Cinematic Redemption