*SPOILER FREE*
The new release of Fantastic 4: First Steps marks a much-needed return to form for the series. I can safely say the MCU finally delivered a banger with this latest installment. Beloved characters are reintroduced in a fresh way, with actors who do a solid job capturing the essence of their comic book counterparts. It’s all wrapped in a retro-futuristic aesthetic that somehow tricks my brain into feeling nostalgic.
Before this, the Fantastic 4 franchise had been rebooted to hell and back—starting with the original (but rarely seen) 1994 film, the 2005 version from 20th Century Fox, its sequel, and the infamous 2015 reboot we all try to forget. And let’s be honest, the MCU itself has felt a little lost since Avengers: Endgame wrapped up the Infinity Saga. A lot of what’s followed has been hit or miss.
First Steps was a fun, genuinely enjoyable ride that left me excited as a fan and curious about where the franchise will go next. The colors were vibrant and easy on the eyes, the cinematography gave us some killer shots during action scenes, the heroes felt powerful and engaging to watch, and the story moved at a comfortable pace. (Also, I got little dopamine hits every time The Thing showed up—I think he’s great.)
That said, I did have a few gripes. Like many recent MCU entries, CGI overload was an issue. Some scenes had characters or objects looking oddly plasticky or just off. It wasn’t enough to ruin the experience, but it occasionally pulled me out of the moment. That’s kind of the price we pay with how these movies are made now—practical effects have taken a backseat. Still, credit where it’s due: they did a solid job selling the believability of the team’s mutations. My immersion may have wobbled here and there, but my enjoyment stayed intact.
Outside the movie, Fantastic 4 has been doing surprisingly well in other media too. Reed Richards, Ben Grimm, Sue, and Johnny Storm were added to Marvel Rivals earlier this year, and they’ve become some of the most played characters since the January and February updates. The Thing and Invisible Woman even rank in the top 10 most-used heroes right now.
As someone who loved the MCU during its peak, I think First Steps really delivers on quality. The story is compelling, the stakes feel real, and the villain brings a legitimate threat. The plot forces some tough decisions in the name of protecting Earth, and those decisions come with consequences. It’s not just a spectacle—it has weight. Along with that. It’s probably fair to say that this story borrows many elements from Disney’s other family-centered superhero story, The Incredibles, but we can move on.
I won’t lie, I still carry some nostalgia for the old Fox-Verse films. During First Steps, I found myself missing the campy charm of seeing Johnny heat up popcorn with his hands or Reed using his stretch powers to dance. The older movies leaned more into the fun, everyday uses of their abilities. This film’s applications weren’t bad, just a little more grounded.
In the end, Fantastic 4: First Steps is an entertaining ride that fits nicely into the MCU and finally gives these heroes the win they’ve been waiting for. It’s a strong step in the right direction.
Screen Falcon 