By Joshua Tyler
| Updated 1 hour ago

Struggling to decide whether you should buy a Fantastic Four: First Steps ticket? Giant Freakin Robot is here to help.

I used a combination of AI and my own clicking to survey the internet and collect the most common questions potential movie-goers ask about the movie. I’ve answered them here, in a fully spoiler-free fashion, to help you make your fantastic decision.

Is Fantastic Four: First Steps Like The Other Marvel Movies?

Fantastic Four was made by Marvel, but it is not a Marvel movie. It’s a Fantastic Four movie, and that seemingly minor distinction is the most important thing about it.

Fantastic Four has a totally unique style. It’s set in an alternate universe with no connection to the existing Marvel universe. It has some humorous elements, but it’s absent the Marvel jokes formula that we’re all a bit tired of. 

Unfortunately, the movie ends with the line: Fantastic Four will return in Avengers: Doomsday. So it looks like the little bubble of uniqueness this first Fantastic movie exists in will be popped by Marvel in the future.

For now, though, Fantastic Four is a fresh approach to superhero movies, free from the usual Marvel formula.

Is Fantastic Four Woke?

Fantastic Four is the first Marvel production in years to have no specific political or social agenda. It’s set in an era that looks a lot like the 1950s, with all the innocence and joy people attach to that time in American history. 

It’s about a traditional married couple and their family trying to do good things. That’s it. No extra ideology.

Is Fantastic Four Appropriate For Kids?

Fantastic Four may be the most wholesome movie Marvel has ever produced. There’s some intense action, but no gore of any kind, and the movie is careful to keep things very PG. I’m actually not sure why the movie has a PG-13 rating. In another time, this would have been a PG-rated film.

If your kids are OK with fast action sequences, punching, and a little danger, they’ll be fine watching Fantastic Four. 

Why Was Silver Surfer Gender Swapped?

There are also comic book reasons fans could come up with, but the stronger reason is the narrative one. 

In context of the movie, Silver Surfer was changed from a man to a woman (played by Julia Garner) to create chemistry between her and Joseph Quinn’s Johnny Storm character. The result is fantastic and one of the best parts of the movie. 

Are The Action Sequences Good In Fantastic Four?

The movie features two big action scenes. The first is set in outer space, and it’s a well put-together. The second involves yet another one of those battles in New York City, and it’s not disappointing but it’s also not re-inventing the wheel. 

Do I Need To See Fantastic Four In A Movie Theater?

Yes, mainly for the score. Michael Giachino’s score is a breath of fresh air in a world of superhero movies gone stale. To experience it, you must see Fantastic Four in a movie theater.

Is Fantastic Four: First Steps Better Than The Older Fantastic Four Movies?

Positioning statement: I enjoyed the two early 2000s Fantastic Four movies. I hated the other one.

This Fantastic Four is better than any previous attempt. The cast is superior in every way, and the plot is better constructed. The pacing is brisk and doesn’t waste your time. The story is firmly rooted in family and individual character development.

Marvel’s new Fantastic Four is the best Fantastic Four, and it’s no contest.

Does Sue Storm Take Over As The Fantastic Four’s Leader?

This question is undoubtedly in response to a rumor that was circulating, which claimed the movie was about Pedro Pascal’s Reed Richards character getting out of the way so that Vanessa Kirby’s Invisible Woman character could go full girlboss.

That does not happen in this movie.

Reed and Sue Richards are a traditional married couple in the best sense of the term. They complement each other with different strengths and abilities. They work together as a team to accomplish their goals. However, Reed Richards is the clear leader of The Fantastic Four, and that never changes in this movie.

Is There A Scene After The Credits In Fantastic Four?

Yes, there are two scenes. The first Fantastic Four after-credits scene is set four years after the movie’s events and shows the back of notorious villain Doctor Doom. The second is an extended version of the Fantastic Four cartoon footage shown in the film.

Should I see Fantastic Four Or Superman?

Both movies are good summer superhero films. If you’re looking for something more wholesome, go with Fantastic Four. If you’re looking for something a little more adult, you might try Superman.

Lex Luthor is a better villain than Galactus, but also darker and more disturbing.

On the other hand, Fantastic Four’s style is more unique and interesting than Superman’s.

Is Fantastic Four: First Steps Worth Seeing?

Yes, I recommend Fantastic Four for anyone who enjoys good superhero movies. Here’s my star rating.

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