Jacked In Reviews ‘The Fantastic Four: First Steps’ (2025)

A spotlight illuminates 60s-esque show host, Ted Gilbert (Mark Gatus), who proceeds to bring us up to speed on the world’s (well, Earth 828 that is) favourite explorers who went through a transformation – after an astronautic expedition – and have since been taking their First Steps as The Fantastic Four.

Story-wise, it is very akin to that of a deep-space adventure. Similar to Spider-Man: Homecoming, we also forgo an origin and are quickly introduced to Reed Richards’ Mr Fantastic (Pedro Pascal), Sue Storm’s Invisible Woman (Vanessa Kirby), Johnny Storm’s Human Torch (Joseph Quinn) & Ben Grimm’s The Thing (Ebon Moss-Bachrach). Not a problem whatsoever; we’re more than familiar with this lot. This isn’t our first encounter with the famous foursome, after all. Ever since their debut back in 1961, Marvel’s first family has been gracing our literature and screens – both big and small.

Feeling somewhat one-dimensional and lacking any strong individuality, their differences almost seem to stop at their powers.

Mainly following the super quartet for the majority of the picture, it’s a very intimate ensemble. So, you’d presume getting to really know these characters would be a given; however, being enamoured by these interpretations never seems to present itself. Feeling somewhat one-dimensional and lacking any strong individuality, their differences almost seem to stop at their powers. To describe their personalities, it almost feels like there’s a smart one… and the rest. On the other hand, what they lack in identity, they more than make up for in action. As much as we’ve seen their super-abilities over the years, we’ll never tire of seeing Reed stretch (both his mind and his limbs), Sue bend light, Ben clobber, and Johnny ignite! 

Sidenote: Are all of Johnny’s clothes flame-retardant? Your man literally flames on whilst wearing a wool cardigan at one point.

A tip of the hat to the supporting cast, who are the resounding show-stealers of this feature. Julia Garner (Weapons & Ozark) steps onto Shalla-Bal’s silver surfboard with both grace and an intense style, and Ralph Ineson (The Witch & The Green Knight), who gives a very grand and imposing performance as the gargantuan Galactus.

And it is stunning, from deep space exploration to the constant use of practical effects when possible, it stinks of care, effort, and is a treat for the eyes throughout.

Director Matt Shakman (It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia & WandaVision) gives us a refreshing visual style that manages to separate itself from previous Marvel Cinematic Universe iterations (none too surprising given his last innovative instalment into the franchise, WandaVision). Differing from the standard Earth 616, this universe offers us a vibrant contemporary ’60s. And it is stunning, from deep space exploration to the constant use of practical effects when possible, it stinks of care, effort, and is a treat for the eyes throughout. This helps the world have a sense of individuality after a slew of movies that were becoming tiresome and samey within the franchise in more recent years.

Despite it feeling a bit like 2007’s Rise of the Silver Surfer with a few more layers, it’s still a fun, fast-paced adventure for audiences both familiar and unfamiliar with the MCU to enjoy.

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