Matt Shakman's The Fantastic Four: First Steps introduces a 1960s-styled reboot of Marvel's First Family, giving Reed, Sue, Johnny and Ben a new home on Earth-828. Set apart from the mainline MCU, the film leans into bright visuals and character-driven storytelling as the team faces off against the planet-eating Galactus and his conflicted herald, the Silver Surfer. There's a surprising amount of emotional weight here, especially with Sue's pregnancy and the team's growing tensions as they face overwhelming odds.
Despite a few uneven performances and some dialogue that doesn't quite land, the film holds together well with strong ensemble chemistry and a sense of hope that's been missing from recent superhero fare. With colourful set pieces, grounded stakes, and a bittersweet ending that sets up future stories without cheap tricks, First Steps feels like a welcome course correction for Marvel. It's not flawless, but it's a solid, earnest film that respects its characters and audience alike.
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