“The Fantastic Four: First Steps” possesses a certain appeal, offering an unusual and visually creative approach to Marvel's established style. Director Matt Shakman transports Marvel’s First Family to a 1960s-inspired futuristic setting, differentiating it from typical summer superhero movies. Shakman creates a world full of vibrant colors, scientists in bubble helmets, and streamlined sci-fi technology that is surprisingly enjoyable, though the pacing feels somewhat slow. Reed Richards (Pedro Pascal) and his wife Sue Storm (Vanessa Kirby) are expecting their first child. They, along with Reed’s brother-in-law Johnny (Joseph Quinn) and best friend Ben (Ebon Moss-Bachrach), anticipate welcoming a new baby into their lives. However, when a mysterious woman known as Silver Surfer (Julia Garner) appears with a serious warning from a cosmic entity called Galactus (Ralph Ineson), Sue and Reed are faced with an impossible decision: relinquish their newborn son to protect Earth or risk the planet's destruction. The premise sounds interesting, but this is also where the film falters. Galactus comes across more as a general threat than a compelling antagonist, his reasons feeling distant and rather unclear. Silver Surfer is a well-developed character with an engaging background, yet the movie doesn’t fully utilize her potential. The Four don’t get bogged down in a detailed origin story either, which works to its advantage; they are already established when we meet them, allowing more focus on their relationships. While some viewers unfamiliar with the comic book characters might miss the traditional backstory, the actors and their chemistry compensate for it. The film emphasizes the “found family” theme with genuine emotion, prioritizing character development over large-scale action sequences. The cast delivers strong performances, which enhances the movie’s overall believability, and the special effects are certainly impressive. A central idea explored is that family extends beyond biology and can be chosen, creating a good balance between being superheroes, parents, and a close-knit unit. Despite its many positive aspects, “The Fantastic Four: First Steps” isn't something I would rush to watch again. I’m not particularly eager to see these characters in future installments, and I actually found the group somewhat dull. While it’s refreshing to see a Marvel film that resists being crammed into an expansive cinematic universe, the movie doesn’t completely avoid the studio’s typical issues.

Source on TMDB