Fantastic Four: First Steps – Retro Heroes with Heart

Fantastic Four: First Steps

Last weekend, my wife and I finally had some free time, so we decided to make it a double feature at the cinema. Popcorn in hand, we headed to our favorite spot – Cinema City Sadyba in Warsaw. We know the place well. It's a comfy space with friendly, professional staff, and you can easily get by without speaking Polish – which is a huge plus for a Czech–Filipino couple like us.

For the premiere of Fantastic Four: First Steps, we went with a smaller, classic 3D screening room. And you know what? The atmosphere was surprisingly great. Despite the size, the room felt cozy and the sound and visuals totally pulled us into the film. We usually prefer IMAX, but we wanted something different this time – and this 3D experience did not disappoint.

Earlier that same day, we watched the new Superman movie, and... well, let’s just say it didn’t grab us. It was dull, slow, and I honestly wanted to walk out. We stuck it out – and were glad we did, because Fantastic Four saved the day. Compared to Superman, this felt like a Marvel film that actually knows what it’s doing.

The movie is set in a vibrant retro-futuristic world inspired by the 1960s. At the center of it all are four iconic heroes – Reed Richards (Pedro Pascal), Sue Storm (Vanessa Kirby), Johnny Storm (Joseph Quinn), and Ben Grimm (Ebon Moss-Bachrach) – facing their toughest challenge yet: saving Earth from the cosmic god Galactus, whose arrival is heralded by the enigmatic and stylish Silver Surfer (Julia Garner). But the whole conflict quickly becomes far more personal than anyone expected.

What stood out to us most was the film’s balance. This isn’t a mindless action flick – it’s a stylish, gripping adventure that skillfully blends sci-fi, drama, and real human emotion. The characters don’t feel like cardboard cutouts. You can feel the family dynamics – the bickering, the love, the support, the struggle. The chemistry among the actors is spot on. Pascal’s Reed works well, mostly thanks to Kirby, who clearly enjoys playing Sue and naturally becomes the heart of the team. Johnny and Ben bring lightness, humor, and energy. Their banter keeps things fun and emotionally grounded.

Sure, we could nitpick – Pedro kind of just plays Pedro, his action scenes are a bit toned down, we don’t get much depth from Ben, and Johnny’s womanizer side is missing. But honestly? We’ve seen all that before. Why rehash the same formula? What we got instead was a family that works.

The film doesn’t over-explain things, which is refreshing. It throws you straight into a world where the Four are already established and loved – and it works. The screenplay is brisk and clear, the dialogue direct but not dumb, and the story flows smoothly. The strong visual style keeps you engaged right up to the end. It’s just a shame that the finale doesn’t quite hit the epic heights we were hoping for. Galactus feels menacing, yes, but a bit underused. He hangs over the story more like a looming threat than a full-force villain. Then again – never underestimate the power of a mother protecting her child.

Despite a few flaws, the film totally works. Compared to some of Marvel’s more lackluster recent outings, this feels like a return to form – a blend of adventure, heart, and style. A movie that doesn’t just entertain, but pulls you into a world where heroes are more than just suits and explosions.

Verdict: Fantastic Four finally has a film Marvel doesn’t need to apologize for. It’s a story with heart, style, and genuine emotional weight. Don’t expect a nonstop action rollercoaster – expect a well-mixed cinematic cocktail with soul. And honestly? That’s more than we’ve been getting from superhero movies lately.

Rating 75%