Fantastic Four: First Steps soars to 92% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes—but fans remain divided

 Fantastic Four First Steps is here. The franchise has had its ups and downs with the audience, with many fans almost writing it off after the 2015 one, starring Miles Teller. Nevertheless, hope seems to have sprouted again, going by the first few reviews on Rotten Tomatoes. The film has debuted with 88 per cent on the critics rating and 92 per cent, with the audience.

 It has sparked a wide range of reactions from viewers, with opinions stretching from glowing praise to harsh critique. Many fans hail it as one of the best superhero movies since Avengers: Endgame, applauding the cast’s performances, the impressive special effects, and the thoughtful period aesthetic. Several viewers appreciated the emotional depth, particularly the theme of a mother’s sacrifice portrayed through Sue and Silver Surfer, calling it an unforgettable cinematic experience. “I loved the commitment to the aesthetic of the time period, and I also loved the message of a mother’s sacrifice through both Sue and Silver Surfer. Absolutely incredible movie,” one wrote.

On the other hand, some viewers found the movie underwhelming. A few expressed disappointment in the pacing and storyline, feeling it was rushed and lacking the punch expected from a Fantastic Four film. One review pointed out that it didn’t deliver enough action, especially highlighting a scarcity of scenes featuring The Thing, which left some fans wanting more excitement. “Soul crushingly boring and void of anything that could be considered fun,” one wrote.

Others described the movie as visually striking with solid acting but ultimately average overall, neither spectacular nor disappointing. However, not all feedback was positive—some viewers found it dull and lacking fun, criticizing the lack of engaging moments and excitement.

One reviewer wrote, “The Fantastic Four: First Steps is easily the best Fantastic Four movie yet made, but this is a very low bar. This one is merely… OK. Hardly fantastic. It makes one wonder if there's something about this specific comic book title that resists adaptation.”

Overall, Fantastic Four has received a mixed response: a strong five-star rating from many impressed by its heart and visuals, balanced by more critical voices pointing to storytelling flaws and a slower pace.