Item: The Fantastic Four: First Steps
Rating: 5
Author: Alexandria Wyckoff

the fantastic four first steps review — Credit: Marvel Entertainment

For the first time, the Fantastic Four have been introduced into the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

In this parallel Earth, Mister Fantastic, Invisible Woman, Human Torch, and the Thing are solidified protectors of the planet. However, it may not be so easy when they are called to defend the citizens of Earth in their biggest fight yet against the Silver Surfer and Galactus.

Check out our The Fantastic Four: First Steps review below, and remember, spoilers ahead!

The Fantastic Four: First Steps Review – Breaking Down Plot, Setting, Characters

Plot

The Fantastic Four are already established heroes in this world, with their “origin” story set up in a fun infomercial before an episode of The Ted Gilbert Show.

The main plot in the movie is when the Silver Surfer comes to Earth, heralding the imminent destruction of the planet by Galactus. As the planet freaks out, the Fantastic Four head off into space, meeting the planet-consuming being.

This throws the other main plotline surrounding Sue’s unborn child into the mix, as Galactus sees the power the baby has and wants to consume it. The Four deny his request to spare Earth for the child, which results in them barely getting back home alive, with baby Franklin and an angry mob to deal with.

The Four come together and figure out how to defeat Galactus, but unfortunately, Sue pays the ultimate price with her life. However, Franklin reveals just how much power he has when he revives his mother and reunites the Four.

Unlike many of the other Marvel movies, you don’t need to watch any other Marvel film to understand what’s going on. The Fantastic Four will join the main MCU cast in future projects, but this film is a standalone piece too, revealing the power and strength of family coming together.

I love this idea of having a unit that helps each other, and we cannot ignore the theme of a mother doing anything for her child, either. Sue Storm was an incredible character, and pushed Galactus into a portal to save her son, even when it killed her.

Those who enjoy family-centered films or ones that prize moms will enjoy this superhero movie.

Check Out: Avatar: Fire and Ash Trailer Set to Run Before Fantastic Four Film

Setting

There is a fun blend of retro and futuristic elements in the Fantastic Four’s world. Set in 1960 on Earth-828, some pieces look straight from the 60s, such as the cars and advertisements on buildings, while other elements are completely futuristic, like the teleportation device created by Reed or their spaceship.

This blend of the two was eye-catching and entertaining, and I wanted to keep seeing more of this alternate universe. I especially liked the home base of the Fantastic Four and their spaceship.

When it came to space, though, Galactus in his home “base” was insanely cool. Between the rivers of lava feeding into his body to the purple eyes lighting up in the darkness, there was a constant foreboding feeling in my body when watching those scenes.

I would have loved to see more of the details within the ship, but that’s extra details, not necessarily crucial to the plot.

Also Read: 10 Films That Predicted Real-World Events (Before They Happened)

Characters

Of course, the characters were the true shining moments of the entire film. Like I mentioned above, family is everything, and this super-powered family takes that very seriously.

My favorite character by far was Sue Storm, which surprised me a little. I thought I would be more Johnny Storm, but Sue is a powerhouse both fighting and as a mom, protecting her world with grace and quiet strength. Vanessa Kirby did an incredible job playing her character, and I was shedding some tears after her sacrifice. It just reminds me of all the amazing mother figures I have in my own life, which was super nice.

However, I cannot discount Johnny. He was a ladies’ man, but he is also super smart and nerdy, which I think other renditions failed to show. Joseph Quinn did a great job, and I will still always laugh at the “killing the sexy alien” line. My favorite part for Johnny, though, was him deciphering Shalla-Bal’s language and eventually turning her against Galactus. It showed he wasn’t just a pretty face and could be an integral part of the team, too.

I also enjoyed Reed and Ben, and they had some shining moments, too. If there was one thing I would change, it would be giving Johnny, Reed, and Ben some more scenes to showcase their powers.

Check Out: Thunderbolts* Review: A New Group of Unlikely Heroes

Prominent Actors in The Fantastic Four: First Steps

The cast of The Fantastic Four First Steps comprises established and up-and-coming actors who have appeared in numerous hit films and TV series. Check out some of the main stars below:

Pedro Pascal (Reed Richards) – The Last of Us, Gladiator II, Materialists
Vanessa Kirby (Sue Storm) – Napoleon, Mission Impossible: Dead Reckoning Part One, Eden
Joseph Quinn (Johnny Storm) – Stranger Things, Warfare, A Quiet Place: Day One
Ebon Moss-Bachrach (Ben Grimm) – The Bear, The Punisher, Andor
Ralph Ineson (Galactus) – Nosferatu, Guardians of the Galaxy, The First Omen
Julia Garner (Silver Surfer) – Wolf Man, Ozark, Weapons

The Fantastic Four: First Steps Review: Final Thoughts

Overall, I loved this movie. I was immediately sucked into the film and the Fantastic Four family, rooting for their wins and fearing their losses. The world was so detailed and fun to look at in every scene, and I just wanted to sit there for two more hours learning about these four heroes.

The fight scenes between them and Galactus and the Silver Surfer were tense and full of action, and nothing is better than watching a mother protecting her child and pushing an all-powerful being into a portal.

I cannot wait to see the Fantastic Four return in Avengers: Doomsday.