Say that again
The Fantastic 4: First Steps
Welcome to the family.
Rating
2.5 (3)
Release Date
7/23/2025Runtime
115 minsOverview
Against the vibrant backdrop of a 1960s-inspired, retro-futuristic world, Marvel's First Family is forced to balance their roles as heroes with the strength of their family bond, while defending Earth from a ravenous space god called Galactus and his enigmatic Herald, Silver Surfer.
How It Feels
Read from this film's synopsis, keywords and credits, and used to work out what it sits beside.
A vibrant, affectionate superhero romp that treats its ensemble as a genuine family unit while delivering spectacular cosmic stakes. The film balances humor and spectacle with real warmth between characters.
Mood
JoyfulExhilaratingEpic
Themes
FamilySurvival
Tone
Earnest
Pacing
Brisk
Look
Stylized genreNeon-drenchedWidescreen epic
Structure
Ensemble
Pedro Pascal
Reed Richards / Mr. Fantastic
Vanessa Kirby
Sue Storm / The Invisible Woman
Joseph Quinn
Johnny Storm / Human Torch
Ebon Moss-Bachrach
Ben Grimm / The Thing
Ralph Ineson
Galactus
Julia Garner
Shalla-Bal / Silver Surfer
Paul Walter Hauser
Natasha Lyonne
Sarah Niles
Mark Gatiss
Ted Gilbert
Ada Scott
Franklin Richards
Matthew Wood
H.E.R.B.I.E. (voice)
Reviews
It’s OK.
Still putting the Roger Corman film on top, but this one is pretty good. Need to revisit the previous films to figure out where it really ranks.
I kind of think the casting was a bit off. Didn’t really care for any of them as their characters and I never got the impression that the actors did either. Felt a bit phoned in.
It's a little weird watching an MCU movie that has no references, cameos, or connections to any of the existing ones. I can't even remember the last time that happened. Even movies like the Eternals name-dropped The Avengers at least once.
I was pretty neutral heading into Fantastic Four: First Steps. I've seen the other F4's, and obviously they have never really nailed it. This one is definitely the best. I love the retro-futuristic vibe, and I appreciate that it's not another origin story (despite the name First Steps sort of sounding like it is). It could have used more action, especially more of Mr. Fantastic's powers. He didn't even get that stretchy.
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