The social media embargo for Marvel’s highly anticipated Fantastic Four: First Steps just lifted ahead of schedule, and the early reactions are nothing short of spectacular. Industry insiders, critics, and fans who attended early screenings are calling this film a triumphant return to form for the MCU, with many declaring it the definitive adaptation of Marvel’s first family.
What Are Critics Saying About Fantastic Four First Steps?
The consensus is clear: Fantastic Four First Steps delivers on every level. From test screenings to the recent industry previews, the response has been unanimously positive across the board.
DX Entertainment proclaimed the film “a masterpiece,” highlighting that “the visual effects and the score are a huge standout. Galactus is huge in IMAX. It’s emotional and gives you hope. It beats you off and doesn’t stop. Stay until the end credit scenes.”
The film’s retrofuturistic 1960s aesthetic has become a standout element that reviewers consistently praise. This unique visual approach sets the movie apart from previous MCU entries while staying true to the comic book origins.
How Good Are the Cast Performances in Fantastic Four?
Vanessa Kirby as Sue Storm emerges as the unanimous standout performance. Multiple reviewers specifically called her the “heart and soul” of the movie, with many describing her portrayal as perfect.
Pedro Pascal Nails Reed Richards
Pedro Pascal’s interpretation of Reed Richards has impressed even skeptical viewers. Critics note that he perfectly captures Reed’s “stoicism and dashing brilliance,” bringing both intellectual gravitas and emotional depth to the character.
The Family Dynamic Actually Works
Unlike previous attempts at bringing the Fantastic Four to screen, this version successfully captures the family relationships that make these characters special. Andrew J. Salazar from Discussing Films emphasized that “each member of the team is equally important. No one is underserved. The movie excels when fleshing out the various bonds between Pedro, Vanessa, Ebon, and Joseph.”
Is Galactus as Impressive as We Hoped?
Galactus absolutely delivers as a cosmic threat. Multiple reviewers specifically mentioned experiencing Ralph Ineson’s Galactus voice “vibrating in your bones” during IMAX screenings. The character provides genuine stakes to the story, with his presence felt even when he’s not on screen.
The Silver Surfer also receives high praise, with critics calling the character “perfection” and noting the exceptional visual effects work.
What About the Visual Effects and Production Design?
This might be Marvel’s most visually stunning film to date. The retrofuturistic world that director Matt Shakman created has left critics in awe. Brandon Davis from Phase Hero described parts of the film as feeling “like Interstellar” and demanding to be seen in IMAX.
The miniature work and cosmic sequences have received particular acclaim, with many noting that the space-based action sequences are where the film truly shines. The 1960s retrofuturistic production design serves as both a visual treat and a smart way to differentiate this Fantastic Four from previous adaptations.
How Does Michael Giacchino’s Score Enhance the Experience?
Michael Giacchino’s score is being hailed as instantly memorable and triumphant. Critics are calling it easily his best work in the MCU, with the music serving as one of the film’s major standout elements alongside the visual effects.
Are There Any Criticisms of Fantastic Four First Steps?
While the overwhelming response is positive, some critics noted minor areas for improvement:
Story Structure Concerns
A few reviewers mentioned that while the family dynamics work beautifully, the overall plot can feel “a bit too nonsensical” with some scenes appearing cut for time. Brandon Davis noted that while he liked the film, “story didn’t hook me as I’d hoped,” though he praised the family beats and action sequences.
CGI Baby Issues
Multiple critics mentioned rough CGI work specifically with baby scenes, comparing it to similar issues in the recent Superman film. However, most indicated this didn’t significantly detract from the overall experience.
Familiar Themes
Some reviewers noted that the focus on family themes can feel “a bit overdone at this point in the MCU,” though they acknowledged the cast’s strong performances help elevate these familiar elements.
Why This Feels Like a Return to Form for Marvel
The film represents a significant course correction for the MCU. Critics consistently describe Fantastic Four: First Steps as a return to what made Marvel movies special in the first place. The movie reportedly takes a more serious tone than recent MCU entries, with fewer comedic beats breaking up dramatic tension.
Matt Neglia observed that this creates “an intriguing and satisfying first step for Marvel’s new team” and “easily the best depiction of this quartet on screen to date as the MCU continues to regain control of the ship and steer it closer to Doomsday.”
What Makes This Different from Previous Fantastic Four Movies?
This adaptation succeeds where others failed by truly understanding the source material. Chris Killian from ComicBook.com noted that “more than any Marvel movie before it, Fantastic Four feels like Jack Kirby’s imagination brought to life on the big screen.”
The film’s approach to the characters as a genuine family unit, rather than just a superhero team, appears to be the key differentiator. Critics repeatedly emphasize how the relationships between Reed, Sue, Johnny, and Ben feel authentic and emotionally resonant.
Should You See Fantastic Four First Steps in IMAX?
Absolutely yes. Multiple critics specifically recommend the IMAX experience, particularly for the cosmic sequences and to fully experience Galactus. The film’s visual spectacle and Michael Giacchino’s score are designed to take full advantage of the premium format.
Brian Long noted that “the opening minutes blew my socks off in IMAX,” while others emphasized that parts of the film “demand IMAX” viewing.
What Does This Mean for the Future of the MCU?
The overwhelmingly positive response suggests that Marvel has successfully reintroduced one of their most important superhero teams. Critics are already expressing excitement about seeing where these characters go next, with several noting that if these are the team’s “first steps,” they’re eager to see what comes next.
The film’s success also bodes well for the broader MCU, particularly as it builds toward upcoming Doomsday storylines. Having a properly established and beloved Fantastic Four team provides Marvel with crucial foundational characters for their cosmic and multiversal narratives.
Bottom Line: Is Fantastic Four First Steps Worth the Hype?
Based on early reactions, Fantastic Four: First Steps delivers everything fans hoped for and more. The film successfully balances spectacular visual effects, strong character development, authentic family dynamics, and cosmic-scale storytelling.
While not perfect, the movie represents exactly what the MCU needed: a return to character-driven storytelling with genuine emotional stakes. For longtime Fantastic Four fans who have waited years for a proper adaptation, this appears to be the definitive version of Marvel’s first family.
The film hits theaters July 25th, and based on these early reactions, it’s shaping up to be one of Marvel’s biggest wins in recent years.
