‘The Fantastic Four: First Steps’ REVIEW: A successful launch for Marvel’s First Family, despite some missteps
‘The Fantastic Four: First Steps’ REVIEW: A successful launch for Marvel’s First Family, despite some missteps
In The Fantastic Four: First Steps, Marvel’s First Family finally joins the Marvel Cinematic Universe in an adventure that sees Mister Fantastic, Invisible Woman, Human Torch, and The Thing face their biggest challenge yet.
For years, attempts to adapt the Fantastic Four have either been rushed efforts to retain film rights or have suffered from major production issues. After long-standing uncertainty, the rights finally returned to Marvel Studios. Kicking off Phase Six and setting the stage for Avengers: Doomsday, First Steps enters the MCU with its own distinct flair and visual identity.
The Thing, Invisible Woman, Mister Fantastic, and Human Torch in The Fantastic Four: First Steps | Still courtesy of Disney
The film introduces a retro-futuristic world inspired by the 1960s. Director Matt Shakman gives it a unique visual style rarely seen in the MCU. That alone is the main selling point for me, especially after enduring the last few phases, often marked by bland CGI and formulaic repetition. Here, I genuinely felt like we were entering a different world, both visually and thematically.
There is no denying the level of care and homage paid to creators Stan Lee and Jack Kirby, which is deeply embedded in the film’s visual language and tone. The Fantastic Four has always been about family, and this cast captures that spirit perfectly. Pedro Pascal, despite being ubiquitous at the moment, nails the role of Reed Richards / Mister Fantastic. He captures the character’s brilliance and emotional detachment, which adds weight to his dynamic with Sue Storm / Invisible Woman. Vanessa Kirby plays her with tenderness and strength, balancing warmth with a commanding presence.
Pedro Pascal as Mister Fantastic in The Fantastic Four: First Steps | Still courtesy of Disney
Ebon Moss-Bachrach brings depth to Ben Grimm / The Thing, embracing the “gentle giant” persona. He finally feels like a character kids can admire, not fear. Meanwhile, Joseph Quinn delivers the biggest surprise as Johnny Storm / Human Torch. I walked out of the theater genuinely impressed. His version remains charming and borderline narcissistic, but without the womanizing or cartoonish immaturity. He handles challenges in his own way, and beyond his banters with Ben, this Johnny shows he’s a capable problem-solver who won’t go down without a fight.
Vanessa Kirby as Invisible Woman in The Fantastic Four: First Steps | Still courtesy of Disney
Altogether, the cast delivers exactly the kind of energy I wanted in a live-action Fantastic Four. On the villain side, Julia Garner’s take on Shalla-Bal as the Silver Surfer is a bold choice, being the first Surfer introduced in the MCU, and not the more familiar Norrin Radd. Still, she brings a strong presence to the role, especially in the brief glimpses we get of her life before becoming Galactus’s herald. One sequence that stands out is a stunning space chase that wears its Interstellar influences proudly, it’s the one scene my friends and I kept bringing up after the film.
And then there’s Galactus. No longer just a vague cloud like in The Rise of the Silver Surfer, this time he appears in full comic-accurate form, and he’s huge. But as towering and imposing as he is, I wish we got more of him. At just under two hours, the film’s runtime feels like a major missed opportunity. For a debut that introduces the team and an entire cosmic thread of the MCU, the pacing feels rushed. Many scenes feel incomplete, especially smaller character moments that should build up to emotional payoffs. An extra 30 minutes, perhaps to bring back cut characters like John Malkovich’s Red Ghost or to further develop the team, would have made a significant difference.
Joseph Quinn as Human Torch in The Fantastic Four: First Steps | Still courtesy of Disney
There is beauty in a well-earned payoff, in letting scenes breathe and characters grow before delivering a satisfying third act. While First Steps remains enjoyable, something feels missing, especially with several trailer shots not making it into the theatrical cut. In the big 2025, cutting important minor scenes just to trim the runtime to under two hours should be seen as a step backward.
What’s not missing is Michael Giacchino’s musical score, which helps fill in the gaps of what the story lacks. The soundtrack captures the retro spirit perfectly, even pulling inspiration from the 1960s animated series. It breathes life into this world we’re seeing for the first time. If it weren’t for the fantastic cast, unique visuals, and Giacchino’s infectious score, The Fantastic Four: First Steps might have been just another run-of-the-mill MCU entry, forgettable after a first watch.
Galactus in The Fantastic Four: First Steps | Still courtesy of Disney
The film could’ve been more, but instead it settled for checking the bare minimum boxes on its checklist. It had the potential to be a great film, but it plays things a little too safe. While the foundation is solid, better pacing and deeper character development would’ve made this film truly fantastic.
‘The Fantastic Four: First Steps’ is now showing in Philippine cinemas.
