Fantastic Four Miracle!
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Fantastic Four rises to the occasion!
There’s been so much hype around this film for years, and thank God — Fantastic Four: First Steps delivers. It’s unquestionably the best Fantastic Four movie we’ve gotten since… well, the last not-so-fantastic one in 2015. Wait—say that again. If you know, you know the joke I just made. Fans have waited a whole decade for another shot at Marvel’s first family. I was 19 when the last movie came out! Now, director Matt Shakman brings a bold, cosmic, and refreshing take to the franchise. And can we talk about that space scene? Absolutely incredible. Genuinely one of the most visually thrilling sequences I’ve seen in a Marvel movie. I saw it twice in theaters — and I’d go another three times just to relive that moment.
From the very first trailers, it was clear that Fantastic Four: First Steps would focus heavily on family — and guess what? You don’t need to be Reed Richards to figure that out. Speaking of Reed Richards, let’s talk about Pedro Pascal, who takes on the role of Mr. Fantastic. There was some early skepticism about whether Pascal was the right fit for the character, but to his credit, he delivers a solid performance. He brings intelligence, emotional weight, and leadership to the role — all essential traits for Reed Richards. However, when it comes to how Mr. Fantastic uses his powers, things felt a little underwhelming. In the 2005 Fantastic Four movie (yes, the one where Chris Evans played Human Torch), Mr. Fantastic’s powers were used in more creative and inventive ways. In First Steps, Pascal’s Reed mostly just stretches his arms or legs — nothing too complex or surprising. Hopefully, in future Fantastic Four films, we’ll get to see Mr. Fantastic’s abilities explored in more imaginative and dynamic ways. He’s called Mr. Fantastic for a reason — let’s see that creativity unleashed.
The rest of the Fantastic Four cast delivered strong performances as well. Vanessa Kirby brought depth and poise to Sue Storm, aka the Invisible Woman, while Ebon Moss-Bachrach gave a grounded and comical performance as Ben Grimm, better known as the Thing. But the standout star of the film? Without a doubt — Joseph Quinn as Johnny Storm, the Human Torch. I’ll be honest — after watching Joseph Quinn in Gladiator 2 last year, I thought his performance there was just alright. So when I heard he was casted as the Human Torch, I was a little skeptical. But hey, I believe in humility, so here it is: my formal apology to Joseph Quinn. He absolutely nailed it — charismatic, fiery (literally), and the perfect mix of humor and heart. He stole every scene he was in and brought a much-needed spark to the team dynamic.
I Herald His Beginning, I Herald Your End, I Herald… Galactus.
Alright, I owe another apology — this time to Julia Garner, who plays Shalla-Bal, the Silver Surfer. I had my doubts going in, but Julia did an incredible job bringing grace, power, and presence to the role. That said, she wasn’t in the film nearly enough. Her scenes were limited, but every time the Silver Surfer showed up, you knew something major was about to happen. While I wish we had gotten more screen time with her, the intensity and excitement of her scenes helped make up for it.
Now let’s talk about Galactus.
It’s a two-sided coin. On one side — finally — we get to see Galactus in his full, towering, comic-accurate glory. No more cosmic cloud nonsense like in the older films. Visually, Galactus looked exactly how fans have always wanted him to. But… on the other side of the coin, Galactus was surprisingly easy to push around. For a being of such cosmic scale and power, he should not be taken down or challenged so easily. It was awesome to see him, but the execution of his threat level fell short of what the character truly deserves.
Overall, Fantastic Four: First Steps is a thrilling ride with solid action and a decent narrative — just enough to keep viewers invested. The CGI was a bit inconsistent at times (especially that CGI baby… yikes), but the film still manages to deliver the cosmic spectacle fans were hoping for. Now, if you’ve noticed I haven’t said much about The Thing, you’re not wrong — and that’s the point. As beloved as Ben Grimm is, he felt underused in this film. Aside from smashing buildings and doing the occasional cannonball into the ocean, The Thing didn’t get much of a spotlight, and that’s a letdown for longtime fans who wanted to see more of his strength and heart in action. But despite a few flaws, the mid-credit scene makes one thing very clear: Marvel is back. And so are the Fantastic Four.
You’re probably imagining—how could the Bible ever relate to the Fantastic Four? How, Sway? How?? Believe it or not, there’s an incredible story in Daniel 3 that draws some surprising parallels. It’s the story of Meshach, Shadrach, and Abednego, three of Daniel’s friends. King Nebuchadnezzar, the ruler of Babylon (think of him as the Galactus figure in this narrative), commands everyone to bow down and worship a golden image he has set up. But these three men, out of unwavering faith and courageous conviction, refuse to bow. Instead, they choose to stay loyal to the one true God. Their bold decision isn’t just an act of rebellion—it’s a stand rooted in spiritual strength and deep conviction. Much like the Fantastic Four hold their ground against overwhelming threats, these men stand firm in a culture pressuring them to compromise. This isn’t just ancient history; it’s a reminder that real courage starts with choosing who—or what—you’ll stand for.
“Then the herald loudly proclaimed, “Nations and peoples of every language, this is what you are commanded to do: As soon as you hear the sound of the horn, flute, zither, lyre, harp, pipe and all kinds of music, you must fall down and worship the image of gold that King Nebuchadnezzar has set up. Whoever does not fall down and worship will immediately be thrown into a blazing furnace.” At this time some astrologers came forward and denounced the Jews. They said to King Nebuchadnezzar, “May the king live forever! Your Majesty has issued a decree that everyone who hears the sound of the horn, flute, zither, lyre, harp, pipe and all kinds of music must fall down and worship the image of gold, and that whoever does not fall down and worship will be thrown into a blazing furnace. But there are some Jews whom you have set over the affairs of the province of Babylon—Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego—who pay no attention to you, Your Majesty. They neither serve your gods nor worship the image of gold you have set up.” Furious with rage, Nebuchadnezzar summoned Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego. So these men were brought before the king, and Nebuchadnezzar said to them, “Is it true, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, that you do not serve my gods or worship the image of gold I have set up? Now when you hear the sound of the horn, flute, zither, lyre, harp, pipe and all kinds of music, if you are ready to fall down and worship the image I made, very good. But if you do not worship it, you will be thrown immediately into a blazing furnace. Then what god will be able to rescue you from my hand?”
Daniel 3:4-6, 8-15 NIV
What is Meshach, Shadrach, and Abednego’s response to King Nebuchadnezzar?
“If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to deliver us from it, and he will deliver us from Your Majesty’s hand. But even if he does not, we want you to know, Your Majesty, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up.” Then Nebuchadnezzar was furious with Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, and his attitude toward them changed. He ordered the furnace heated seven times hotter than usual and commanded some of the strongest soldiers in his army to tie up Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego and throw them into the blazing furnace. So these men, wearing their robes, trousers, turbans and other clothes, were bound and thrown into the blazing furnace. The king’s command was so urgent and the furnace so hot that the flames of the fire killed the soldiers who took up Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, and these three men, firmly tied, fell into the blazing furnace.”
Daniel 3:17-23 NIV
Things are getting intense now—Meshach, Shadrach, and Abednego are tied up and thrown into a blazing furnace. Their defiance made King Nebuchadnezzar so furious, he ordered the fire to be heated seven times hotter than usual! He was that mad. But wait—check this out! What happens next isn’t just unexpected… it’s supernatural.
“The king’s command was so urgent and the furnace so hot that the flames of the fire killed the soldiers who took up Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, and these three men, firmly tied, fell into the blazing furnace. Then King Nebuchadnezzar leaped to his feet in amazement and asked his advisers, “Weren’t there three men that we tied up and threw into the fire?” They replied, “Certainly, Your Majesty.” He said, “Look! I see four men walking around in the fire, unbound and unharmed, and the fourth looks like a son of the gods.””
Daniel 3:22-25 NIV
Incredible! In the fiery furnace, there wasn’t just Meshach, Shadrach, and Abednego—there was a fourth man walking among them, and He looked like the Son of God. This wasn’t just anyone—this was Jesus. Can you imagine that? Standing in the flames… with Jesus.
That’s what often happens in our lives. Trials come, and it feels like we’re in a furnace—there’s pressure, there’s heat, and we often don’t know how to handle it. But here’s the truth: we don’t face the fire alone. The same Jesus who stood in the furnace with them will stand with you, too. So what should we do? Embrace the flames, the pressure, the heat—with Jesus. Because when He’s in it with you, not even a hair on your head will be singed. And not just for you—for your family, for your future, for your testimony. Later in the passage, King Nebuchadnezzar is so astonished, he calls them out of the fire and finds them completely untouched. No burns. No smoke. Just a miracle. And then? The king declares that no one is to worship any god except the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. That’s not just deliverance. That’s transformation. That’s revival. That sounds like a Fantastic Four Miracle.
Rating:
Narrative: 1
Cinematography: 1
Mise En Scene: 2
Editing: 2
Sound: 2
Total Rating Score:
8/10