I didn’t know what to expect when I sat down to watch Fantastic Four: First Steps. I’d seen all the other Fantastic Four films but I did no research nor saw any trailers for this new flick. I knew that it had to be a reinvention in someway due to the age of the actors, but I had no idea how this story would be crafted.
Fantastic Four: First Steps Is A Fresh, Fun, and Universally Appealing Reinvention
Here’s my one sentence review: This is a fresh and entertaining take on the crew’s story that opens the door to a whole new generation of fans, while still honoring the essence of the classic comic book roots. Unlike the way I felt about Superman (read review here), this film appeals to everyone – not just comic book readers or fans of the superhero genre. That’s something Marvel has always done well. They truly now how to make these stories universally appealing.
What makes First Steps stand out is its ability to balance everything. It’s packed with heart, humor and human moments that resonate with a wide audience. The characters feel real, flawed and fully fleshed out. The humor is spot on and the actors are truly fantastic. Pedro Pascal, Vanessa Kirby, Ebon Moss-Bachrach and Joseph Quinn equally shine in their roles. Although I am a big Pedro fan, I can confidently say that each performance is as good as the other and I look forward to seeing this crew continue to push each other to the limits of their acting prowess.
Visually, the film is slick and cinematic, but it never lets effects overshadow story. It’s not just about flashy battles or end-of-the-world stakes. For longtime fans, it does include plenty of subtle nods and reworked lore that feel like clever Easter eggs. But for newcomers, it’s an easy entry point into the Fantastic Four universe. No encyclopedic Marvel knowledge required.
Fantastic Four: First Steps succeeds where many reboots stumble. It’s fresh without being alienating, nostalgic without being stale, and, most importantly, it’s genuinely fun. Whether you’re a die-hard comic book reader, a casual moviegoer or someone who’s never set foot in the superhero genre, this is one team-up you won’t want to miss.
Pro tip: Stay through the credits. The mid credit scene sets up the next Marvel film while the end credit scene is simply entertaining.
