Finally after 4 films, they did it! Marvel Studios and director Matt Shakman have crafted the quintessential Fantastic Four film. Even though the film has some problems with pacing and a feeling of being rushed, the characterizations of beloved characters are compelling. Also, the visual feast makes The Fantastic Four: Firsts Step one of Marvel’s strongest films in a while.

We know Shakman from his work on Wandavision. It’s no surprise that the overall world plays an important role in this film. This is the first time that a story takes place on Earth 818. On this Earth, the Fantastic Four are the only heroes and aesthetically stuck in a futuristic 1960s world. Everything that happens on this Earth seems to be based on the Fantastic Four.

Where all other iterations have failed, casting proves to be the biggest strength of The Fantastic Four: Firsts Steps. Let’s start with the biggest elephant in the room. No, not Galactus, but Reed Richards. Reed Richards is played by Pedro Pascal. Which even in the first couple of minutes takes some adjusting to see him as Reed Richards. Luckily, Pascal proves he was worthy of the role with the best Reed Richards we have seen on screen. In most other films in the franchise, Reed is trying to fix his family. This Reed is more about making the world a better place and Pascal truly comes off as a protector of his family and the world.

What about Sue Storm? Vanessa Kirby as Sue Storm will cause memory loss. Her performance and portrayal of the character made me forget about Jessica Alba and Kate Mara. Kirby became Sue Storm. A strong performance that carried the film from start to finish. She was never the damsel in distress, she was the one saving the team or having the big moment. It’s common to hear Pedro Pascal referred to as daddy, but after this film, we found mommy. Vanessa Kirby’s Sue is the best part of this movie with command of the role we have never seen before.

It’s easy to focus on Sue and Reed as they soak up most of the sub 2 hour runtime. However, this is the Fantastic Four, so we need to discuss Johnny and Ben. Joseph Quinn as Johnny Storm and Ebon Moss Bachrach as Ben Grimm needed more screen time. My biggest complaint about this film is runtime and pacing. It feels like there are moments that could have been extended to give Quinn and Moss Bachrach more opportunities to shine.

Johnny Storm is more than a hot head adrenaline junkie in this film. Instead of fighting with Ben all the time, it’s a close brotherhood they share. Unlike any other version on screen, this Johnny is intelligent and given moments to use his brain instead of rushing into the fight. Ben Grimm is pitch perfect in the film. Moss Bachrach gives the impression of a gentle giant and uncle vibes. Wish I had more to say about Ben Grimm, just wanted more from the character. Although it was pretty cool seeing The Thing with a beard. He rocked it well.

As for the story, it’s pretty thin. Silver Surfer comes to Earth 818 to warn them that their planet will be destroyed by Galactus. It’s up to the heroes of the planet to negotiate and defeat this world eating monster. However, Sue has something that Galactus wants, her son Franklin. The story is thin and not groundbreaking for a superhero film. But, that is not a deterrent to the film, as the world building and characters prove to be successful.

Unlike Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer, Galactus is ripped right out of the comic. He looks as if Jack Kirby was in the visual effects studio. Which aesthetically, this is the most Jack Kirby film we have ever received from Marvel Studios. If Stan Lee and Jack Kirby were still alive, I’m sure they would have joyful tears at the sight of Galactus.

Julia Garner as Shalla-Bal was a bold choice. Most of those with familiarity of the character of Silver surfer, know them as Norrin Radd. However Shalla-Bal is a character in the comics and the gender of this character shouldn’t be questioned after Garner’s performance. It’s a good character that would have benefited from more screen time. Ralph Ineson as Galactus was just perfection. His voice and line delivery with the impressive visuals of Galactus made him the best marvel villain in a while.

The Fantastic Four: First Steps is a no homework needed viewing. Something that hasn’t happened in a while for a Marvel film. It also seems to be its weakness. The story at times follows story beats from other Fantastic Four films, although its better executed in this portrayal. Overall, the runtime could have been longer, at just under 2 hours, certain characters take a backseat. This could have been 20 minutes longer and I wouldn’t have noticed. With both films coming out two weeks apart from each other, The Fantastic Four: First Steps and Superman will be compared. As a comic loving fan, I’m happy to say both films deliver with themes of hope and optimism. Something we all need right now. However if I had to pick one over the other, I think I enjoyed Superman more.

Still The Fantastic Four: First Steps is a weird science fiction tale about family that shouldn’t be missed. For those that are saying “I’ll wait for streaming” Don’t! This film deserves to be seen on the biggest screen possible. Also, quick shout out to the amazing score from Michael Giacchino. He crafted a theme that is stuck in my head. In the best way!