Movies

Marvel’s ‘Fantastic Four: First Steps’ Wows Critics—Is This the Best MCU Movie Yet?

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There’s been quite a bit of excitement surrounding “The Fantastic Four: First Steps,” the upcoming Marvel movie. Directed by Matt Shakman, this superhero film is not just another addition to the vast Marvel Cinematic Universe, but also the first solo outing for the beloved group of four heroes. As such, there’s been much anticipation about whether it will meet expectations. Now that it has been screened, those who have seen it are praising it with glowing words.

Last week, Marvel Studios’ much-awaited 2025 film was screened, and critics and other viewers alike couldn’t help but express their opinions on X. While it’s expected that fans would praise the movie as “wonderful,” @filmsbyJuan’s post seems to suggest that we shouldn’t limit our descriptions of the film to just one term.

The Fantastic Four isn’t just great; it’s a resounding success. Shakman’s exceptional direction and captivating score have crafted a groundbreaking retro-futuristic movie, paving the way for a more vibrant and optimistic Marvel Cinematic Universe. The four leads perfectly meet our expectations. Joseph Quinn’s casting is a game changer that spans generations.

Joseph Quinn.

[The Fantastic Four] boasts visually captivating and stylish visuals, making it an independent story that’s simple to dive into. It was a sheer delight to experience this one. The blend of retro-futurism is simply appetizing. Among all the characters, Vanessa Kirby as Sue Storm stole the show for me – you are flawless, and I am smitten beyond words.

The appreciation for the well-developed characters appears to reflect both Matt Shakeman’s aspirations and those of Kevin Feige, who is not only a producer but also the president of Marvel Studios. In an interview with TopMob in 2024, Feige shared that his primary goal for the film was to accurately portray the complex relationships among the main heroes, who function as both a family and a team. Additionally, Andrew J. Salazar from DiscussingFilm offers positive comments regarding the team’s interpersonal dynamics.

The Fantastic Four story primarily revolves around family, with each team member playing an essential role and receiving equal attention. Neither character is overlooked; the film shines in developing the diverse relationships between Reed, Sue, Johnny, and Ben. The 1960s style is consistently effective throughout.

In contrast to other Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) films available on Disney+, “The Fantastic Four: First Steps” stands out because it’s set in a different universe. This universe features a retro-futuristic aesthetic that harks back to the ’60s, which is when Stan Lee and Jack Kirby originally created the team. Generally speaking, Brandon Davis from Phase Hero appreciated the movie and its visuals, but he felt the story didn’t grab him as much as he had hoped.

Fantastic Four: First Steps offers a wealth of greatness, but could offer even more. Its visuals represent some of Marvel’s finest achievements and boast a greater sci-fi influence than anticipated. Regrettably, the narrative didn’t captivate me as much as I had hoped, but the family dynamic shines through effectively. The action sequences are top-notch. Although I wanted to adore it wholeheartedly, I found myself liking it instead.

In terms of the storyline, “First Steps” resumes with Reed Richards, Sue Storm, Johnny Storm, and Ben Grimm several years following their acquisition of superpowers and formation of a team. Faced with the looming danger of the cosmic entity Galactus, who has a deeply personal interest in both Reed and Sue, the group is called upon to rise to the occasion. Notably, Matt Shakman skillfully constructs an engaging narrative, and critic George McKay offers high praise, stating it’s exceptional.

The Fantastic Four stands out as one of Marvel Studio’s finest films ever produced. Boasting an abundance of talent, it delivers exceptional performances from Vanessa Kirby and Joseph Quinn. If you believed the MCU had reached its end with Endgame, you’d be surprised. Carefully constructed, this film is shaping up to become a timeless classic in the genre.

Wow, that’s quite an assertion! Marvel has certainly produced some top-notch films in the past, so there’s a high standard to meet. However, these responses have me excited for First Steps and I have faith that Matt Shakman, who also directed episodes of WandaVision, and his team have put in the necessary effort.

Marvel Cinematic Universe films and series are available on Disney+, with an ad-supported subscription plan starting at just $9.99 per month. Alternatively, customers can opt for the ad-free experience at $15.99 a month or enjoy a 16% discount by committing to a yearly payment of $159.99. Check out the deal here!

In essence, what truly counts is your personal opinion about the movie once you watch it. Keeping that in mind, don’t forget that “The Fantastic Four: First Steps” will officially premiere in theaters on July 25th.

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2025-07-19 17:38

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