The Fantastic Four: First Steps Review

Marvel's first family is returning: With "The Fantastic Four: First Steps", Mr. Fantastic and the others are finally making their way into the MCU. So once again, a reboot is being attempted – after three films featuring the superhero team have already hit the big screen in the last two decades. However, the last attempt in 2015 in particular was a complete flop with most fans and critics. Has Marvel, ten years later, finally found a successful approach to the Fantastic Four? Find out what you can expect from the new blockbuster in our KinoCheck film review.

The Plot

"The Fantastic Four: First Steps" is set in a retro-futuristic world inspired by the 1960s. As the action takes place in an alternative universe of the MCU, none of the characters here have any knowledge of the Marvel heroes we know. At the center, of course, are Reed Richards/Mister Fantastic (Pedro Pascal), Sue Storm/The Invisible One (Vanessa Kirby), Johnny Storm/The Human Torch (Joseph Quinn) and Ben Grimm/The Thing (Ebon Moss-Bachrach).

After overcoming the threats to Earth in recent years with seemingly little difficulty, they are confronted with a major challenge: Galactus, the Devourer of Worlds. He is announced by his harbinger Silver Surfer (Julia Garner). At the same time, Reed Richards and Sue Storm are expecting a baby. Right at the beginning of the movie, the protagonists learn that they are going to become parents.

A New Approach?

So the movie throws us right into the action from the very beginning. An origin story for the Fantastic Four is largely skipped, which is a welcome change. Many will be familiar with their story about their space trip, including cosmic radiation and the resulting superpowers. However, the film takes place at a time when their superpowers have long since made the Fantastic Four world-famous. In recent years, the superheroes have been able to defeat a number of opponents, which is why the group is almost idolized by the world's population. They appear on talk shows, are cheered on the streets and treated like superstars.

The retro-futuristic world is also a refreshing touch. The aesthetics are reminiscent of the popular series "WandaVision". This is no coincidence; both "The Fantastic Four: First Steps" and all episodes of "WandaVision" were directed by Matt Shakman.

The Strengths of the Movie

One of the movie's strengths is its focus on the family theme. Compared to other superhero movies, the group, their bond, and their relationships with one another take more of the spotlight. While the emotional approach doesn't always hit perfectly, it is largely convincing.

The score by Oscar-winner Michael Giacchino, who has already composed the music for the "Spider-Man" films with Tom Holland in the Marvel universe, is just as convincing. The music is catchy, emotional, and stirring. What's more, "First Steps" is also visually impressive. Shakman and his team deserve a compliment here.

Can the Cast Convince?

Many fans were also wondering in advance whether the actors would fit in with the "Fantastic Four" characters. With Pedro Pascal and "Stranger Things" star Joseph Quinn, two internet favorites have been cast. Vanessa Kirby was last seen in the "Mission: Impossible" movies and Ebon Moss-Bachrach might be familiar from "The Bear".

Of the four main actors, Vanessa Kirby stands out in particular. She gets several opportunities to show off her skills in the course of the movie. But the rest of the cast also grow into their roles. The actors are able to benefit from the emotional family theme.

What Is Less Successful?

Unfortunately, one of the movie's weak points is Galactus. While the film proves to be innovative in many areas, this doesn't apply to its antagonist. Galactus may appear imposing, but ultimately, he is a below-average superhero villain lacking in depth. That's a shame, as he already fell far short of expectations in 2007's "Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer". In that movie, the Devourer of Worlds was essentially only teased. In "First Steps", too, the antagonist is only given very little screen time overall – and doesn't make much of an impact with it either.

You can't help but see more potential in the internally torn character of the Silver Surfer. However, this is by no means due to actress Julia Garner, but rather due to the script. After all, unlike Galactus, the Silver Surfer is a character with motivation and facets. Ultimately, the character and her appearance are not a disappointment. However, the character's great potential clearly calls for a deeper exploration of her inner conflicts, emotions, and complex relationship she shares with our heroes.

One could also criticize that, despite its mostly innovative approach, the film is too conventional in certain aspects and plot developments. At times, "First Steps" falls back on typical and predictable story patterns that were not really necessary.

The Fantastic Four in the MCU

We have known for a while now: The Fantastic Four will return in "Avengers: Doomsday"! So on December 16, there will be a reunion with Mr. Fantastic and the other heroes. The characters will also be in the big multiverse finale film "Avengers: Secret Wars".

But how much of the MCU is already in "The Fantastic Four: First Steps"? The answer: very little. The movie largely stands on its own and can easily be enjoyed without any prior MCU knowledge. In general, you don't need much background information going into the movie theater. It might help, however, if you are somewhat familiar with the superhero team's backstory. As mentioned, the heroes' origin story is dealt with quite quickly.

It is not yet certain what will happen to the Fantastic Four after the Avengers films. A potential sequel has not yet been confirmed and could well depend on the performance at the box office. A hit would not be unimportant for Marvel. Overall, the studio's most recent productions have not performed as well financially as they once did.

Is There a Post-Credits Scene?

One final hint before we wrap up: As is customary for an MCU film, there is also something to see during and after the credits. There are two post-credits scenes in total, but we don't want to reveal any details here to avoid spoilers.

Our Verdict

Overall, "The Fantastic Four: First Steps" was thoroughly convincing. The emotional family theme, the score by Giacchino, Vanessa Kirby, and the rather fresh approach are among the movie's strong points. Fans of "WandaVision" and the aforementioned retro aesthetic might also enjoy "First Steps". However, compromises have to be made when it comes to the conventional villain Galactus.

Although the "Fantastic Four" films from 2005 and 2007 also have their charm for many, one can now make the case that "First Steps" is the best "Fantastic Four" movie to date. For us, it's also clear that the MCU, which has been flagging recently, is slowly getting back on track with "Thunderbolts*" and "First Steps". We are curious to see if Marvel can build on this momentum and what the future holds for the "Fantastic Four".