Brief Summary
The review of "Fantastic Four" (2025) highlights that despite low expectations and negative rumors, the movie is surprisingly good. It praises the likable leads, simple yet effective plot, retrofuturistic world, and toned-down humor. The film is a self-contained story, removed from the convoluted MCU storylines, which is a positive aspect. Criticisms include the underdeveloped Silver Surfer and Galactus, with a desire for more depth and character moments. Overall, it's considered a decent movie with heart, and the best superhero film of 2025 so far.
- The movie defies low expectations and negative rumors.
- The leads are likable, and the plot is simple and effective.
- The film is a self-contained story, separate from the MCU's convoluted storylines.
- The Silver Surfer and Galactus are underdeveloped.
- Overall, it's a decent movie and the best superhero film of 2025 so far.
Introduction
The reviewer sets the stage by noting that "Fantastic Four" (2025) was entering a competitive July box office against established franchises like "Jurassic World" and the highly anticipated "Superman by James Gunn." The MCU's recent struggles and controversies surrounding the film, including rumors of re-shoots, rewrites, and political pandering, further lowered expectations. The casting of Pedro Pascal, considered overexposed, added to the skepticism. Despite these challenges, the reviewer surprisingly found the movie to be pretty good.
Overall Impression
While not a masterpiece that will save the MCU, "Fantastic Four" has more good than bad. The leads are likable and easy to get invested in, and the plot is simple but effective. The retrofuturistic world is a refreshing change, and the Marvel humor is toned down. The rumors of girl bossing and pandering were unfounded, and Pedro Pascal delivers a good performance as Reed Richards.
Plot Summary
The movie opens on an alternate Earth where the Fantastic Four are heroes and global celebrities after gaining superpowers from their first space journey. The Silver Surfer arrives, announcing that Galactus is coming to consume Earth. The team goes to space to confront Galactus, but he captures them and demands Sue Storm's unborn son in exchange for sparing Earth. The team refuses and returns to Earth, where Reed Richards informs everyone about the impending threat, causing panic. The team races to find a way to defeat or escape Galactus before he arrives.
Positive Aspects
Most of the leaked information about the movie was either wrong or exaggerated. Sue Storm is not an annoying girl boss, and the movie doesn't pander to gender politics. It's a team effort where all four members have a role to play. Pedro Pascal's portrayal of Reed Richards is smart, composed, and logical. The movie emphasizes family, loyalty, and teamwork, which is a refreshing change from recent sterile relationships in cinema. The film is also a self-contained story, removed from the MCU's convoluted storylines.
Criticisms
The biggest issue is the Silver Surfer. The reviewer wanted more depth to her character, including her mindset, motivations, and personality. Her redemption arc feels unearned due to missing connective tissue. Similarly, Galactus looks awesome, but the movie doesn't provide much information about him. He's just big, hungry, and wants Baby Franklin to take over his role, which is not well-explained. The reviewer believes there was originally a longer cut of the film with more character moments and connective scenes.
Conclusion
"Fantastic Four" is a surprisingly decent movie that does enough to get you invested. While it might have been considered average a decade ago, it's the best superhero film of 2025 so far. The movie could have been special with more character development and connective scenes, but it's still enjoyable.
