Written by Sam Clark 

Certificate: 12A 

Running time: 115 minutes 

Director: Matt Shakman 

Superhero fatigue is certainly a looming threat nowadays, not helped by the fact that DC and Marvel (who have not only been the biggest giants in comic book cinema, but the biggest giants in cinematic history) have both been stumbling and failing as of recent. Whereas they were once the kings of commercial cinema, they are suddenly fighting to regain their crumbling reputation as a result of a few years worth of poor form. It seems both have been back to the drawing board for drastic re-assessment and how to return things back to their roots. We have just seen this with ''Superman'' and how much that stuck to the comics and basics on how to deliver a true superhero film. ''The Fantastic Four: The First Steps'' has followed exactly behind, this is a no nonsense, straightforward, nostalgic piece of comic book entertainment, and it's all the better for it.

Matt Shakman, of Disney Plus's ''WandaVision'' fame, has been entrusted to direct this new iteration. Meet Marvel's first family: ''Reed Richard'' aka ''Mr. Fantastic'' (Pedro Pascal - currently enjoying a sensational run of fame), ''Sue Storm'' aka ''Invisible Woman'' (Vanessa Kirby), ''Ben Grimm'' aka ''The Thing'' (Ebon Moss -Bachrach) and cocky womanizer ''Johnny Storm'' aka ''Human Torch'' (Joseph Quinn). The team are already established in the story which takes place in a retro futuristic 1960's on Earth 828 - an alternate universe. This is certainly not another origin story, as the team are enjoying their life as famous celebrities who have garnered fame and attention after possessing superpowers on a space mission, they are admired and beloved by millions. They must come together to face the threat of ''Galactus'' (Ralph Ineson), a planet devouring threat who uses his herald ''Shalla-Bal'' aka ''Silver Surfer'' (Julia Garner) to warn planets of his arrival, and that Earth 828 has been marked for destruction. The four must come together to defeat their most dangerous enemy yet. 

Image credit: IMDb / Marvel Studios / 20th Century Studios 

Despite growing up with these films, I confess that I have started to lose grasp of what phase in the MCU we are now in, despite knowing what has been in the pipeline and what will be coming. As was the case with ''Superman'', there is yet again a lot riding on another comic book film which does demonstrate how dire things have become - bring back the days when we weren't as nervous as we are now. ''The Fantastic Four: The First Steps'' kickstarts proceedings in a way which demonstrates that they are not messing around here. You are off to the races as soon as this starts, which is what we needed. Get in, establish the world, the context, where we are now , get out and begin with a breath of fresh air for a new ''Fantastic Four'' film. 

Despite the fact that aesthetic similarities already exist between the two and have for years, this is the first time the ''Fantastic Four'' and ''The Incredibles'' have felt this close together, and the first time you can really start to compare them side by side. A Pixar comparison does fit rather well here as this feels like one of Marvels most family friendly films, which has always been the case with '''Fantastic Four'' and how they've received PG certificates in the past (except for 2015 which we shall never speak of). This goes back to simple, old fashioned superhero fun. In almost the exact same vein as the Fox versions, this is very bloodless and is instead very colourful and bright.

This has a much warmer aesthetic and look to it compared to other Marvel flicks, this refreshingly stands out as something new to feat our eyes upon that we are not usually used to seeing. The 60s, retro future works to perfection here. I do think it is the most visually spectacular offering we have ever had from them, the visuals are eye popping and the scale is staggering. I suppose I went in expecting slightly more from it but given the magnitude and severity of where we are now and what this sets up, the fact that this feels as restrained as it does gives me a comforting sense of confidence moving forward. That is what we needed. 

Image credit: IMDb / Marvel Studios / 20th Century Studios 

Despite still not being one percent sold on Pedro Pascal's ''Reed Richards'' (I assure you I'm not the only one and there are those who have always and still do think this), the family work together on screen perfectly, I'm still disappointed we never got John Krasinski and Emily Blunt as ''Reed'' and ''Sue'' - talk about perfect casting. This is the film where chemistry matters the most between characters and you do feel the love, they do feel like a family which is priority number one. Given how each of them needs a fair share of screen time and juggling four main characters all at the same time is tough, I was surprised just how well they pulled it off which is rare for something like this.  As was the case with ''The Thunderbolts*'', this feels like another step in the right direction moving forward. Let's just hope they can stay consistent as their next film is not only the biggest comic book film in history, but the biggest film ever made in the form of ''Avengers: Doomsday'' (well, at least until ''Avengers: Secret Wars'' is out); no pressure. Don't give up on them just yet! (Make sure to stay to stick around after the credits for this one in particular...). 

In cinemas now