THE FANTASTIC FOUR: FIRST STEPS -- Marvel's First Family is Finally Done Justice on the Big Screen

Review by Camden Ferrell

Marvel’s previous attempts at adapting their first family to the silver screen has been mixed at best and disastrous at worst. It’s a superhero group that has eluded filmmakers for the better part of the century. If we’re to ignore the unreleased 1994 film, Matt Shakman's The Fantastic Four: First Steps is the fourth attempt at bringing these characters to the big screen. Following up his work on Marvel’s WandaVision, Shakman delivers a Fantastic Four film that does justice to its characters with a thrilling story that is full of heart, humor, and charm. 

This movie introduces us to our core group as an already established superhero team. They live in a retro-futuristic world where they are adored and continue their missions to help others and innovate for mankind. Reed and Sue’s surprise pregnancy is interrupted from this universe’s Silver Surfer. And as the classic story goes, Galactus is coming to annihilate Earth. Now, the Fantastic Four must figure out how to spare the Earth from Galactus’ insatiable hunger for planets. It’s one of the most iconic stories in Fantastic Four lore, but this movie understands the journey is more important than the destination, and this approach allows it to still feel fresh and exciting.  

Written by Josh Friedman, Eric Pearson, Jeff Kaplan, and Ian Springer, the movie embraces the whimsy and inventiveness that makes this team so compelling to watch. It delicately balances this playful nature with jaw-dropping peril that will keep you on the edge of your seat. It did a great job at highlighting Reed’s insecurities in a way that hasn’t been done in movies before and allows him to feel more three-dimensional. It’s also great to see Sue finally treated with some earnestness and respect that her character desperately needs. With so many writers, the movie can occasionally feel a little clunky like it was written by committee. This flaw is usually compensated by the fact that it’s so fast paced that you never really notice for too long anyway.  

One of the most important aspects of this team is their chemistry, and this starts with the actors. While some of the individual performances can be hit or miss at times, it’s easy to see that these actors truly act like a family. Watching these iconic characters interact with such camaraderie, playfulness, and respect was something that made them feel more human and cemented some of the more emotional themes at the film’s center. Pair this with Ralph Ineson as a truly terrifying Galactus, and you have a cast that brings this film to life in exquisite ways.  

One of the main concerns going into this was how the powers would look, and the CGI is quite great. There are a few moments that look a little uncanny, but it works far more than it doesn’t. The rest of the movie features great effects, solid cinematography, and an all-time great score. There’s something truly wonderous about watching these iconic powers on screen as Michael Giacchino’s masterful score blares in the background.  

With this movie, it feels like Marvel has truly embraced the whimsy and wonder that made us fall in love with comics. It uses the character’s powers in playful and inventive ways that are an absolute delight to watch on the big screen. It was hard not to crack a smile watching these beloved characters come to life in such magical ways. It will inspire awe and pure enjoyment from adults, kids, old fans, and new fans alike. Marvel Studios has finally found their first family.  

The Fantastic Four: First Steps is in theaters July 25. 

Rating: 4.5/5