Marvel’s Fantastic Four: First Steps has finally hit theaters, and for fans eager to see Marvel’s First Family embrace their moment in the spotlight, this felt like a significant event. With the reboot’s potential to reshape the Marvel Cinematic Universe, the stakes were sky-high. But the reality is, if expectations alone could make a film successful, we would all be witnessing a cinematic utopia.
While Fantastic Four: First Steps isn’t a bad movie, it does stumble into some of the same traps that have affected Marvel’s recent projects. In this review, we’ll dive deep into what worked, what didn’t, and why Fantastic Four: First Steps might leave you with mixed feelings.
1. The Stellar Cast of Fantastic Four: First Steps
Pedro Pascal is everywhere these days, and while some might feel fatigued, his performance as Reed Richards is a reminder of his unparalleled talent. He brings a quiet authority and genuine warmth that makes his character feel authentically pulled from the comic books. Meanwhile, Vanessa Kirby shines as Sue Storm, delivering a standout moment involving her powers that truly resonates. Ebon Moss-Bachrach’s portrayal of Ben Grimm adds emotional depth, grounding the narrative, while Joseph Quinn as Johnny Storm injects quirkiness and humor, nailing comic relief without overdoing it. Together, this cast is a dynamic force that propels the film forward.
With Ralph Ineson voicing Galactus, a powerful presence is brought to life, and the supporting cast rises to meet that energy. Though the film has its challenges, it’s the cast that keeps it buoyant, infusing the script with depth and personality. Without their performances, Fantastic Four: First Steps might have struggled under its own hype.
2. The Pacing Issue of Fantastic Four: First Steps
When Fantastic Four: First Steps was announced, there was an expectation for a longer runtime, especially for a film introducing such key characters. Clocking in at just 1 hour and 55 minutes, it stands as one of the shortest in the MCU. I initially hoped this meant a tightly woven narrative, but as reports of cut scenes emerged, my optimism started waning.
The result feels rushed. The film never fully engulfs you in its world, feeling more like a summary than a fully realized story arc. The foundation is solid, yet it lacks the depth and texture that could elevate the experience. More time for character development and emotional resonance could have transformed it into something remarkable.
3. Family Dynamics Over Old-School Marvel Magic
Walking into a Marvel movie, especially one aiming to redeem a storied franchise, evokes nostalgia for the magic that made films like Avengers (2012) special. Given that Fantastic Four: First Steps is positioned as a prelude to Avengers: Secret Wars, expectations were understandably elevated. Unfortunately, the film struggles to balance emotional arcs with the necessary stakes.
The first half leans into melodrama, almost resembling a high-budget soap opera, and just as it finds its footing in the second half—combining emotion with action—it wraps up before it can fully take off. The imbalance between emotional weight and action leads to a somewhat incomplete feeling, which is a disappointment considering the stakes involved.
4. Is Fantastic Four: First Steps an Improvement Over Previous Films?
If you’re worried about this new iteration of Fantastic Four spiraling into the chaos of previous adaptations, rest assured: Fantastic Four: First Steps is a significant improvement across the board. Despite its flaws, this film offers a considerable upgrade from past attempts, bringing a fresh take on the team with respect and depth they’ve been long denied.
5. Should You Watch Fantastic Four: First Steps?
After reading this review, you might assume I’m going to tell you to pass, but that’s not the case. If you’re a Marvel aficionado, I still recommend checking it out in theaters. The cast’s performances alone are worth the price of admission, and while the story feels slightly stunted, it still has its moments worth celebrating.
In conclusion, while it could have been a game-changer with more room to grow, Fantastic Four: First Steps is still a solid step in the right direction for Marvel’s First Family. So grab your tickets while they last, and prepare for a few cheering moments along the way.
Looking for more content like this? Check out Moyens I/O for insightful articles and reviews.