"Fantastic Four: First Steps" (2025) Film Review-OMG...a Marvel movie to love again!

I have been a long-time fan of the Marvel Cinematic Universe ever since it made its official debut through 2008’s absolutely excellent “Iron Man“. The run continued, as did my associated fandom of the films, through the utterly EPIC 2019 finale “Avengers: Endgame“. This was the cap on what could arguably be considered one of the preeminent film series of all time when it comes to the superhero genre being brought to life through such vibrant, affecting character development and stunning visual spectacle. It was simply awe-inspiring.

Then came the post-“Endgame” era. Yeah. NOT my favorite span of time. This critic became so disenchanted with most (not ALL, mind you) of the offerings released and I honestly felt it might be “The End” of quality Marvel theatrical gems. This is when I will firmly and confidently state: “THANK GOODNESS for “Fantastic Four: First Steps”! Bringing back the overall mood, tone, and storytelling that made that original 22 films so entertaining and worthwhile to view, this newest installment to the MCU finally re-discovers the magic.

Thankfully NOT an origin story, but rather an extension of the current multiverse saga (but actually done RIGHT), the film sees the “first family” of the Marvel pantheon navigating the ups and downs of life, a new addition soon coming, and confronting the terrifying reality of having to defend their beloved home, and home planet, from one of the universe’s most menacing and dire threats, Galactus. The films flows through all these phases of what the heroes are facing with smooth pacing plus a consistent mix of drama, humor, and action, like a quality MCU film should.

There was some preliminary skepticism about the film’s literal time era setting, very much carrying that “70’s” vibe, but folks, it totally WORKS here, and doesn’t remotely take anything away from the sheer enjoyment the film elicits. Understanding as mentioned above that this is an alternate Earth journey, it will make sense even more once we eventually get to “Avengers: Doomsday” where I believe the FF will come into the current time in order to make them a part of the MCU we all know.

Visually the film is, well, fantastic. The color schemes for the characters’ uniforms representing that earlier era look to a “T”, while even showcasing how advanced yet still somehow era-appropriate the technology they utilize is. The sequences in space when first encountering Galactus are especially awesome, with Galactus himself FINALLY being done CORRECTLY and to superb impact! The scope of his home much less the villain himself, is what films like this are made for…the BIG SCREEN! I saw this in IMAX, and WOW!

Chilean-born, current “it boy” Pedro Pascal provides us a perfect Mr. Fantastic, able to adeptly embody the Reed Richards we all know and love…socially, comically awkward at times, stalwart, confident hero other times, and just the overtly brilliant scientific mind he is. Pascal brings a warmth and realistic air to the character that just draws you in and MAKES you root for him as the character, a man driven to protect all that he loves with everything he has.

What I do then appreciate is a strong female presence amongst all the testosterone, and English actress Vanessa Kirby assuredly brings that to the screen as Sue Storm, aka: The Invisible Woman. Unquestionably able to hold her own with the boys, she sets an example of motherly, spousal, and sisterly bonds that very much stands out throughout the course of the events unfolding. Being that voice of conscious for her often “overthinking things” husband and completely unwilling to compromise, Kirby’s performance really nails it with conviction and believability.

Ebon-Moss Bachrach is Ben Grimm, aka: The Thing, a man most conspicuously transformed by the group’s plight that changed them all forever in that his human form is now, quite literally, a pile of rocks. However, besides being the real “hammer” (“It’s CLOBBERIN’ TIME!” You KNOW you wanted to say it!) when necessary in combat, Grimm’s otherwise laid back, comical, and believe it or not somewhat shy nature makes him the reliable and likable character he is, so well-played by Bachrach here.

Joseph Quinn has the total honor to play the truly cocky, at times reckless, yet always entertaining persona that is Johnny Storm, aka: The Human Torch. Able to transform into a literal man on fire, Johnny has many good intentions in mind when charging into battle, but it can cost him. Yet, his happy-go-lucky, hilarious arrogance, and “ladies man” appeal serves him just as well, even when it is annoying the others in the family. Loyal without hesitation and there when he’e needed, Johnny is that “x-factor” the family needs, and Quinn plays him with gusto and gleeful attitude that is hard to NOT like, much less ignore.

The big supporting roles come first from Ralph Ineson as the voice of Galactus, a world-eating, constantly hungry, and truthfully beleaguered god-like entity who now has his eyes set on Earth….and a particular member of the FF. The towering presence of this character done right is just mind-flowingly magnificent and scary as heck, given the magnitude of raw power Galactus represents, and Ineson voices him with resonating impact and daunting intensity, which does this character justice (again, FINALLY!).

A familiar face to another current and well-received film, “Weapons“, Julia Garner has the privilige of voicing The Silver Surfer, the official herald of Galactus who is really NOT whom you wish to find showing up on your planet’s front door, since it IS a portent of destruction. But, the film does take a more interesting turn with this iconic character, making them female, and also delving into a heartbreaking backstory of her coming into the servitude to Galactus she MUST do, giving the Surfer some more depth than in previous film attempts while still very much illustration you do not mess with her either, as she is no slouch in battle.

All of this is to ultimately state that “Fantastic Four: First Steps” is, at least for this critic, the quintessential Marvel film we’ve NEEDED for a LONG time now, hopefully giving us new hope that the upcoming films will HOLD to this rejuvenated format and allow us to once more RELISH the coming of the materials instead of wishing Galactus would just wipe it ALL clean.