“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.

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

The original Fantastic Four comic books follow a group of scientists who develop superhuman abilities after being exposed to a mysterious cosmic storm. The new Marvel film follows Mister Fantastic, the Invisible Woman, the Human Torch, and the Thing as they defend Earth from Galactus and 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".

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.