While the stars of Marvel Studios’ “The Fantastic Four: First Steps” have been on a world tour this week promoting the film at premieres, those have only been screenings of the half-hour of footage shown in the UK last week.
The actual film appears to have begun screening in the latter half of this week and the first reactions to it went online late yesterday. So far the reaction has been gushingly positive, though almost none of the reaction appears to have come from actual reviewers – more from influencers, junket reporters, and predominantly fans.
The most well known is Phase Hero’s Brandon Davis who’s reaction notably focuses on the visuals… and nothing else:
“First Steps is visually one of the best things Marvel has ever made. Parts feel like Interstellar & demand IMAX. Galactus is awesome. Silver Surfer looks really, really good. VFX were often immaculate. Cosmically and on Earth, Matt Shakman dropped a visual feast.”
The sentiment about the film’s visuals is repeated across the board with more than a few dubbing it a “return to form” for Marvel and all seemingly praising the retro 60s aesthetic. All seem to indicate the earlier parts of the film are the best parts, and the cast is praised across the board. The story however isn’t touched upon much. Here’s a sampling of review quotes:
“Fantastic Four is visually stunning, stylish, self-contained, and easy to jump into. I had such a good time with this one. The retrofuturism is such a snack. My stand out is Vanessa Kirby as Sue Storm babe I will die for you, you are perfect.” – Ash Crossan, Screen Rant
“#FantasticFour is a story about family above all else, where each member of the team is equally important. No one is underserved; the movie excels when fleshing out the various bonds between Pedro, Vanessa, Ebon, & Joseph. The retro ’60s aesthetic works on all fronts” – Andrew J. Salazar, Discussing Film
“I came in tempered but #FantasticFour is truly a return to form for the MCU, the opening minutes blew my socks off in IMAX. Gardner’s & Quinn’s work stood out to me the most. Galactus gives this film real stakes and his presence is felt even off screen, incredible miniature work!” – Brian Long, Brian Long Films
Actual reviews are set to go online in a few days which will offer a better idea, but so far it looks like the film could well be Marvel’s best film this year as was hoped. The film itself opens this coming Friday and is expected to have an opening weekend of around $100-110 million.