Unlike many of the superhero flicks that came out in the mid 2000s, I wasn’t at all familiar with the true nature of the Fantastic Four. Other than shaky memories of old cartoons I saw on TV, the 2005 film was basically my first introduction to their origin story. 

It wasn’t until years later that I learned just how much of a disservice it had done to their general characterizations. Don’t get me wrong. Those two films have a special place in my heart (mostly because of Jessica Alba). But the MCU’s latest – The Fantastic Four: First Steps – absolutely hit the nail on the head. 

Instead of just caricatures or stereotypes with lines, the film does a lot to show us who Reed Richards, Sue Storm, Ben Grimm, and Johnny Storm are as people. We’re shown how they feel, what burdens them, and why they do what they do. 

Mathematical. Ethical. Available.

(L-R) Pedro Pascal as Reed Richards/Mister Fantastic and Vanessa Kirby as Sue Storm/Invisible Woman.

These were lines uttered by Reed (Pedro Pascal) and repeated by Sue (Vanessa Kirby) as they debated over the central conflict of the film. This scene stuck out the most to me because it perfectly characterized Reed and Sue. 

I really can’t be too specific here but this scene was the perfect encapsulation of Reed Richards. He is a man “cursed with knowledge” but was at a complete loss on how to deal with their predicament. 

Mild spoiler but this was shown in some late trailers: when Reed responded “I don’t know” to a reporter, that said a lot. Smartest man in the universe, and that was all he could muster. 

Sue, meanwhile, shines as both the moral compass and emotional anchor of the team…err, the family. This film gives her strength and agency that the previous iterations simply failed to do. 

Pascal and Kirby’s Reed and Sue are the best on-screen versions of the characters. Full stop. 

Ben and Johnny

Ebon Moss-Bachrach as Ben Grimm/The Thing.

Ben Grimm (Ebon Moss-Bachrach) was absolutely charming in this film. He was always bright and cheerful in a way that’s super endearing. 

He is, of course, still tortured by the same “thing” that previous versions of this character were. But here, it was handled very subtly. He was shown to be a dependable pillar without being imposing. 

Joseph Quinn as Johnny Storm/Human Torch

Johnny Storm also feels right. Still played to be a ladies’ man, Joseph Quinn’s Johnny is more boy-next-door playful rather than Chris Evans’ matinee idol asshole. 

He also gets to show off sides of himself that add more layers to the character. Certainly much more than what we’ve seen before.

More than their powers

Joseph Quinn as Johnny Storm/Human Torch.

The Fantastic Four: First Steps does a fantastic job of showing us that these aren’t just Mr. Fantastic, The Invisible Woman, The Thing, and The Human Torch. They are Reed, Sue, Ben, and Johnny. 

They’re explorers before they’re superheroes, and humans before they’re public figures. And they do what they do to protect and preserve their family (you know the meme).

Galactus and The Herald 

Scene still from 20th Century Studios/Marvel Studios’ THE FANTASTIC FOUR: FIRST STEPS.

First of all, I’m just glad we finally got a proper Galactus and not just some space clouds. In this film, the Planet-devouring entity was colossal, overwhelming, and for all intents and purposes, a force that precedes nature itself.

Galactus was as unstoppable and imposing as he needed to be. I’m personally enthused that Ralph Ineson was cast for this role. I first learned of him in Final Fantasy 16 where he played Cid. Just loved his voice so much and knew it would be perfect for Galactus. 

Julia Garner as Shalla-Bal/Silver Surfer.

The choice to go with a female Silver Surfer worked out for this particular story. She had plenty of moments with Johnny that culminated in a scene where both characters got to shine.

Should you watch The Fantastic Four: First Steps?

The Fantastic Four: First Steps is a film that finally gets Marvel’s first family right. The audience is primed to appreciate the characters for who they are, not just because they gained powers. 

The film’s central conflict is a moral dilemma — one that’s been asked hypothetically in media, during post-night-out chats, drunken sleepovers, and the like. It’s not a new question but one that’s tackled here sincerely without being preachy. 

I haven’t even talked about how gorgeous retro-future New York looks! 

As an MCU film, this one barely requires any homework from previous films in the franchise. As a standalone film, it has a good balance of deep character moments, lighthearted banter, and superhero spectacle.

Overall, this is an easy Swipe Right. It’s heartfelt, heroic, and finally gives Marvel’s first family the spotlight they deserve.