Fantastic Four: First Steps Review

 

I’m not a huge fan of the Fantastic Four franchise, but I was—and still am—a fan of Chris Evans’ portrayal of Johnny Storm. To be fair, I’m a fan of Chris Evans in whatever he portrays. He could play a sentient toaster and I’d still root for him.

Evans has since passed the torch to Joseph Quinn, who keeps that charismatic frat-boy glow but adds a layer of introspection that almost makes Johnny feel like the emotionally intelligent younger brother who talks trash but also brings you soup when you’re sick. It’s flame meets feelings, and honestly, it works.

Set in a retro-futuristic 1960s, Fantastic Four: First Steps introduces the team already established on Earth-828—because apparently, multiverse coordinates are the new storytelling flavor. Pedro Pascal gives us Reed Richards, aka Mister Fantastic, who stretches physically and emotionally… but mostly physically. Vanessa Kirby plays Sue Storm, the Invisible Woman, visibly pregnant and invisibly making "Are you serious?" decisions—like leaving for a galactic mission two weeks before giving birth. Is maternity leave not a thing in the Marvel universe?

Ebon Moss-Bachrach makes Ben Grimm (The Thing) rough around the edges but endearing enough that you want to give him a hug… if it wouldn’t shatter every bone in your body. Julia Garner takes the crown as Shalla-Bal, the Silver Surfer—a smooth cosmic powerhouse who’s all about survival and zero about sugarcoating. She stands out, stands her ground, and stands on business.

Plot-wise, it’s Marvel déjà vu: a god-like villain threatens Earth, heroes scramble to stop said villain, and mid-chaos, Sue gives birth to Franklin—whose unborn powers catch Galactus’ attention like cosmic candy. After a narrow escape, humanity predictably panics and suggests handing over a newborn to maybe prevent planetary annihilation. Parenting advice from strangers? Hard pass.

Visually, the movie serves retro-glam meets sci-fi cool. Costumes snap, the tech fits the '60s vibe, and the final battle doesn’t skimp on the drama. Franklin’s reveal adds spark to the finale, leaving us teetering on the edge of a crossover cliff.

Bottom line? It’s watchable, occasionally witty, and builds up hype for the Avengers/Fantastic Four crossover. Because let’s be real—Marvel is the cinematic version of reality TV with superpowers, and I’m here for every last chaotic moment.

I give this movie 3 out of 5 acorns.