Here’s my Fantastic Four: First Steps Review which is now playing in theaters and starring Pedro Pascal, Vanessa Kirby, Joseph Quinn, Ebon Moss Bachrach, Julia Garner and more and directed by Matt Shakman from Marvel Studios!

Marvel Studios has finally brought in the first family in what could be the best Marvel film yet and that is not an exaggeration! Director Matt Shakman managed to distill the essence of the Fantastic Four while doing away with messy continuity AND teasing a bit crossover event in the near future. I did have some doubts about the casting when they announced it a few years ago but boy am I happy that I was wrong about this. Pedro Pascal was able to deliver a believable Reed Richards, the genius leader of the superteam but also a man who is so scared of not knowing what to do which gets doubled the moment he becomes a dad.

Vanessa Kirby had a meatier role here as Sue Storm/ Invisible Woman. They really took the time to show us why she’s the most powerful member of the Fantastic Four. Her take reminds us that while Reed is the leader and the brains of the operation, Sue is the heart and soul of the team. As Sue Storm Richards, she also managed to squeeze a tear from me, particularly in one scene where she’s addressing a worried public.

Joseph Quinn‘s take on the team’s hothead Johnny Storm aka Human Torch was certainly fresh but might also be polarizing for some viewers. Quinn’s Johnny Storm is a smart and capable young man that actually has something to provide with the team, lending his engineering skills in the mix. So the playboy meathead takes a backseat for a sensible adult that’s a bit childish and that’s totally fine. Meanwhile Ebon Moss Bachrach as Ben Grimm aka The Thing was cool if you ask me. This version is level headed and always calm and also provides the voice of reason. Shakman did his best to present Ben as the team’s pilot and that gets showcased throughout the team. He’s also the muscle and that also worked well even going as far as setting up how strong he is.

One of the things I’m really impressed with is how they got the family element right. These weren’t a bunch of guys that were shoved in the situation. They already had a strong bond even before they got hit with cosmic rays. Johnny and Ben were buddies who grew together and are comfortable with each other. I did like that they didn’t go to far with the teasing which has become borderline obnoxious in the older FF films.

The Earth that the FF also work on is Earth 828 and is a universe where the Fantastic Four are the only heroes that exists. It’s also a world that’s very retro-futuristic inspired nearly similar to the vibes of “The Jetsons” minus all the flying cars. I liked the look and feel of this world and kudos to Marvel for really going all out in defining this alternate version of Earth. Also I just found out recently that the reason for it being “828” was because it’s also the birthday of the book’s co-creator, the legendary Jack Kirby who was born August 28, 1917, what an awesome way to pay tribute!

Ralph Ineson as Galactus worked Fantastic both from an acting point of view and from the CGI perspective. You’ll probably heave a little when you first see Galactus’ immensity especially when you see this on an IMAX screen. Everything plucked out of the comics and would probably make Jack Kirby happy in the afterlife. The menacing way Galactus went down on Earth is so good in my opinion.

Meanwhile Shalla Bal aka Silver Surfer played by Julia Garner felt like it needed a lot of workshop. Garner owned the role but the writing was a little weak like if they chucked in a few more moments for the character, that could have been first. Plus the fact that she went MIA at one part of the film was also a bit sad for me. There could have been a lot more that could have been worked in the film but I guess, that can all be swept under the rug especially since they really telegraphed that she’s only a minor character and not the real Silver Surfer aka Norrin Radd.

I have to admit though that there’s this glaring void that I need to address and that is the visible lack of Uatu the Watcher ( whom we have been seeing for the last three seasons of What If). I mean we do have the casting and all that so why skip? There’s also the short run time that could have been used to expand the characters and their reaction to each other like Ben and Reed’s friendship or a scene that could have given us more of the Storm siblings but alas that was all the time we have.

FANTASTIC FOUR: FIRST STEPS REVIEW – 9/10

Overall, Fantastic Four: First Steps felt special. It’s not hammered down by continuity and hits the essence of what Marvel’s First Family is highlighting their dynamics and what makes them work. At the same time, its phenomenal thanks to the proper introduction of the villain Galactus and his herald, the Silver Surfer. The casting was surprisingly good and the visuals were top notch. Also have to commend the production for the awesome musical score. Lastly the film sets up a fantastic new phase of movies for the Marvel Cinematic Universe with that exciting mid-credit scene too.

Special thanks to Marvel PH, Walt Disney PH, SM Cinemas!