The First Steps, based on the 1966 first appearance of the Silver Surfer and Galactus from the Fantastic Four edition number 48, brings a sixties comic book futuristic vibe throughout the story. Especially in the IMAX version, the colors used along with the technology and building construction of the sets and scenes develops a wonderful setting for the quest. Beginning four years after their event where they developed their special abilities caused by cosmic rays while exploring in outer space, these victors have been protecting earth and the USA from villains, such as the Mad Thinker, Red Ghost, his Super Apes, and the Mole Man. Now on universe Earth 828 life seems to begin to get normal for this famous crew of heroes. 
After a needed and well-done introduction of our remarkable supers the adventure transitions our characters into the massive journey they must now overcome. Led by Reed Richards / Mister Fantastic (Pedro Pascal), now aiding the people of earth with his brilliance solving many different problems that affect our civilization today, his wife Sue Storm / Invisible Woman (Vanessa Kirby), elected as a government official who helps with keeping peace on earth, her brother Johnny Storm / Human Torch (Joseph Quinn), certified pilot and head of training development for the squad, Reed’s best friend Ben Grimm / The Thing (Ebon Moss-Bachrach), assists him on his scientific discoveries and Herbie (Humanoid Experimental Robot, B-Type, Integrated Electronics), Reed’s robot that assists with anything the crew requires. These beloved protectors use their new powers to save and improve the world’s best and important needs.
After trying two years ago, Sue Storm discovers that she is now pregnant, while Reed is worried about the cosmic effects that could occur on his now new unborn child. As well, as the population who all wonder what new talents this child may be able to give to society. Using the Baxter Building as the base and place of study and interest the team constantly prepares for the future, they all might face. With Reed so focused on the new baby clouding his mind, he has been monitoring many crime groups throughout the city, including the puppet master, wizard, and diablo. When they first experience their new threat, Shalla-Bal / Silver Surfer (Julia Garner), the locator for her leader Galactus (Ralph Ineson), an evil entity that absorbs planets, they realize that they are now in danger.
These marvelous champions find that they cannot do everything without assistance from the people of earth, this includes Lynne Nichols (Sarah Niles), the CEO of the Future Foundation, Harvey Elder / Mole Man (Paul Walter Hauser), ruler and protector of Subterranean, Ted Gilbert (Mark Gatiss), talk show host of The Ted Gilbert Show, and Rachel Rozman (Natasha Lyonne), a school teacher and Grimm’s love interest. With everyone trying to find a way to pitch in, will these lovable warriors be able to stop what this new being intends to do for this sphere.
Director Matt Shakman does an outstanding job keeping close to the authentic storyline, except for some minor items that don’t affect the overall outcome. Keeping it more attuned with the original comic book style and format which allowed Matt to develop a better result for us all to see. Shakman went all out with the special effects, stunts, and Computer-Generated Imagery (CGI) for this voyage. Giving us a magnificent solution for viewing this fantasy realm closely to how the creators intended it to be seen. The performance from the cast was executed well, with some comedic output, along with great action dialog, and well played problem-solving circumstances, but in some instances, they did not seem realistic to the situations and felt almost plastic.
Despite the basic rendition the film is still worth viewing on the big screen, especially if you are able to view it in the Digital or IMAX format. The director kept in line with the way the comic was intended to be viewed by the public and gave us an exceptional light show to go along with it. Your family will definitely enjoy this new domain of fun, and you might just cheer as you support these first-class superstars. 
Final Comment: I based my grade on amazing narrative style, the closeness to the original content, and the average presentation from the actors.
Stars 3.75 of 5
Additional Film Information
Cast: Pedro Pascal, Vanessa Kirby, Ebon Moss-Bachrach, Joseph Quinn, Julia Garner, Sarah Niles, Mark Gatiss, Natasha Lyonne, Paul Walter Hauser, and Ralph Ineson.
Directed by: Matt Shakman
Genre: Action, Adventure, and Sci-Fi.
MPAA Rating: Rated PG-13 for action/violence and some language.
Running Time: 1 hour and 55 minutes.
Release Date: July 25, 2025
Distributed By: Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures
Release In: IMAX, Dolby Digital, and Standard.
