Marvel Studios’ The Fantastic Four: First Steps, directed by Matt Shakman, delivers on spectacle and warmth but falls a little short on impact.
The film had its special advance screening on July 22 at SM Megamall’s IMAX Theater, giving Filipino fans an early look at Marvel’s reboot of its iconic superhero family.
Rather than retelling the team’s origin, the film jumps right in—with Reed Richards (Pedro Pascal), Sue Storm (Vanessa Kirby), Johnny Storm (Joseph Quinn), and Ben Grimm (Ebon Moss-Bachrach) already operating as established heroes and global defenders.
Shakman, known for his work on WandaVision, brings a distinct retro-futuristic style to the film, blending modern effects with an aesthetic that feels like a nod to the Silver Age comic era.
Set in an alternate-universe timeline (Earth-828), First Steps leans into that vintage charm, making it visually stand out from recent MCU offerings.
But style alone doesn’t carry the film. For all its polish and heart, the story feels a bit sanitized and predictable at times.
Galactus (voiced by Ralph Ineson), who looms over the plot as its cosmic villain, doesn’t quite live up to his mythic presence. His threat feels muted—more setup than payoff.
One highlight, however, is the introduction of Silver Surfer – Shalla-Bal (Julia Garner), a fresh take on the classic character. Her presence brings a quiet intensity and depth to the film, and her scenes are among the most visually striking.
Another standout is Sue Storm, who’s portrayed with more depth and grit this time around. As a mother, she’s fiercely protective of her son Franklin—you can feel the lengths she’s willing to go for him.
She’s no longer just the quiet one in the background; she takes charge. And for once, her powers get the spotlight, showing just how strong and capable she is—something that past versions didn’t quite pull off.
Where the film does succeed is in capturing the humanity and family dynamic at the core of the Fantastic Four. The chemistry between the characters, particularly between Ben and Johnny, stands out.
Their banter, often reduced to mean-spirited bickering in past versions, is more grounded here—closer to the teasing you’d hear between siblings. It makes the movie feel more grounded and relatable.
That tone sets the stage for a film that’s less about saving the world and more about how a family of heroes learns to move forward together. The message lands. Even when the plot doesn’t hit hard, the characters still resonate.
All in all, The Fantastic Four: First Steps is a decent introduction to Marvel’s first family. It entertains, lays down the groundwork for the team’s role in the MCU’s future, and offers refreshing visuals.
But if Marvel’s goal is to reignite fan excitement in its universe, it may need a little more boldness in the steps to come.
