The Fantastic Four: First Steps

 

The Fantastic Four, a family-based superhero team that has never received "justice" when chosen for a film adaptation. After other Marvel teams such as the Avengers, Guardians, and Eternals (more of a race than a team) were adapted well (though some were not successful), it is now the Fantastic Four's turn. The team that all MCU fans have been waiting for, directed by Matt Shakman (who previously directed several episodes of the WandaVision series), has successfully adapted this team in a fantastic way. By choosing the 1960s as the story's setting, the film offers an experience of what it would be like if the 1960s were combined with the modern era.

Matt Shakman's directing style is perfectly suited for this film after handling WandaVision. With a sci-fi touch that is visually stunning (seriously, some shots in the film will leave you in awe). The writing is simple and easy to digest as a family film. Some may be affected, while others may get carried away by the emotions.
Regarding the acting:

• Let's start with Pedro (Reed). Pedro truly captures how Reed is portrayed in the comics after Ioan Gruffudd (still the OG Reed in my heart). His acting is deep, bringing humor that isn't overpowering but can lighten the mood.

• Next, Vanessa (Sue). She is perfectly suited for this role. She's the epitome of a motherly figure. There’s a scene in the film that directly references WandaVision; MCU fans will probably notice it right away.

• Next, Joseph (Johnny). For me, he’s the MVP of this film. His humor, action, and dramatic moments all shine through. His relationship with Shalla-Bal has romantic potential, but unfortunately, there’s no romance for Johnny.

• Ebon (Ben) can’t escape his "cousin" character (even though I haven’t watched The Bear series). His cousin aura is so strong.

• Julia (Shalla-Bal), man. She blew me away. Her one-sided relationship with Johnny made me blush. I wish she could come back.

• Ralph (Galactus), he’s genuinely terrifying. After the poorly formed clouds in F4: The Rise of Silver Surfer, this film finally gives us the real Galactus. Terrifying, massive, and those iconic eyes. Though the color is a bit edgy, his eyes could be a saving grace.

• The rest is decent enough.

Moving on to the visuals. This is truly epic. The CGI is impressive, though some parts feel off. Lastly, the mid-credits/post-credits scenes. The mid-credits scene is pretty tense, setting the tone for Doomsday. The post-credits scene is silly but entertaining.

Credits:

Directed by: Matt Shakman

Screenplay by: Josh Friedman, Eric Pearson, Jeff Kaplan, and Ian Springer

Story by: Eric Pearson, Jeff Kaplan, Ian Springer, and Kat Wood

Based on: Fantastic Four by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby

Produced by: Kevin Feige

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

Cinematography: Jess Hall

Edited by: Nona Khodai and Tim Roche

Music by: Michael Giacchino

Production company: Marvel Studios

Distributed by: Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures

Release date: July 25, 2025

Running time: 114 minutes