THE FANTASTIC FOUR: FIRST STEPS (2025)

Genre: Action/Adventure
Director: Matt Shakman
Cast: Pedro Pascal, Vanessa Kirby, Ebon Moss-Bachrach, Joseph Quinn, Ralph Ineson, Julia Garner, Natasha Lyonne, Paul Walter Hauser, Sarah Niles, Mark Gatiss
Runtime: 1 hr 55 mins
Rating: PG (Some Intense Sequences)
Released By: Walt Disney
Official Website: 

Opening Day: 24 July 2025

Synopsis: Set against the vibrant backdrop of a 1960s - inspired, retro - futuristic world , Marvel Studios’ “The Fantastic Four: First Steps” introduces Marvel’s First Family — Reed Richards / Mister Fantastic (Pedro Pascal), Sue Storm /Invisible Woman (Vanessa Kirby), Ben Grimm /The Thing (Ebon Moss - Bachrach) and Johnny Storm /Human Torch (Joseph Quinn) as they face their most daunting challenge yet. Forced to balance their roles as heroes with the strength of their family bond, t hey must defend Earth from a ravenous space god called Galactus (Ralph Ineson) and his enigmatic Herald, Silver Surfer (Julia Garner). And if Galactus’ plan to devour the entire planet and everyone on it weren’t bad enough, it suddenly gets very personal.

Movie Review:

Who’s still keeping count of how many movies there are in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU)? With over three dozen entries, even die-hard fans might’ve lost track — especially as the sheer volume seems to have come at the expense of quality over the years. And honestly, who even knows which Phase we’re in anymore?

For the record: the 37th MCU film kicks off Phase Six of the Multiverse Saga — if that still means anything to anyone. What does matter is this: the latest reboot of the Fantastic Four franchise delivers. It’s a solid blockbuster that balances action, emotional weight and heart. Most importantly, it lives up to what the trailers promised — a story rooted in family, with just the right touch of summer spectacle.

Director Matt Shakman wisely skips the usual draggy origin story and drops us straight into the action. When we first meet Marvel’s First Family, the Fantastic Four are already established heroes living on Earth-828. Through clever storytelling, we quickly learn how Reed Richards, Sue Storm, Ben Grimm, and Johnny Storm gained their powers during a space mission exposed to cosmic rays — transforming them into Mr Fantastic, Invisible Woman, The Thing and the Human Torch. They've since become beloved figures, having saved the day countless times with their unique abilities and unbreakable bond.

So what’s the deal this time? Reed and Sue are finally expecting a child after years of trying — but their joy comes with a side of cosmic anxiety. Will their baby be fully human, or inherit unpredictable superpowers from parents who’ve been bathed in cosmic radiation? Before they can calm their emotions, trouble arrives — in the form of the Silver Surfer, the sleek and brooding herald of Galactus, a planet-sized being with a very specific craving: Earth.

Over 115 minutes, we’re taken on a high-stakes thrill ride as the Fantastic Four juggle world-ending threats, clash with cosmic villains, and still try to hold their family together. It’s superpowered chaos, heartwarming moments, and a reminder that even saving the world doesn’t get you out of family drama.

Best known for directing the MCU miniseries WandaVision, Matt Shakman brings his signature flair to Fantastic Four, crafting a vivid and immersive version of Earth-828. The world is infused with a charming retro-futuristic aesthetic — think vintage sci-fi meets modern Marvel — full of sleek tech, nostalgic design touches, and bold colours that pop on screen. It’s an absolute visual treat.

Compared to earlier Fantastic Four films — which often fumbled with inconsistent tone, veering too far into camp or gloom — this reboot finds its sweet spot with a confident blend of heart, humour, and spectacle. It feels fresh, polished, and fully realised — a universe that welcomes you in rather than one you’re simply dropped into. And we can’t go without mentioning Michael Giacchino’s delightful score, anchored by an infectious jingle that’ll have you humming “Fantastic Four” long after the credits roll.

The ensemble cast shines just as brightly. Pedro Pascal is effortlessly charismatic as Mr Fantastic, channelling warm, grounded family-man energy with just the right amount of gravitas. Vanessa Kirby anchors the emotional core of the film as Sue Storm — a mother fiercely protective and quietly powerful. Ebon Moss-Bachrach leaves a surprising emotional imprint behind the layers of CGI as Ben Grimm, while Joseph Quinn’s rebellious, cocky Human Torch is sure to ignite some hearts along the way. Elsewhere, Julia Garner brings an enigmatic allure to the Silver Surfer, and Ralph Ineson delivers an imposing performance as Galactus, a villain who quite literally devours worlds.

This Fantastic Four may be the third attempt at bringing Marvel’s first family to the big screen — but third time’s the charm. With its heartfelt storytelling, energetic pacing, and a clear sense of purpose, it’s not just a great superhero movie — it’s a great time at the movies.

Movie Rating:

(Back in top form, the Fantastic Four bring all the best vibes from Marvel’s first family — and we can’t wait to see where their story goes next in Avengers: Doomsday next year)

Review by John Li