Well good news, after ages and having given up trying “Sue” (Vanessa Kirby) and boffin “Reed” (Pedro Pascal) are going to have a bairn! This is great news for her brother “Johnny” (Joseph Quinn) and the stony fourth member of their gang “Ben” (Egon Moss-Bacharach). The news is greeted enthusiastically by their adoring fans too, but those celebrations are cut short when a mysterious woman descends from what looks like a meteor shower to forewarn them that their planet is doomed. Her (Julia Garner) boss “Galactus” (Ralph Ineson) is on his way, and he is hungry for not just some rare earths, but all of it! Blessed with their array of super-powers, the quartet embark in their warp-capable rocket to meet this chap and he offers them an alternative to global destruction. It’s one hell of a sacrifice for the would-be parents though, but with the fate of humanity hanging on their decision - what will they choose? Perhaps they can think of a scientific alternative? There is a slightly retro-look to the production, with their flying car looking like a converted Citroën that belonged in a Jacques Tati film, and there is plenty of inter-galactic adventure with some effective visual effects, a decent degree of menace and it stays sufficiently devoid of sentiment, and the multiverse, until the denouement. Though they do gel well together, none of the acting isn’t really anything special, nor is the writing, but “Ben” looks good with his beard and Quinn probably steals the show with his engagingly flaming character and his spray-on white 501s. There are loads of gadgets and gizmos and anyone who has ever had to argue with a child seat and a car might empathise, too. It’s an old-fashioned save the world movie that hasn’t sold it’s soul to the CGI, and I enjoyed it.

"Unlike the last dozen-or-so MCU plods, which turned derring-do comic book heroics into endurance tests, THE FANTASTIC FOUR: FIRST STEPS spins a ripping yarn that soars not only on spectacle, but also smarts and sentiment..." Read the full review here: https://bit.ly/4o5P6rP

Fun sci-fi fantasy that features a solid cast, good visual effects and okay enough story. Not great but well worth the price of admission. That said, can't say I have a desire to revisit for a long while. **3.75/5**

FULL SPOILER-FREE REVIEW @ https://talkingfilms.net/the-fantastic-four-first-steps-review-marvels-first-family-finally-gets-the-film-it-deserves/ "The Fantastic Four: First Steps not only introduces a team with the potential to lead the MCU's new era, but also establishes its own distinct identity: heartfelt, visually striking, and emotionally grounded. Between Michael Giacchino's chilling score and the immersive retro-futuristic aesthetic - not to mention the undeniable chemistry among the four leads - there's a rare cohesion in this origin story, despite a few secondary issues. The emotional weight in Vanessa Kirby's expressions, the intimate dilemmas faced by Pedro Pascal, and the vulnerability shown by Joseph Quinn and Ebon Moss-Bachrach reveal an uncommon care for human detail. If these are the first steps, they're sure-footed - and full of soul." Rating: B+