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USA Today
25-07-2025
- Entertainment
- USA Today
The Fantastic Four: First Steps plays it too safe to get it just right
If the goal for The Fantastic Four: First Steps was for Marvel to finally get the comic world's first family right, then the mission has finally been accomplished. If the goal was more than that, the ship remains in orbit. The trouble with the latest Marvel attempt at bringing the Fantastic Four to the big screen is also what gets it across the finish line. It's a film perfectly concocted to avoid getting dinged for technicalities, a savvy brand investment that feels new enough but still clings to the formula that fuels the fore-heroes that come before it. Is there a post-credit scene in The Fantastic Four: First Steps? It's sleek, sturdy and sentimental, but it drives with a strict governor that prohibits it from ever being more than just satisfactory. Marvel Studios tries so hard to avoid another Fantastic 4-tastrophe that it forgets to stretch its legs and really settle into finding some tangible soul. A lack of cinematic flexibility is pretty ironic for a movie with a character with superhuman elasticity and wholly emblematic of a movie studio gone so far astray that didn't even try for a grand slam to ensure the double gets logged on the stat sheet. Making movies isn't about connecting the dots; the art is not a math equation where your eureka moment is a solved problem that crosses a new group of characters off your completion sheet. You've got to feel your way into the storm and find your spirit through the struggle. Good enough isn't good enough, or at least it shouldn't be, not with Disney's unlimited resources. As much as the Tomorrowland 1960s retrofuturism sets a bountiful stage for the action and Michael Giacchino's score punctuates the mood with operatic urgency, director Matt Shakman plays it safe whenever he can. The script from Josh Friedman, Eric Pearson, Jeff Kaplan and Ian Springer gives the big four just enough characterization to keep the predictable plot humming, but not enough to risk hitting a false note. Yes, cribbing off Brad Bird's Incredibles movies makes sense when you think about how this comic series influenced Bird with his Pixar masterclasses, but to what end if you can't add anything to the discussion? To borrow from another Bird movie, food critic Anton Ego from Ratatouille would probably send this dish back to the kitchen... not because it tastes bad, but because it lacks any sense of real perspective. Shakman's ability to set a stage was apparent with WandaVision, as he's really got a knack for atmosphere through production design. His projects with Marvel have all looked great, but the focus tends to be on allowing the aura to mask the lack of flavor. This is a film where the concept art book is probably a page-turner, but the script book might put you to sleep. The film occasionally scrapes a higher sky, but it pulls back within a moment's notice of even vaguely attempting to see what's possible beyond the stars. Pedro Pascal, Vanessa Kirby, Joseph Quinn and Ebon Moss-Bachrach all take dutiful approaches, but there's only so much for them to do. Any characterization has to be done through the performances, but it almost seems at times like most of the actors are just a bit bored by all the whizzing doo-dads and plot-moving chitter-chatter about how this connecting to that to save this day and that day if at all possible. Kirby gets occasional gravity through her character's journey into motherhood. Pascal also seems eager to chew on the film's only moral complexity, if he and his super team would be willing to sacrifice their newborn child in service to the world they have sworn to protect. In the film's best moment, a jittery reporter probes Pascal's Reed Richards about if his team is actually going to be able to save the world once Galactus enters the picture. Pascal nails the remorseful expression of doubt, and the world's favorite heroes quickly become a global pariah. However, the film doesn't wish to linger in this discomfort for longer than it has to, and the resolution to the only real dramatic meat on the bone is just far, far too tidy to register. The moment is the film's great weakness presented as a strength. It never lets itself sit in a decision that could challenge the audience; instead, it squarely aims at wriggling free from having to confront the messiness of the dilemmas its characters face. Also, it's a bit baffling that a film with such delirious cosmic oddities doesn't take more pride in its wilder nature. Part of why James Gunn's Superman worked so well is that Gunn never shied away from the inherently cartoonish nature of the material. His film is endearingly messy and thoroughly passionate; there's a willingness to breach the void and find out if something works or not. It owns its blemishes and soars at its heights. The latest Fantastic Four film sets a workable floor for itself because it refuses to install a ceiling. Like, this is a movie with a gigantic space robot man villain who wants to eat the Earth because he's hungry or transfer himself into the body of a baby. One of the main characters is a giant orange rock man who can grow a beard. You don't need to go full Taika Waititi to infuse your movie with even the slightest hint of irreverence. Even so, Marvel can chalk the film as a win because, for the first time in the company's history, it finally has a generally agreeable Fantastic Four it can use in other company properties. Audiences will probably enjoy the film because there's not much to hate. The golf claps abound. However, is that really the goal here now? Inoffensiveness with a historically problematic intellectual property is a sensible content strategy (mild vomit in throat), and The Fantastic Four: First Steps has no desire to do anything but Entertain the Fans (TM). It's a perfectly fine superhero movie, but it's not much more than that. Shakman and company get the job done, but nobody is going to accuse this movie of striving to be fantastic. These heroes are just happy to get home in one piece this time around.
Gizmodo
19-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Gizmodo
Early ‘Fantastic Four: First Steps' Reactions Say It's…Well, Y'know,
We're less than a full week away from Fantastic Four: First Steps, and Marvel's already gone and let early watchers give their thoughts on the film. That's nothing terribly new, save for these thoughts come ahead of the film's Hollywood premiere on Monday night, when they were originally meant to drop. But it's not without reason, as the impressions are quite glowing, even moreso than last weekend's Superman or Thunderbolts* from a few months ago. Check out the impressions from critics and influencers below. #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 (@AndrewJ626) July 19, 2025Fantastic Four friggin' rocks! More than any Marvel movie before it, F4 feels like Jack Kirby's imagination brought to life on the big screen. Between this and Superman, 2025 might go down as the year movies finally embrace the wonderful weirdness of comic books. (1/3) — Chris Killian (@chriskillian) July 19, 2025Many will say THE FANTASTIC FOUR: FIRST STEPS is fantastic, and they'll be right for several reasons. The four main cast members are excellent, Michael Giacchino's lively score is instantly memorable, and the '60s retro-futuristic production design & dynamic visual effects are a… — Matt Neglia (@NextBestPicture) July 19, 2025I 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 (@BrianLongFilms) July 19, 2025#FantasticFour 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 (@AshCrossan) July 19, 2025Directed by Matt Shakman, First Steps is the first Fantastic Four movie to come out in almost a full decade. From the initial cast reveal to its more recent promos, Marvel's been hyping up this movie as something different from its usual fare. It's not just a period piece set in an alt-universe 1960s, it's also looking like more of a disaster epic as Mister Fantastic (Pedro Pascal), the Invisible Woman (Vanessa Kirby), Thing (Ebon Moss-Bassrach) and the Human Torch (Joseph Quinn) work together to save their home from the Silver Surfer (Julia Garner) and impending Galactus (Ralph Ineson). Like the New Avengers before them, the Four are already locked in for 2026 and 2027's Avengers duology, and it sounds like they've already got a 2028 window locked down for their sequel. We'll see if Fantastic Four: First Steps lives up to these lofty words when it hits theaters next Friday, July 25. Look for io9's review in the coming days. Want more io9 news? Check out when to expect the latest Marvel, Star Wars, and Star Trek releases, what's next for the DC Universe on film and TV, and everything you need to know about the future of Doctor Who.
Daily Mail
11-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Myleene Klass wows in a red bejewelled gown before going braless in a plunging sheer maxi dress ahead of hosting BST Hyde Park
Myleene Klass was a vision in a glamorous red gown before slipping into a sheer maxi dress ahead of hosting BST Hyde Park on Thursday evening. The radio host, 47, showed off her jaw-dropping figure in the bejewelled number as shge took to the stage for rehearsals ahead of the show. Elsewhere behind the scenes, the I'm A Celebrity star set pulses racing as she went braless in a sheer nude gown. The elegant garment featured a voile maxi skirt which graciously cascaded behind her as Myleene twirled around under the limelight at the annual festival. The former Hear'Say singer added classy cat-eye shades to complete her stunning outfit. Myleene hosted All Things Orchestral - the much-loved classical music experience at BST Hyde Park as part of the Open House series. Now in its third year, All Things Orchestral returned with Myleene once again hosting an unforgettable night of cinematic classics and orchestral favourites, performed by the Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra conducted by Ben Palmer. Audiences enjoyed iconic moments from Star Wars, Indiana Jones and a special tribute to the 80th anniversary of VE Day. A particular highlight this year was the exclusive world premiere of The Fantastic Four: First Steps Suite, composed by Academy Award winner Michael Giacchino for Marvel Studios. The score was introduced by the film's stars Pedro Pascal, Vanessa Kirby, Ebon Moss-Bachrach and Joseph Quinn via live feed from their own event at the BFI IMAX. It comes after Myleene revealed she broke down in tears during her daughter's graduation ceremony after viewing it as the culmination of a long and difficult journey through single parenthood. The presenter beamed with pride as talented pianist Ava, 17, graduated from the prestigious Royal Academy Of Music over the weekend. Myleene raises Ava and daughter Hero, 13, from her former marriage to Graham Quinn and son Apollo, five, with her fiancé Simon Motson. She was initially forced to raise her two eldest children alone after Quinn walked out on the presenter on her 35th birthday in 2013, just two years after their wedding. Looking every inch the dazzling star on stage, Myleene hosted All Things Orchestral - the much-loved classical music experience at BST Hyde Park as part of the Open House series The TV favourite added classy cat-eye shades to complete her stunning outfit Recalling her early struggles in a lengthy Instagram tribute to Ava, Myleene admitted she felt 'lonely, fearful and as though the world was against her' as she adapted to life on her own. Accompanying her post with a handful of graduation photos, Myleene stunned in a black gown which featured cream fabric pleats - a dress she reused from her appearance at the Mission: Impossible - The Final Reckoning global film premiere in London in May. 'My daughter Ava has finally graduated high school,' Myleene wrote. 'I haven't cried so much in ages. It's because I know our journey. 'And because of this, I wanted to acknowledge today in particular, the single Mamas (I know there are single dads but I can only speak from my own experience). 'Like you, there were days bringing up Ava (and Hero) where it felt the world was fighting against us and I was very much on my own. 'We have an amazing community around us but as a single mum when they were so young, the fear, the loneliness, the decision making, the mental load before everything else is considered, can really overwhelm. 'There were people who wanted to see me fail and to them as well as the majority who wanted to see us win, thank you for spurring me on.'
Gizmodo
07-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Gizmodo
The ‘Fantastic Four: First Steps' Theme Is Expectedly Excellent
The Fantastic Four: First Steps doesn't just look unlike any other mainstream superhero movie in recent years, it's also got an unusual sound to match. Following tickets going on sale for the movie, Marvel released the full track for the film's main theme, created by longtime film composer Michael Giacchino. There've been snippets of the theme present in trailers and the IMAX pre-roll for Thunderbolts*, so we already knew it would sound as 1960s as the world the heroes live in. But hearing the full thing really underlines the importance of a composer that vibes with the material and wants to make a score that's exciting and memorable music. For the most part, this is something Marvel's not really done well at, save for works composed by Alan Silvestri or Ludwig Göransson or Son Lux's more recent work on Thunderbolts*. But having memorable music is what Giacchino's always been good at—his scores for the most recent Star Trek movies are still sublime, and his Fantastic Four: First Steps work sounds like some of his best for Marvel specifically. (Starting with the first Doctor Strange, he's composed for the MCU Spider-Man trilogy, Thor: Love & Thunder, and Werewolf by Night, the latter of which he also directed.) Like everything else from this movie, the score is sounding promising, and we can't wait to hear all of it, ditto seeing the punny titles Giacchino has undoubtedly come up with for each track. Fantastic Four: First Steps comes to theaters July 25.
Newsweek
06-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Newsweek
Tears at Shelter Dog Realizing He's Back After a Day of 'Adventures'
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. A TikTok video showing a shelter dog's heartbroken realization that his day of "adventures" was over has left viewers in tears. In the video, the creator posted footage of Lector, a 5-year-old male dog, whose demeanor visibly shifts as he understands his return to the Broward County Animal Care shelter in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Lector appears to understand suddenly that his day of fun is over, and rests his head sadly on the center console of a car. "Lector realizing he's back at the shelter after a day of adventures," the creator captioned the video. "Lector is looking for love, a quiet place to sleep and an arm he can rest his head on. Please consider adopting this sweet soul … Mellow, walks great on a leash, knows to sit for treats." Stock photo: A golden retriever looks out of a car window. Stock photo: A golden retriever looks out of a car raw emotion displayed by Lector resonated deeply with viewers who urged those close to Fort Lauderdale to adopt him. One TikTok viewer commented: "My heart is broken! Thank you for giving this precious baby a break from the shelter. I pray that someone adopts this baby … It always hurts me to see all the babies needing forever homes. But for some reason this baby has been on my mind and heart." Many users expressed admiration for those who take shelter dogs on these "day out" trips, acknowledging the emotional toll it must take. "I don't know how you are able to do these doggy day out dates, I couldn't go through with it," one wrote. "Thank you so much for taking him out, I hope he finds a forever home soon." Another user offered a supportive perspective to those feeling the sadness: "The people who think they 'couldn't do this' don't understand what it's like for these babies in the shelter," they wrote. "Any break, even for 15 minutes, is a huge deal for them! It's of course sad to bring them back, but you made a huge difference for them during their shelter experience!" @fablinds Lector is looking for love, a quiet place to sleep, and an arm he can rest his head on. Please consider adopting this sweet soul 💔 • Lector #A2417161 • Broward County Animal Care • Fort Lauderdale, FL • 5 years old • Male, neutered • Mellow, walks great on a leash, knows to sit for treats 🤍 @BrowardCountyPetOfTheWeek @BCAC Volunteer @Julie ♬ Stuff We Did - Michael Giacchino Dogs Know When They Return to the Shelter Newsweek previously spoke to Ana Arias, marketing manager at the Humane Society of Northeast Georgia (HSNEGA), about dogs' awareness of their return to the shelter—and if they are really as perceptive as they seem. Her response? They absolutely are. "We have witnessed dogs realizing they are back at the shelter," Arias said. "We need to remember that they are highly sensitive to smells, and they know once they are back, first because they know where they live, and, most probably, they can even smell and recognize where they are." The dogs' reaction to returning is somewhat like "Cinderella after the ball," Arias added. While they might have the most magical day out, their reality is still a life of waiting for safety and connection. Despite the widespread emotional response to Lector's video and numerous comments expressing interest, a second clip from the creator revealed a heartbreaking update: Lector has yet to receive any interest or visits from potential adopters. Newsweek reached out to @fablinds for comment via TikTok.
