I’m not going to even try and hide it—Fantastic Four was the one I was really excited about because I feel like this film is kicking off a whole new era for comic book movies. And the best part is, it absolutely stands on its own without needing to lean too hard on other MCU projects (though that end credit scene? It’s pretty epic and definitely teases what’s coming next). And the film does that, it hits most of the notes, while not every single one, I am overall pleased.
One thing I really appreciated is that the film isn’t overcomplicated. You don’t need to be deep into Marvel lore to understand what’s going on, which is a big plus for new fans. To avoid all the confusion and baggage that can come with big franchises, The Fantastic Four: First Steps is set in a completely new universe within the Marvel multiverse. That means there are no pre-established superheroes, aside from the Fantastic Four themselves, and no prior knowledge is required. It’s honestly a relief to watch a Marvel movie without needing to remember a dozen other storylines, even if that approach comes with its own challenges.
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What I loved most is that this one actually feels like an origin story that matters. It’s about how this team came together and why they stay together—and the movie makes you believe every bit of it. Vanessa Kirby and Pedro Pascal are so good as Sue Storm and Reed Richards. They bring this raw honesty that hits even harder when you realize the big twist is about them having a baby who could save the world or doom it. Joseph Quinn’s Human Torch is exactly the chaotic little brother energy you’d hope for, and Ebon Moss-Bachrach’s Ben Grimm might just steal your heart every time he’s on screen, even if you wish he had more clobbering moments.
Another standout for me was Galactus—he’s big, bad, and when you see that towering figure in IMAX it’s honestly intimidating in the best way. It’s been a minute since we’ve had a villain that feels huge and actually scary on that cosmic scale, and I loved it. But what really makes it work is Julia Garner as the Silver Surfer. She can do any role, but here she really is the Herald of Galactus—her Surfer is beautiful, shiny, almost angelic at first glance, but you slowly realize her story is tragic too. I honestly want more of her in this universe, because she makes that character feel layered in a way I didn’t expect.
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The first thing you’ll notice is how real the Four feel as a family—like you’d swear they live together off-camera too. That’s the core of this movie. Beneath all the big cosmic action and city-smashing spectacle, it’s really about sacrifice, loyalty, and holding each other together when everything’s falling apart. And honestly, that’s exactly the kind of story we need more of right now.
Visually, this is one of the best-looking superhero movies we’ve had in a long time. The retro-futuristic “Earth 828” vibe is stunning—like vintage comics brought to life with mid-century sci-fi touches, Jetsons-style cars, robot butlers, neon marquees, and a color palette that feels warm and alive instead of the usual gray CGI sludge we sometimes get. Every shot feels like it’s packed with tiny details you’ll want to pause and study. I really do think this film honored the early comics and brought that old-school spirit to life in a fresh way.
And the score—don’t even get me started. Michael Giacchino’s music is epic in the best sense: huge, sweeping themes that somehow feel classic and new at the same time. It gives the action real weight but knows when to pull back and let the emotional moments breathe too. It’s exactly what a big superhero story should sound like.
Some might say the movie plays it a little safe—and sure, nobody expects a blockbuster to actually cross certain lines with a baby storyline—but it’s still smarter and more emotional than I expected. It’s entertaining from start to finish and makes you care about why these four are so fantastic in the first place.
That said, I will say my favorite Marvel film this year is still Thunderbolts. But Fantastic Four: First Steps definitely makes a strong case for itself and shows that Marvel’s new multiverse approach can work.
Fantastic Four: First Steps really nails what Stan Lee and Jack Kirby were all about and It’s a fresh take we haven’t gotten from Marvel in almost 17 years. Vanessa Kirby as Susan Storm is the heart and soul here, and the chemistry between her and Pedro Pascal as Reed Richards? Totally on point—fans are gonna eat that up. If you loved Ebon Moss-Bachrach in The Bear, just wait till you see him as the Thing—he’s got that role locked down. And Joseph Quinn as Johnny Storm? Man, he stands out big time, showing us exactly what he’s capable of.
And now? We wait to see how this trippy ‘60s-inspired universe connects to what’s brewing with Thunderbolts and all the other upcoming projects. If that post-credits tease is any clue, things are about to get weird in the best possible way. And honestly? About time.
