A New Beginning for the Fantastic Four
The title of The Fantastic Four: First Steps is somewhat misleading, as it’s not actually the first time Marvel has attempted to bring its iconic superhero family to the big screen. The franchise has had several previous tries, from 1994 through 2015, with varying degrees of success. This latest reboot, directed by Matt Shakman, doesn’t quite live up to expectations, offering an earnest but somewhat dull intergalactic adventure that leans heavily on nostalgia without delivering a truly compelling story.
Set in a parallel universe known as Earth 828, the film embraces a retro-futuristic 1960s aesthetic that feels right at home in a world inspired by The Jetsons. This period piece style is reflected in everything from the visual design to the soundtrack, which features a brassy score by Michael Giacchino. The film opens with a mock episode of The Ted Gilbert Show, a nod to the era, and serves as a convenient recap of the team’s origins.
The core members of the Fantastic Four are once again introduced: Reed Richards (Pedro Pascal) as the logical and resourceful leader, Sue Storm (Vanessa Kirby) as the compassionate Invisible Woman, Johnny Storm (Joseph Quinn) as the cocky Human Torch, and Ben Grimm (Ebon Moss-Bachrach) as the gruff but loyal Thing. Their dynamic is central to the story, though the film struggles to fully develop their relationships and individual motivations.
The plot follows the team as they prepare for a new chapter in their lives—becoming parents to a baby boy. While this development is heartwarming, the film’s fast-paced narrative leaves little room for emotional depth. The characters often feel underdeveloped, with only Pascal and Kirby delivering strong performances. Quinn’s portrayal of Johnny is particularly lackluster, failing to capture the character’s trademark bravado.
One of the film’s most intriguing elements is the introduction of the Silver Surfer (Julia Garner), who warns the team of the impending arrival of Galactus (Ralph Ineson), a cosmic entity intent on consuming planets. This threat leads the Fantastic Four on a journey across the galaxy, where they face challenges that test their abilities and unity. While the action sequences are visually impressive, they often fall short in terms of excitement and originality.
Despite its shortcomings, The Fantastic Four: First Steps does have its moments. The production design is stylish and immersive, and the film’s upbeat tone offers a refreshing contrast to the darker themes of other Marvel movies. Additionally, the depiction of Galactus adds a sense of grandeur and urgency to the story, particularly during the climactic battle in Times Square.
However, the film’s reliance on nostalgia and its failure to deliver a truly engaging narrative make it difficult to recommend. While it sets the stage for future MCU adventures, it doesn’t quite live up to the potential of the Fantastic Four as a flagship franchise. With more depth and originality, this reboot could have been a true step forward for the team. As it stands, it’s a solid but ultimately unremarkable entry in the Marvel lineup.
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