“Fantastic Four” has a “distinct retro-futuristic aesthetic and family-focused themes,” according to Rotten Tomatoes. With a “certified fresh” critics score of 89% on Rotten Tomatoes, reactions to “Fantastic Four” seem largely positive — even if they sometimes come with qualifications.

Vanessa Kirby is a standout as Susan Storm and the set design dazzles, but this franchise-starter is still weighed down by the usual unfunny banter and pathological Marvel aversion to risk

For the first time in The Fantastic Four’s film history, Sue Storm isn’t just a member of Marvel’s first family. She’s a competent leader.

Against the vibrant backdrop of a 1960s-inspired, retro-futuristic world, Marvel’s First Family is forced to balance their roles as heroes with the strength of their family bond, while defending Earth from a ravenous space god called Galactus and his enigmatic Herald, Silver Surfer.

Initial reviews for The Fantastic Four: First Steps are in and singing high praises for Marvel’s newest film. The movie stars Pedro Pascal, Vanessa Kirby, Ebon Moss-Bachrach, and Joseph Quinn as the heroic quartet, with British actor Ralph Ineson as the villain Galactus and Julia Garner as the Silver Surfer.

Fantastic Four: First Steps is helping Marvel to "get its mojo back", according to early reviews of the new superhero reboot. The 37th film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) is "Marvel's best film in a decade", the Telegraph said, while the Guardian commented the studio had "regained its buoyancy".

Comic-book movies have come a long way over the last 50 years, but Marvel and DC’s big guns mark a pivotal month for the genre

Marvel Cinematic Universe Fantastic Four’s Director Explained Why Galactus Was Picked As The Villain Over Doctor Doom, And I Like His Way Of Thinking