{"id":84189,"date":"2025-07-22T21:21:11","date_gmt":"2025-07-22T21:21:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/84189\/"},"modified":"2025-07-22T21:21:11","modified_gmt":"2025-07-22T21:21:11","slug":"the-fantastic-four-first-steps-first-reviews-this-is-marvel-firing-on-all-cylinders","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/84189\/","title":{"rendered":"The Fantastic Four: First Steps First Reviews: This is Marvel \u201cFiring on All Cylinders\u201d"},"content":{"rendered":"<\/p>\n

The Marvel Cinematic Universe delivers one of its best movies in years, according to the first reviews of The Fantastic Four: First Steps<\/a><\/strong>. The superhero spectacular, which opens this weekend, is completely separate from the rest of the MCU\u2019s 36 films and 28 TV shows, and that\u2019s a big plus for a lot of viewers. The reviews highlight the distinct retro-futuristic aesthetic and family-focused themes of The Fantastic Four. However, there are plenty of complaints about the script and with the ways it handles its villains.<\/p>\n

Here\u2019s what critics are saying about The Fantastic Four: First Steps:<\/p>\n

Has Marvel finally made a great Fantastic Four movie?<\/strong><\/p>\n

\n

After years of false starts and forgettable reboots, Marvel has finally delivered a Fantastic Four that lives up to its name.
\u2014 Nagier Chambers, Big Gold Belt Media<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

\n

The Fantastic Four: First Steps\u00a0finally gives them the movie they deserve.
\u2014 Danielle Solzman, Solzy at the Movies<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

\n

Marvel\u2019s back-to-the-drawing-board The Fantastic Four: First Steps succeeds where earlier attempts have faltered.
\u2014 Peter Debruge, Variety<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

\n

Calling\u00a0First Steps\u00a0the best\u00a0Fantastic Four\u00a0movie yet is accurate and also easy.
\u2014 Liz Shannon Miller, Consequence<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

\n

It\u2019s not saying much, but this is by far the best-directed\u00a0Fantastic Four\u00a0film to date.
\u2014 Giovanni Lago, Next Best Picture<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

\n

Some would argue, myself included, that\u00a0The Incredibles\u00a0remains the best\u00a0Fantastic Four\u00a0movie we\u2019ve ever gotten, and that doesn\u2019t change with the release of Marvel\u2019s\u00a0The Fantastic Four: First Steps.
\u2014 Kristen Lopez, The Film Maven<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

\"Joseph(Photo by Marvel Studios)<\/p>\n

How does it compare to other MCU movies?<\/strong><\/p>\n

\n

First Steps [is]\u00a0one of the more technically polished MCU entries in recent years.
\u2014 Giovanni Lago, Next Best Picture<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

\n

The Fantastic Four: First Steps\u00a0feels polished in a way that not all MCU projects have\u2026 [It] feels like it comes from a Marvel Studios firing on all cylinders.
\u2014 Josh Wilding, ComicBookMovie.com<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

\n

Matt Shakman has done something Marvel Studios doesn\u2019t do very well anymore. He\u2019s made a superhero movie that embraces the \u201csuper\u201d part. And the \u201chero\u201d part. And the \u201cmovie\u201d part.
\u2014 William Bibbiani, TheWrap<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

\n

It\u2019s the best Marvel movie in years, at least since Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3\u2026 [This] mostly shows how low the bar has been set.
\u2014 Joonatan Itkonen, Toisto.net<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

\n

On the whole,\u00a0The Fantastic Four: First Steps\u00a0is the best Marvel movie of the year\u2026 but considering what preceded it, that\u2019s damning with faint praise.
\u2014 Spencer Perry, ComicBook.com<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

\n

It\u2019s another cog in the Marvel machine, albeit a handsome one, running on nostalgia fumes and the hope that \u201cbetter than\u00a0Fan4stic\u201d is still enough.
\u2014 Jon Negroni, InBetweenDrafts<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

Is it another rare must-see in an oversaturated superhero genre?<\/strong><\/p>\n

\n

True to its subtitle, the film feels like a fresh start\u2026 that could be just what it takes to win back audiences suffering from superhero exhaustion.
\u2014 Peter Debruge, Variety<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

\n

Their universe\u2026 sparks a renewed interest in Marvel again.
\u2014 Matt Rodriguez, Shakefire<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

\n

[It\u2019s] one of the world\u2019s greatest comic book movies\u2026 Superman\u00a0soared earlier this summer, but\u00a0The Fantastic Four: First Steps\u00a0is the superhero event of the summer.
\u2014 Josh Wilding, ComicBookMovie.com<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

\"Ebon(Photo by Jay Maidment\/Marvel Studios)<\/p>\n

What makes it stand out?<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n

\n

What truly sets this film apart is its emotional core\u2026 Director\u00a0Matt Shakman, bringing his\u00a0WandaVision\u00a0sensibilities and his background in emotional ensemble drama, was the\u00a0perfect\u00a0choice for this material.
\u2014 Nagier Chambers, Big Gold Belt Media<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

\n

There\u2019s a fresh willingness to prioritize character over the usual barrage of interchangeable CG action sequences that often overwhelm them, instead giving us relatable folks to invest in.
\u2014 David Rooney, The Hollywood Reporter<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

\n

Just on its own merits, it\u2019s a solid comic book adventure that\u2019s not embarrassed by being a comic book adventure \u2014 in fact, it finds real power in its love for its roots.
\u2014 Liz Shannon Miller, Consequence<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

Does it help that this is a relatively standalone MCU movie?<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n

\n

As it takes place in an alternate universe, it\u2019s refreshing to have a film stand on its own and not require dozens of hours of past films and series to understand what\u2019s happening.
\u2014 Matt Rodriguez, Shakefire<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

\n

There\u2019s relief to be had from a Marvel movie in which you needn\u2019t have carefully studied multiple other movies to make sense of what\u2019s happening.
\u2014 Peter Debruge, Variety<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

\n

Important is the decision to make this a legitimate standalone requiring no homework.
\u2014 David Rooney, The Hollywood Reporter<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

\n

This film is self-contained enough that any audience member, familiar or not with this team\u2019s history, could enjoy it and be perfectly satisfied with it as a self-contained, standalone film.
\u2014 Abe Friedtanzer, Awards Buzz<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

\n

Yet once again, Marvel fumbles the delivery in their haste to get ready for the other Next Big Thing\u2026 because of it, this film never gets to be its own thing, and if it were cut down to a 30-minute opening act of Doomsday, I doubt anyone would notice a thing.
\u2014 Joonatan Itkonen, Toisto.net<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

\"H.E.R.B.I.E.(Photo by Marvel Studios)<\/p>\n

Will it remind us of anything else?<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n

\n

Truth be told, First Steps can feel like a live-action The Jetsons at times.
\u2014 Peter Debruge, Variety<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

\n

The period vibe here more directly recalls\u00a0X-Men: First Class.
\u2014 David Rooney, The Hollywood Reporter<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

\n

There\u2019s a very Incredibles vibe to everything, from Kasra Farahani\u2019s gorgeous production design to Incredibles composer Michael Giacchino\u2019s equally earworm-y score.
\u2014 Kristen Lopez, The Film Maven<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

How is the cast?<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n

\n

The actors are so terrific and their chemistry so palpable that the hangout scenes in their fabulous Baxter Building penthouse are some of the movie\u2019s most appealing interludes.
\u2014 David Rooney, The Hollywood Reporter<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

\n

The core Fantastic Four are amazing and deserve multiple movies together.
\u2014 Kristen Lopez, The Film Maven<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

\n

All around, casting is solid.
\u2014 Jeffrey Peterson, Geek Vibes Nation<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

\n

It\u2019s a cast stretched beyond its material.
\u2014 Jon Negroni, InBetweenDrafts<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

Are there any MVPs in the ensemble?<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n

\n

Each cast member shines, but\u00a0Vanessa Kirby\u00a0is the standout. She commands every scene with intelligence, warmth, and power.
\u2014 Nagier Chambers, Big Gold Belt Media<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

\n

Academy Award-nominee Vanessa Kirby gives the strongest performance among the leads, anchoring Sue\u2019s emotional journey through motherhood with conviction.
\u2014 Giovanni Lago, Next Best Picture<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

\n

This movie belongs to Vanessa Kirby\u2026 establishing Sue not only as perhaps the MCU\u2019s best female hero, but one of its most compelling heroes, period.
\u2014 Josh Wilding, ComicBookMovie.com<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

\n

It\u2019s Vanessa Kirby who elevates everyone. Kirby brings a similar vibe as Elizabeth Olsen\u2019s Wanda Maximoff in that she\u2019s extremely intelligent, empathetic, and extremely powerful.
\u2014 Kristen Lopez, The Film Maven<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

\n

Joseph Quinn steals the movie with a performance that\u2019s all combustible charm and chaotic heart.
\u2014 Jon Negroni, InBetweenDrafts<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

\n

If we\u2019re talking non-human cast, though, then the adorable HERBIE is the real stand-out.
\u2014 Ian Sandwell, Digital Spy<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

\"Julia(Photo by Marvel Studios)<\/p>\n

Does the movie avoid the typical villain problem?<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n

\n

The villains in the film are fleshed out just enough\u2026 Their characterization, particularly their innate and allied determination and drive, is a nice touch as opposed to the cliche doppelg\u00e4nger threat comic adaptations usually rely on.
\u2014 Jeffrey Peterson, Geek Vibes Nation<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

\n

Galactus\u00a0is visually stunning and utterly terrifying\u2026 Ralph Ineson\u2019s\u00a0voice performance as Galactus\u00a0is otherworldly\u2014deep, booming, and drenched in menace. You feel every word shake the cosmos.
\u2014 Nagier Chambers, Big Gold Belt Media<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

\n

Ralph Ineson joins the long line of MCU villains whose memorable voice cannot compensate for a generic, underwhelming threat that we\u2019ve seen countless times before.
\u2014 Giovanni Lago, Next Best Picture<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

\n

The film loses a bit of steam in its third act as Galactus finally reaches Earth\u2026 He isn\u2019t as big as I would have liked him to be.
\u2014 Matt Rodriguez, Shakefire<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

\n

And Julia Garner is relegated to the \u201churt people hurt people\u201d narrative we\u2019ve seen Marvel churn out countless times. She\u2019s very reminiscent of Zawe Ashton\u2019s bland villain in\u00a0The Marvels\u00a0or Emma Corrin\u2019s character in\u00a0Deadpool & Wolverine.
\u2014 Kristen Lopez, The Film Maven<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

\n

The main villains, Silver Surfer and Galactus, feel like monsters of the week, who only serve as fodder for the next big adventure.
\u2014 Joonatan Itkonen, Toisto.net<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

How are the VFX?<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n

\n

The CG work is slick as expected but it\u2019s the seamless integration of digital elements with practical set builds that makes\u00a0First Steps\u00a0seem so fully inhabited.
\u2014 David Rooney, The Hollywood Reporter<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

\n

A combination of practical sets and beautiful visual effects combine to create a rich, vibrant world in Earth-828.
\u2014 Josh Wilding, ComicBookMovie.com<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

\n

The commitment to practical effects throughout the film helps here.
\u2014 Jeffrey Peterson, Geek Vibes Nation<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

\n

As visual effects go, it\u2019s hard to top Pascal, who gives the elastic Mr. Fantastic a gravitas missing in previous ensembles.
\u2014 Peter Debruge, Variety<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

\n

If it wasn\u2019t for the sometimes-unconvincing CG on The Thing, whose face lacks definition and often does a disservice to Moss-Bachrach\u2019s cuddly performance, it\u2019d be a top-to-bottom visual spectacle.
\u2014 William Bibbiani, TheWrap<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

\n

There\u2019s some CGI on screen that feels a bit undercooked.
\u2014 Liz Shannon Miller, Consequence<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

\"Pedro(Photo by Jay Maidment\/Marvel Studios)<\/p>\n

How does it look overall?<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n

\n

Visually,\u00a0Fantastic Four: First Steps\u00a0is a\u00a0retro-futuristic feast, dripping with 1960s-inspired style \u2014 think\u00a0Mad Men\u00a0meets\u00a0Tomorrowland\u00a0with a Marvel twist\u2026 Every frame feels like a stylish panel from a Silver Age comic.
\u2014 Nagier Chambers, Big Gold Belt Media<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

\n

Midcentury modern enthusiasts will go nuts for the stunning design elements.
\u2014 David Rooney, The Hollywood Reporter<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

\n

Remember those old school infomercials that showcased the home of the future that looked like something out of\u00a0The Jetsons?\u00a0First Steps\u00a0is that reality, and it looks absolutely gorgeous.
\u2014 Matt Rodriguez, Shakefire<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

\n

Cinematographer Jess Hall\u2019s work varies in quality, sometimes brilliantly supporting the retro world-building, yet at other moments assembling shots that feel jarringly disconnected from the aesthetic the film wants to emulate.
\u2014 Giovanni Lago, Next Best Picture<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

How is the action?<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n

\n

Rather than allowing the action to define the story\u2026 the clashes are fueled by the deep love of the four principal characters for each other and their corresponding urge to keep the people of their world safe.
\u2014 David Rooney, The Hollywood Reporter<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

\n

Don\u2019t worry, there are some great action scenes too.
\u2014 Matt Rodriguez, Shakefire<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

\n

There\u2019s a VFX-heavy final battle, but it\u2019s also packed with heart and emotion, and it turns out that makes all the difference.
\u2014 Josh Wilding, ComicBookMovie.com<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

\n

We\u2019ve\u00a0never\u00a0seen the Fantastic Four fight like this on-screen before. Each battle is choreographed to show off not just abilities, but how they\u00a0complement each other.
\u2014 Nagier Chambers, Big Gold Belt Media<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

\n

The Fantastic Four: First Steps\u00a0isn\u2019t quite action-packed.
\u2014 Jeffrey Peterson, Geek Vibes Nation<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

\"Joseph(Photo by Marvel Studios)<\/p>\n

What about the score?<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n

\n

Michael Giacchino, no stranger to this world, delivers an enthralling score that\u2019s as catchy and exciting as any anthem from this franchise.
\u2014 Abe Friedtanzer, Awards Buzz<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

\n

Michael Giacchino\u2019s epic score (with that choral sting of\u00a0\u201cFantastic Fourrrrrr!\u201d) is perhaps some of the composer\u2019s greatest work to date.
\u2014 Liz Shannon Miller, Consequence<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

\n

This might just be his finest work yet\u2026 every bit as rousing as the Avengers theme and likely destined to be forever associated with this team.
\u2014 Josh Wilding, ComicBookMovie.com<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

\n

Michael Giacchino\u2019s score hits like a meteor in the best way possible. It\u2019s epic, emotional, and elevated\u2014reminding you instantly that this isn\u2019t just another superhero flick.
\u2014 Nagier Chambers, Big Gold Belt Media<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

\n

It\u2019s a theme that feels instantly iconic and perfectly suited for Marvel\u2019s First Family.
\u2014 Danielle Solzman, Solzy at the Movies<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

\n

The sweeping orchestral score by\u00a0Michael Giacchino\u2026 strains to convince us something profound is happening on the actual screen.
\u2014 Jon Negroni, InBetweenDrafts<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

Are there any major problems?<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n

\n

While Matt Shakman\u2019s direction is solid, the screenplay morphs his creative vision into another typical Marvel project that feels rushed and underdeveloped in a multitude of ways.
\u2014 Giovanni Lago, Next Best Picture<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

\n

Most of the issues with the film stem from a chaotic and unfocused script that feels like four movies hastily patched together.
\u2014 Joonatan Itkonen, Toisto.net<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

\n

We don\u2019t actually get treated to that much of the Fantastic Four in action\u2026 In attempting a leaner story, it leaves the movie with not much story at all.
\u2014 Ian Sandwell, Digital Spy<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

\n

The character interactions end up feeling like a checklist, making sure there\u2019s a scene where the individual pairs of the group get the chance to interact.
\u2014 Spencer Perry, ComicBook.com<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

\n

Ultimately, the real issues come down to a lackluster script that comes off like a soulless math equation done by studio note. \u201cFantastic Four Brand\u201d + \u201c60s vibe\u201d + \u201cReddit fan-cast\u201d = money.
\u2014 Jon Negroni, InBetweenDrafts<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

Will it leave us wanting more of this Fantastic Four?<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n

\n

A tag reveals: \u201cThe Fantastic Four will return in\u00a0Avengers: Doomsday.\u201d But here\u2019s hoping this disarming family unit will get to run their own show again.
\u2014 David Rooney, The Hollywood Reporter<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

\n

I want to see more of these characters and their story.
\u2014 Matt Rodriguez, Shakefire<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

\n

That they\u2019ll be back for more is merely a wonderful bonus.
\u2014 Abe Friedtanzer, Awards Buzz<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

The Fantastic Four: First Steps<\/a> opens in theaters on July 25, 2025.<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/p>\n

On an Apple device? Follow Rotten Tomatoes on Apple News<\/a>.<\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"The Marvel Cinematic Universe delivers one of its best movies in years, according to the first reviews of…\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":84190,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[28],"tags":[171,7644,29146,53,57083,67,132,68],"class_list":{"0":"post-84189","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-movies","8":"tag-entertainment","9":"tag-marvel","10":"tag-mcu","11":"tag-movies","12":"tag-superheroes","13":"tag-united-states","14":"tag-unitedstates","15":"tag-us"},"share_on_mastodon":{"url":"https:\/\/pubeurope.com\/@us\/114898985663941468","error":""},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/84189","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=84189"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/84189\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/84190"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=84189"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=84189"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=84189"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}