The Fantastic Four: First Steps (2025): The Review

Overview

The Fantastic Four: First Steps is a stellar introduction to Marvel's first family, with strong performances, particularly from Vanessa Kirby and Joseph Quinn, and a tone that balances the heart and spectacle that the F4 are known for. Galactus but most particularly, the Silver Surfer are terrific villains that more than do justice to their comic counterparts, even if we wish we saw more of them. This is a bright star in Marvel's post-Endgame phase, proving that the two movies released after Marvel's creative overhaul might bode well for what the future at Marvel might give us.

Score: 9 out of 10

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The Positives ✅

The Fantastic Four: First Steps kicks off Marvel’s newest era with a stylish, self-assured swing. Its retro-futuristic vibe oozes personality, from sleek, neon-lit labs to a ‘60s-tinged New York City, the visual world feels both fresh and nostalgic. The cast chemistry is on point, with Pedro Pascal bringing a calm intensity to Reed, while Vanessa Kirby anchors the film with a grounded, emotionally layered take on Sue Storm. Add in Johnny and Ben’s witty banter and you’ve got a first family that finally feels lived-in and lovable. The visual effects hit hard, especially when cosmic forces like the Silver Surfer and Galactus enter the frame. And the score? Pure Giacchino magic, blending sweeping orchestration with vintage synth to give the movie its own rhythm.

The pacing is also a welcome surprise. At under two hours, the film skips the usual origin story trappings and drops us straight into the action, making room for smaller character moments and a focused central narrative. There’s an emotional core tied to Sue’s pregnancy and the team’s uncertain future that adds stakes without veering too melodramatic. And while it clearly sets up what’s next, this still feels like a complete, standalone adventure, not just another MCU placeholder.

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The Negatives ⚠️

As slick as it looks and as charismatic as the cast is, First Steps doesn’t always go deep enough where it matters. The emotional stakes are there, but they’re often rushed, especially when it comes to the decisions surrounding Sue and Reed’s child, which are introduced with weight but resolved too quickly. The supporting villains fall short, with Galactus reduced to a visual presence more than a real threat, and the Surfer, while striking, deserves more complexity and screen time.

Tonally, the film stumbles a bit. The fun, breezy energy of the opening half gives way to a darker, more somber second act, and the shift doesn’t always feel earned. There’s also a sense that Johnny and Ben are underserved, their arcs thinner than they should be in a team-focused movie. And while the worldbuilding looks rich, the movie doesn’t take time to explore it. Ultimately, this feels like a confident first draft, a gorgeous, compelling kickoff that’s more setup than substance.