A New Era for Marvel's First Family
With Marvel Studios lifting the review embargo for Fantastic Four: First Steps a few days ahead of its release, reactions have been pouring in faster than a Johnny Storm fireball. As more critics weigh in, it seems the reboot has found its footing—though not without some bumps along the way. At the time of writing, First Steps holds an 87% on Rotten Tomatoes, placing it just behind the initial 89% score of Superman, though the DCU film has since dropped to 83%. Despite not being universally adored, the film is leaning positive, with a strong majority of critics praising director Matt Shakman’s bold and stylish reintroduction of Marvel’s First Family.
A Distinctive Aesthetic
Most critics seem impressed by the film’s retro-futuristic, 1960s-inspired setting, which gives First Steps a distinct aesthetic that sets it apart from the broader MCU. Pedro Pascal leads the cast as Reed Richards, aka Mister Fantastic, while Vanessa Kirby, Joseph Quinn, and Ebon Moss-Bachrach round out the family unit as Sue, Johnny, and Ben. Early praise is particularly strong for the ensemble’s chemistry and emotional core, especially when it comes to balancing superhero spectacle with family dynamics. Kirby and Pascal’s performances, in particular, have drawn serious admiration as they carry the emotional weight of the movie.
Julia Garner’s Silver Surfer is also emerging as a highlight, while Ralph Ineson’s Galactus reportedly brings the kind of intimidating presence you’d expect from a planet-eating cosmic force.
Critiques and Concerns
Even among the praise, some familiar MCU critiques surface. A few reviewers say the film relies heavily on Marvel nostalgia and leans toward predictable storytelling rather than reinventing the superhero genre, especially given the film’s massive scale and character roster. That said, fans of the comics—and especially longtime Fantastic Four loyalists—are likely to be thrilled with how Shakman sticks the landing on tone and character, even if not every moment soars.
Emma Kiely, one of the voices praising the film, noted in her 7/10 review that while she admired the performances of Kirby and Pascal, she felt Quinn seemed slightly miscast as Johnny Storm. She wrote:
"Vanessa Kirby, unsurprisingly, steals the show, not just because of her talents, but because the movie lets her. Instead of fighting for space in a room full of men, Kirby is given the space to make Sue the true center (not just emotional heart, a 'compliment' that feeds into the stereotype that women are only good for feelings) of the story. Yes, she brings the warm emotionality that keeps the film's themes of family and togetherness in focus, but she’s also a balanced, fair, and dynamic leader. Kirby never falls into the trap of making Sue overly acerbic or removed to appear impenetrable. It’s a hopeful signal of what women can do in superhero movies, and more importantly, what studio heads are willing to let them do."
Is First Steps a Game-Changer?
Maybe not. But it does appear to be a meaningful and stylish relaunch that mostly lives up to its title. Marvel’s First Family has taken many cinematic steps before—some more forgettable than others—but this one seems to be a confident stride in the right direction.
You can watch The Fantastic Four: First Steps in theaters starting July 25.
Post a Comment