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The Fantastic Four: First Steps Releases July 24

The latest Marvel film features Pedro Pascal and Vanessa Kirby, offering a fresh take on beloved characters.

July 22, 2025 at 05:01 PM

What The Critics Are Saying About ‘The Fantastic Four: First Steps’

The film brings fresh energy to the Marvel franchise.

Critics Praise The Fantastic Four: First Steps

The Marvel Cinematic Universe will see its latest reboot with The Fantastic Four: First Steps, set to release on July 24. This film features stars like Pedro Pascal and Vanessa Kirby and marks the fourth cinematic attempt to adapt the beloved comic characters. Directed by Matt Shakman, it takes place in a parallel universe set in the 1960s. Initial reviews highlight strong performances and a smart screenplay, with some critics noting it brings back charm to the MCU. The Guardian remarked on the fun tone and coherent story. Despite praise, certain outlets felt the film was missing crucial emotional moments, lacking the depth seen in the best superhero films.

Key Takeaways

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The film embraces a 1960s aesthetic that many critics find visually stunning.

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Performances are highlighted as a strong point, especially by Pedro Pascal and Vanessa Kirby.

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Critics appreciate the film's narrative coherence after a string of less successful MCU entries.

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Some reviews express a desire for deeper emotional engagement from the story.

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The direction by Matt Shakman has drawn positive comparisons to his work on Wandavision.

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Overall, the film is seen as a return to form for Marvel, though it lacks some iconic moments.

"First Steps doesn’t reinvent the superhero genre, but it has its own freshness."

Jonathan Romney from Financial Times highlights the film's refreshing tone amidst the superhero clutter.

"The 1960s aesthetic is stunning. It's genuinely beautiful and IMAX highlights that off in the best possible way."

Forbes applauds the film's visual presentation, showcasing the unique design choices made by the production team.

"The casting allows all four to play to their strengths, making it enjoyable to watch."

Robbie Collin from The Telegraph emphasizes the chemistry among the cast, enhancing the film's appeal.

"First Steps may be nice and sweet but left us a bit underwhelmed."

Gizmodo critiques the film for lacking the excitement typically associated with superhero movies.

The reception of The Fantastic Four: First Steps reveals a critical moment for the Marvel franchise, which has faced scrutiny over its recent offerings. Critics seem to agree that the film brings a refreshing approach, emphasizing character-driven storytelling that diverges from the spectacle-heavy productions of late. However, recurring concerns about emotional weight suggest that while the film may entertain, it falls short of groundbreaking excellence. This balance between enjoyment and emotional resonance will likely shape audience opinions after viewing.

Highlights

Marvel is back with a fresh take on The Fantastic Four.
A soft reboot with visual charm and engaging performances.
70s vibes, 21st-century fun, and a dash of nostalgia.
Is The Fantastic Four the comeback the MCU needed?

Concerns Over Emotional Engagement in The Fantastic Four

While the film receives praise for its performances and visuals, several critiques indicate a lack of emotional depth which could impact audience connection.

The film's success could signal a revitalization for the MCU's approach to storytelling.

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fantasticfour marvel mcu filmreviews superheroes film entertainment reviews

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