Fantastic Four: First Steps Review – MCU’s Most Comic-Accurate Film Yet?

Fantastic Four: First Steps – A New Era of Marvel Begins

Fantastic Four: First Steps marks not only the beginning of Marvel's most iconic team in the MCU but also sets the stage for the grand conclusion of the multiverse saga—leading directly to Avengers: Doomsday and Secret Wars.

Now, I don’t need to tell you just how high the stakes were for this movie. Fans have been waiting for a proper Fantastic Four adaptation, and Marvel couldn’t afford to mess it up. But what’s the film really like?

Let’s talk about the movie.

A Spoiler-Free Synopsis

What we’ve seen in the trailers gives us a light idea: Sue, Johnny, Ben, and Reed form the Fantastic Four team. But this version exists on Earth-828, a retro-futuristic alternate universe that blends the vibe of the 1950s-60s with advanced tech — very similar to the TVA setting in Loki.

In this world, the Fantastic Four are the only superheroes, the sole protectors of Earth. So when the cosmic planet-eater Galactus arrives, the stakes shoot through the roof. Why is Galactus here? What does he want from the Fantastic Four? And how will they stop him? Well, you’ll have to watch the movie to find out.

Direction & Vibe: Classic Meets Modern

Directed by Matt Shakman, who also gave us Wanda Vision, the film carries his signature flair. If you're familiar with his work, you'll notice similar patterns here. One of the highlights is the nostalgic background score — it echoes the 60s-70s Fantastic Four cartoon themes, recreated beautifully.

There’s also a strong sense of family. The Four already have their powers when the movie begins. They're not strangers forced to team up — they’re already close, well-established in their world. Through subtle interactions and conversations, the film effectively showcases the deep bond between them. Especially the banter between Johnny and Ben — it’s exactly the kind of playful friction fans remember from older films and comics. And then there’s Reed and Susan — already married, fully in sync. When life throws a turning point at them, the way they support each other feels genuine and heartfelt.

Fast-Paced but Focused

The first half of the movie moves at lightning speed. The movie wastes no time in getting to the point. We're shown the Fantastic Four in action, facing villains, and quickly jumping into a new cosmic threat. Before you know it, they’re headed to space. And honestly, I loved that the movie doesn’t dwell too much on what was already shown in trailers. If you were worried about the movie being spoiled — don’t be. Many trailer shots aren’t even in the film, or they appear from different angles. The third act in particular is kept tightly under wraps.

Comic Book Accuracy & Aesthetic

From the costumes to the character dynamics, the film stays impressively close to the comics. There’s a true comic book feel — not just in writing, but in visuals and chemistry. And since the film is set in another universe, the whole aesthetic feels fresh and different from the typical MCU formula. The color grading, the set design, even the way scenes are shot — it almost doesn’t feel like an MCU movie, in a good way.

What Didn't Work So Well

But let’s be real — no movie is perfect. While the characters have strong chemistry, the fast pace means they don’t always get enough time to shine individually. For example, Silver Surfer (played by Shalawal) feels more like a plot device than a fully fleshed-out character. There's some backstory, but it lacks impact.

Also, while the CGI and VFX are mostly great, there are a few inconsistent moments. Especially Franklin’s CGI — it reminded me a bit of the uncanny child effects from The Flash movie. It just felt out of place.

Then there's the limited use of powers. Sue gets to show off quite a bit, and Johnny brings the fire (literally). But Ben and Reed? Their powers feel underused. Reed’s elasticity especially isn’t showcased much — almost like the film was holding back.

Emotional Stakes & Humanity

What stood out to me most was how seriously the film takes its stakes. By the third act, you genuinely start to worry — “What if they fail?” The film dives into the theme of humanity — how powerless the people of this world are, and what it means when even their only protectors look like they might lose.

There’s a brief but powerful segment where the people start turning on the Fantastic Four. It’s short, but meaningful. It reminds you what these characters are fighting for.

Galactus Done Right

Let’s talk about Galactus — he’s a massive step up from what we saw in previous versions (yes, that cloud!). This Galactus feels menacing and god-like. I just wish he had a slightly rougher, more primal finish — but no spoilers here!

And yes, the stakes feel real. Galactus is terrifying, and his arrival feels truly apocalyptic.

Final Thoughts & Post-Credit Scenes

Overall, Fantastic Four: First Steps was a great experience for me. I enjoyed it thoroughly. But here’s a little advice — manage your expectations. I went in more hyped for Superman this month, but once I adjusted my excitement level, I ended up loving this more than I expected.

There are two post-credit scenes:

Enjoy this movie with family and have a lot of fun guys !!