Directed by: Matt Shakman
Starring: Pedro Pascal, Vanessa Kirby, Ebon Moss-Bachrach
Release Date: July 25, 2025
Runtime: 1 h 45m
My Rating: 
It’s been four years since Reed, Sue, Johnny, and Ben took that fateful trip into space and became Earth’s protectors. Now, Galactus threatens to consume the planet to satiate his life force, and it’s up to The Fantastic Four to stop him.
This is the first film of the Sixth and final phase of the Multiverse Saga. I’d say that this is a solid start to this phase. I had my doubts when the trailer premiered, but after hearing good things and seeing it myself, those doubts are gone. If I’m being honest, I enjoyed Superman more, but as a bigger Marvel fan, I’m giving this movie the same rating.
Casting Papa Pascal!
Pedro gets around! He’s Grogu’s adoptive daddy, Ellie’s adoptive daddy, and now Sue Storm’s baby daddy. Despite his prolific paternal proclivities, he earns Father of the Year because he will protect all of them until his dying breath. At first, I was skeptical about casting him as Reed Richards. I think it’s because I’m not used to Reed Richards having a mustache, but then it grew on me (see what I did there). It’s Pedro, so you know he’s a great actor, and it shows, even as Mr. Fantastic.
The casting is great, and this is coming from someone who enjoys the 2005/2007 cast. I’m a big Jessica Alba fan, but Vanessa Kirby is a better Sue Storm. On the other hand, I prefer Michael Chiklis’ portrayal of Ben over Ebon Moss-Bachrach, but he still did a great job. Finally, Joseph Quinn vs Chris Evans as Johnny Storm. This is a hard one because I enjoyed Evans’ portrayal, but he’s better as Captain America. Quinn does a good job.
Interesting note about this movie: their superhero names are never said (i.e., Mister Fantastic, Invisible Woman, Human Torch, The Thing). I’m guessing it’s to keep the fantasy a little grounded.
The runtime works well with the plot. Things moved along at a steady pace, and we got to the third act without a lot of downtime. I felt there was good chemistry between the actors, and I enjoyed the story.
If you’re curious, stay for the mid-credit scene! I cannot emphasize that enough. The post-credit scene is dumb, don’t waste your time.
“The screen is a magic medium. It has such power that it can retain interest as it conveys emotions and moods that no other art form can hope to tackle.”
– Stanley Kubrick
Leave a Reply