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The Fantastic Four: First Steps brings us back to what we’ve always loved about Marvel movies.

As the first film in Marvel’s Phase 6, First Steps reintroduces the franchise’s First Family—Reed Richards/Mister Fantastic (Pedro Pascal), Sue Storm/Invisible Woman (Vanessa Kirby), Johnny Storm/Human Torch (Joseph Quinn), and Ben Grimm/The Thing (Ebon Moss-Bachrach)—and they do not disappoint.

Set on Earth-828 (yep, not our Earth), the film smartly skips the usual origin story tropes. No long montage of learning how to control powers, no lab accidents in slow motion. Just fully formed heroes stepping into a world that’s fresh, weird, and wonderfully stylized.

With its retro-futuristic 1960s aesthetic—think The Jetsons meets Tomorrowland—First Steps feels like a comic book brought to life, but with modern storytelling sensibilities. The visuals are colorful and crisp, the pacing tight, and the performances feel grounded despite the high-concept setting.

Choosing to place the story in a bright, alternate-history 1960s was a win. The fashion, tech, and sets are striking, and it’s a welcome break from the gritty, overly grounded tones of previous Fantastic Four attempts. This is a world where a demilitarized society coexists with a rock-man, and retro gadgets feel advanced in the coolest way. It doesn’t ask us to believe in the impossible—it makes the impossible feel normal.

The cast shines. Julia Garner’s Shalla Bal is a standout—menacing but compelling—and her scenes surfing through fire and space are unforgettable.

Still, the core of the film is the Fantastic Four themselves. Their dynamic feels natural, their chemistry solid. There’s no forced quipping or awkward banter, just real relationships. Watching them at home and on missions feels authentic—like you’re hanging out with a real (superpowered) family.

And speaking of standouts—Sue Storm. Finally. Gone is the hyper-sexualized version of the past. Here, she’s a leader. Confident, powerful, and commanding. From the moment she tells Johnny, “Kill her,” to the way she calms an angry crowd with grace and authority, Sue cements herself as the emotional center of the team—and arguably the entire film.

First Steps delivers on what MCU fans have been craving: heart, action, family, and a refreshing lack of overdone comedy. If this is how Phase 6 starts, we’re in for something special.