Spoiler-Free Fantastic Four: First Steps Review -- Worth it or Pass?
Marvel has just released their new MCU film “Fantastic Four: First Steps” yesterday. A good Fantastic Four film has been something fans have wanted for a while now.
Did “Fantastic Four: First Steps” meet expectations? Or was it not worth the hype?
I am going to try to keep this review spoiler-free.
As with “Superman” fans seem to be split on this one. Personally, I think it’s a win to have two major character superhero films out at the same time, but a lot of fans aren’t sold on the film, and opinions are divided.
Here is my review of “Fantastic Four: First Steps”
Let me start by saying all five of us who went to see this one liked it a lot. We found things to like about “Superman” too, but it felt a bit too James Gunn in spots. If you are a fan of the Fantastic Four comics, you will likely enjoy this film.
This film did a few of things well.
They give the backstory of the team in a quick and interesting way, so people who aren’t familiar with their origin can catch up, but it isn’t a rehash of stuff we have already seen.
The character dynamics in this work. My husband was an avid F4 reader when he was younger, and he felt this one got them more right than any other iteration he has seen. They feel like a family.
However, he does admit that bar was low.Those behind the film seem to have done their homework on the characters, villains, and stories beforehand. We get nods and references to comic book characters, but it doesn’t feel overstuffed. Movies like “The Eternals” were too character-heavy, and “Fantastic Four: First Steps” does it in a way that is not overwhelming.
Those character are there and you are aware, but they don’t pull from the main cast.The visuals are great, as is the retro-futuristic setting.
Galactus was done well, even if running around a city is a bit weird.
What it could have done better (spoiler-free)
Many wish Marvel had shown Reed Richards (Mister Fantastic) using his powers more. They focus on making sure the audience knows how brilliant he is (which he is), but they didn’t show his powers much. Likely because they wouldn’t translate well without looking lame.
We do get to see his powers, but not that much.The Silver Surfer has some great CGI, but overall, her look is more humanized when compared to the excellent portrayal of Norrin Radd in the 2007 “Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer” film.
Some of the story pushes the suspension of disbelief. This was a given for the comics, but some story elements might make some viewers question the science. Don’t overthink it too much.
Overall, it is worth a viewing on the big screen. Definitely worth it compared to the Galactus popcorn bucket at $80! (It is very big, but $80 is too much for it.)
I would rate it an 8/10 and I might even go 8.5.
Are there end credit scenes?
Yes. There are two. One leads into "Avengers: Doomsday” and end credit scene is a cartoon intro for the imaginary “Fantastic Four” show from the film.
You can honestly skip the last one and get out earlier.
What do you think? Comment and let us know!