by Joe Friar, Fort Worth Report
August 3, 2025
The 37th film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe takes place in an alternate universe on planet Earth-828, where we meet Marvel’s first family, Reed Richards (Mister Fantastic), played by Pedro Pascal, whose powers include extreme elasticity, allowing him to stretch and compress his body. He’s also the brains of the superhero family, possessing a genius-level intellect, which is highlighted more than his human rubber band-like powers. Pascal’s performance is downplayed, taking a backseat to the film’s VIP, Vanessa Kirby as Sue Storm (Invisible Woman).
Director Matt Shakman, best known for helming the MCU miniseries “WandaVision” (2021), and the four writers credited with the screenplay, finally give Sue Storm the respect the character deserves after being soft-pedaled in the previous Fantastic Four films. Kirby is terrific in the film as the matriarch who can create invisible force fields, take down villains, and support her family, keeping them on course when they begin to stray. She does all that while pregnant and battling the gigantic cosmic baddie Galactus, portrayed by outstanding English actor Ralph Ineson (“The Witch,” “The Green Knight”).
Sue’s young brother Johnny Storm (Human Torch), who can fly and control fire, is played by Joseph Quinn (“Stranger Things”), delivering a well-rounded performance. He tones down Johnny’s flirtatious side while hinting that he’s a bit of a player, but emphasizes the character’s empathetic side, which proves to be contagious.
When Julia Garner’s Shalla-Bal (Silver Surfer) shows up, Johnny falls for her despite the Galactus Gaze heavy metal coating and the fact that she’s come to warn the citizens of Earth-828 that her master, the Big G, plans on destroying the planet. There is a great scene in the film where Johnny attempts to puncture her metal layer with a heaping handful of cosmic compassion. Does it work?
The superhero family’s most iconic member, the human-shaped orange rock, The Thing, also known as Ben Grimm, is played by Ebon Moss-Bachrach from the hit television series “The Bear,” who brings traits of his small-screen character Richie into The Thing—both are foodies and family-oriented. Moss-Bachrach and Quinn make a great comedy duo, adding just the right amount of humor to the story.
In smaller roles, we see Paul Walter Hauser as Harvey Elder (Mole Man), the ruler of Subterranea, who unexpectedly helps the Fantastic Four after once being their former enemy, and an underused Natasha Lyonne as teacher Rachel Rozman, who is also Ben’s love interest.
The plot involves Galactus’s willingness to spare Earth-828 in exchange for Sue’s baby, Franklin, whose extraordinary powers are hinted at during a crucial moment.
For the first time in a long while, we care about the characters in a Marvel movie. This is the reboot the MCU needed and a great way to start the MCU’s Phase Six. I love the retro-futuristic look, which combines 1950s and 1960s styles with advanced technology. It felt like I was watching an old-fashioned sci-fi adventure, and the special effects are also top-notch.
My only critiques are that Galactus isn’t threatening enough, and the film’s ending feels rushed. Those are minor issues. On a final note, stay for a mid-credits scene that connects to the upcoming “Avengers: Doomsday” (2026).
(3 ½ stars)
Now showing in theaters
This article first appeared on Fort Worth Report and is republished here under a Creative Commons Attribution-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.
