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FANTASTIC FOUR: FIRST STEPS

It's clobbering time! The long awaited entrance of the Fantastic Four into the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) finally arrives with Fantastic Four: First Steps! This film has a fast-paced storyline and awesome characters, along with a jaw-dropping cast who have great chemistry with each other. If you only see one more movie before the end of this summer, this should be it!

The story centers on the Fantastic Four, Earth 828's version of Earth's Mightiest Heroes. The Fantastic Four soon find out that Susan Storm, The Invisible Woman (Vanessa Kirby), is having a baby. We then meet the Silver Surfer (Julia Garner) who tells the team that she has summoned a terrible threat to destroy their earth. Who is this creature, and how does all this loop back to their son, Franklin? With so many questions, the Fantastic Four sets off into space to try to save the planet.

Marvel's "First Family" has never looked better! With a great set of ensemble actors - Pedro Pascal, Vanessa Kirby, Joseph Quinn, and Ebon Moss-Bachrach - leading the way, it's no wonder this movie kept me on the edge of my seat the entire time! The storyline includes so many nods to the original comic books, including the Fantastic Four fighting a CGI-animated monster that was featured in their first comic book. Speaking of CGI, this movie is amazing making the world look seamlessly real in the "Mighty Marvel Manner." The cinematography, costumes, music, and set design really bring a 1960s vibe to life. The relationship arc between The Human Torch and The Silver Surfer is great - from frenemies to lovers and back multiple times. One key trait of MCU films is the attention to detail. Things that many people might not notice are added to create real depth and surprise. For example, when Ben Grimm (Ebon Moss-Bachrach) walks the streets, he wears a grey trench coat and a fedora. This is a nod to a costume he wore when he was separated from the Fantastic Four in the comics and a fun detail for fans.

The film's message is that your community is a family. The film includes themes like the power of motherly love, fighting for what's right, and the need for a global community. Parents should be aware that the movie includes fight scenes and scenes where the Fantastic Four are in perilous situations, including when they are escaping Galactus.

I give Fantastic Four: First Steps 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. It releases in theaters on July 25, 2025. Be sure to stay until the end of the first credits for a sneak peek at what's coming next to the MCU.

By Jackson N., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 12

The Fantastic Four: First Steps is a fantastic movie - easily in the top five of Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) movies ever. This film mixes comedy, romance and space travel - blending them together effortlessly. It is easily the best visually looking Marvel movie ever! The cinematography, lighting, set design, and costumes, make it stand out among other blockbuster films. Of course it wouldn't be the same without its outstanding cast.

The storyline follows the Fantastic Four as they are forced to balance their roles as heroes with the strength of their family bond and they must defend Earth from a ravenously hungry space god, Galactus, and his Herald, The Silver Surfer.

I truly adore this film for so many reasons, starting with its mixture of genres. Apart from the MCU it stands by itself as a space, comedy, romance or even a family sitcom that you would love. That is an important factor and this film blows it out of the park. The pacing and structure are some of the best I've ever seen. There's never a dull moment and it is truly an experience worthy of your time. In terms of production aesthetics I love the set design - everything looks like it's from the 40's and 50's which really makes it stand out and, even though the world looks old, the camera work and lighting are very contemporary. This is one of the most colorful and expressive MCU movies ever, but it would fall apart without the editing which is probably one of the best edited movies of the year. It's hard to name a standout in the cast but my favorite performance is from Pedro Pascal who plays Reed Richards. He really puts you into the situation that the team is in and the danger and fear that they feel. However you would not feel that danger or that fear without Ralph Ineson's Galactus, whose dominating and demanding presence you feel in every word he speaks. As for the rest of the cast, Vanessa Kirby's performance as Sue Storm made a huge impression on me. This film left me speechless for hours afterwards. If there's one thing I truly recommend, it's to see this movie in IMAX because it completely enhances your viewing experience when you see the scale of Galactus on the big screen. Plus, all the space shots and even the moments of seeing the family together feel bigger.

The movie's theme is about family and how you move heaven and earth to protect them no matter what happens in life and that your family is what is most important. No matter what happens, you put them first.

I give The Fantastic Four: First Steps 5 out of 5 stars and I recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. This film releases in theaters on July 25, 2025.

By Rayce S., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 16

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Set against the vibrant backdrop of a 1960s-inspired, retro- futuristic world, Marvel Studios' "The Fantastic Four: First Steps" introduces Marvel's First Family - Reed Richards/Mister Fantastic, Sue Storm/Invisible Woman, Ben Grimm/The Thing and Johnny Storm/Human Torch as they face their most daunting challenge yet. Forced to balance their roles as heroes with the strength of their family bond, they must defend Earth from a ravenous space god called Galactus and his enigmatic Herald, Silver Surfer. And if Galactus' plan to devour the entire planet and everyone on it weren't bad enough, it suddenly gets very personal.