The Fantastic Four: First Steps Spoiler-Free Review

We got the chance to see an early screening of The Fantastic Four: First Steps. Here’s what the BTG Lifestyle team had to say.

DEANO’S REVIEW

Marvel’s Fantastic Four is a bold and stylish reimagining that leans into the team’s core identity, not just as superheroes, but as a family. Matt Shakman sets the tone with a visually striking retro-futuristic world that feels distinct from the rest of the MCU, giving this reboot a strong sense of individuality.

Performance-wise, Vanessa Kirby is the standout as Sue Storm, grounding the film with a calm, emotional intensity. Ebon Moss-Bachrach brings surprising depth to The Thing, fully embodying Ben Grimm’s empathy and inner conflict. Julia Garner delivers a layered and enigmatic Silver Surfer (Shalla-Bal), while Ralph Ineson’s deep, thunderous voice lends Galactus the ominous presence he deserves. Even Mr. Fantastic’s often-awkward stretching powers are handled with more restraint and creativity this time around.

The emotional core lies in Sue and Reed’s arcs, which are thoughtfully fleshed out. Unfortunately, Johnny Storm’s characterisation is a bit muddled. The film attempts to show his arrogance, charm, and selfishness, but none of it lands with real clarity or consistency.

The first act spends a lot of time world-building, and while that slows the pacing slightly, it’s ultimately rewarding. The idea of the Fantastic Four as celebrated public figures adds an interesting dynamic, making their eventual moral dilemma more impactful. While not perfect, Fantastic Four is a strong step forward for Marvel’s First Family. It blends emotional storytelling with impressive visuals, and more importantly, reintroduces the team with heart, flair, and a welcome sense of wonder.

Rating: 7/10

CINEMAN’S REVIEW

Marvel’s latest reboot of Fantastic Four feels less like a bold reimagining and more like a calculated retreat. With a stacked cast, including the ever-popular Pedro Pascal (who may be overexposed, but always brings something interesting to his roles), Vanessa Kirby, Ebon Moss-Bachrach, and Joseph Quinn, the film had the potential to be something fresh. Instead, it settles for being paint-by-numbers Marvel: polished, predictable, and oddly risk-averse.

The narrative leans heavily on Reed Richards (Pascal) and Sue Storm (Kirby), offering them solid character arcs that ground the story emotionally in their relationship and their journey into parenthood. Their chemistry adds texture, and their internal conflicts give the film some needed heart. Ben Grimm (Moss-Bachrach) is a wholesome, warm presence, often the emotional glue, but isn’t given nearly enough of an arc and time to deepen his journey. Johnny Storm (Quinn), meanwhile, is perhaps the biggest casualty: despite a clear effort to give him flashy set-pieces and a connection to another key character (no spoilers), he ends up feeling more flat and lacking in the charisma we expect from this character.

Where the film does shine is in its cosmic scale. Ralph Ineson’s Galactus is a formidible, mythic force, and Julia Garner brings a cold, stoic elegance to the Silver Surfer, both executed with surprising reverence and weight. It’s here, in these larger-than-life moments, that the movie briefly breaks free and embraces the scale and stakes of a cosmic battle.

But ultimately, this version of Fantastic Four feels like a franchise hedging its bets. Marvel, still reeling from its recent misfires, seems desperate to regain goodwill by playing it painfully safe. In contrast to the daring and emotional depth of James Gunn’s Superman (which is a natural comparison as they have both recently released), this film feels hollow; lots of spectacle, very little soul. A competent yet cautious reboot that never quite ignites.

Rating: 6/10

Watch The Trailer for Fantastic Four: First Steps Now

The Team Average Rating: 6.5/10

Follow BTG Lifestyle on Twitter @btglifestyle and LIKE us on Facebook. Subscribe to the BTG Lifestyle movie blog for updates, and email us at info [at] btglifestyle.com if you have feedback, or would like to collaborate with us.