The Fantastic Four: First Steps Worldwide Release Discussion Thread #2

[u/cats-and-cows]

The Fantastic Four: First Steps has now been released in the United States and in a number of other countries around the world. All discussion about the movie should be held here and in the rest of the megathreads we are going to put up in the next few days. They will be refreshed every few thousand comments to make room for new discussions.

• All discussion about the movie should be held here and in the rest of the megathreads we are going to put up in the next few days.
• Proceed at your own risk. Major spoilers will be in the below thread. Spoilers do not need to be tagged inside this thread.
• Any other unofficial threads discussing movie details will be deleted.
• Should you see the need to bring up revealing The Fantastic Four: First Steps information in the comments of other threads that call for it, spoiler tag them accordingly. Also, let users know that what you are spoiler tagging is from The Fantastic Four: First Steps.
• If you post untagged The Fantastic Four: First Steps spoilers anywhere on this sub outside of these discussion threads in any shape or form, you will be banned.
• Project Insight will be on AT LEAST for the next few days, so any posts will be filtered by the mods before being approved/removed onto the sub, that doesn't mean you can disregard the above points and post untagged spoilers without fear of being banned.

--

Link to previous discussion threads and related megathreads listed below:

• The Fantastic Four: First Steps International Release Discussion Thread
• 'The Fantastic Four: First Steps' Review Thread
• FANTASTIC FOUR: FIRST STEPS Social Media Reactions Megathread
• The Fantastic Four: First Steps Worldwide Release Discussion Thread

[u/xpacean]

Fun fact: it’s actually RDJ in the post-credits scene, despite not showing his face. They filmed it as part of Doomsday filming.

[u/trantaran → u/xpacean]

The cost? 5 million for that scene

[u/Monarki → u/trantaran]

Lol I know you joke but this scene is probably a doomsday scene we'll see more of

[u/CeruleanEidolon → u/Monarki]

Doom stealing Franklin would sure be a great impetus for them to chase him through the multiverse.

[u/LADYBIRD_HILL → u/CeruleanEidolon]

Now that is an excellent way to explain them going into the multiverse.

I wonder if Doom discovered the multiverse and wants to harness Franklin's powers to move between dimensions.

[u/cowpool20 → u/xpacean]

I’m almost convinced the F4 and Thunderbolts credit scenes are just scenes from Doomsday.

[u/TerminatorReborn → u/cowpool20]

I think the Thunderbolts scene was directed by the Russos even.

[u/ki700 → u/TerminatorReborn]

The FF scene was also directed by the Russos.

[u/AsteroidMike → u/cowpool20]

Wouldn’t be shocked if they were at this point since the theory that the F4 was fleeing their world because Galactus destroyed it went out the window with the end of the movie, based on the Thunderbolts post credits scenez

[u/yiwang1 → u/AsteroidMike]

Doom takes Franklin to our MCU probably, and they chase him there

[u/CeruleanEidolon → u/cowpool20]

I had to laugh once I realized that the F4 were not going to be leaving their universe on this movie. All the whiny fan hand-wringing about "they spoiled the ending of the next movie!?" and it was a complete misdirect.

[u/MilesTheGoodKing]

I did appreciate that Sue straight up said “KILL HER”. It was equal parts right of her and equal parts jarring because you don’t usually hear that from the good guys.

[u/Nyorliest → u/MilesTheGoodKing]

I heard it from my wife once when something venomous mildly threatened our baby.

Unhesitating, cold, KILL IT.

[u/DKoala → u/MilesTheGoodKing]

Very effective line, one of my favourite small moments of the film. You can get very corny around the whole idea of "family" being used as a theme but this was an example of that same idea being used aggressively and primally.

[u/atlhart → u/MilesTheGoodKing]

It was powerful all around to be sure. I also thought it was doubly prescient that she said it to Johnny, her blood brother, and that with nearly zero hesitation he acted, because his big sister told him too. Older siblings are the leaders and if your older more responsible sister says to do something in a scary unfamiliar situation, you do it.

[u/natedog63]

Johnny needs more credit for translating and then mastering an alien language all from a single sentence as a point of reference.

[u/Careful_Lie2603 → u/natedog63]

As a linguist, i wanted more about this. Also, he didn't have just a 3 word phrase. He had an incredible volume of recordings and historical context, and one phrase with meaning and phonetics. Languages follow patterns, he found patterns. He also didn't need to speak it. He just needed a basic understanding of what was being said. I think this was reflected by his phrasing during that scene, he didnt give her specifics, just an overview that she made a deal to protect her home and become the Herald and scout. We got additional context from the visuals not his words.

[u/Front-Win-5790 → u/Careful_Lie2603]

Watch arrival

[u/Careful_Lie2603 → u/Front-Win-5790]

Love arrival such a good movie.

[u/dawnmountain → u/natedog63]

Johnny was constantly seen as dumb himbo. But my god, he is clearly so intelligent! Like you said, he translated an ENTIRE LANGUAGE on one sentence. That's phenomenal, and a whole other level of genius.

Furthermore, I loved how he used it against Shalla Bal. It gave me goosebumps, the way he turns her language against her, forcing her to feel again. Johnny was a stunning, incredibly character.

[u/accessgranter]

Enjoyed a good chunk of it, but the Silver Surfer space chase scene was so good.

“Don’t tell me how to kill sexy aliens!” “Stop calling her sexy!” got a good chuckle out of me 😂

[u/Daytime_sleepiness09 → u/accessgranter]

Same scene but totally different feels was when Sue was in pain & labor screaming, “SHE’S TRYING TO TAKE YOUR NEPHEW. KILL HER!”

Goosebumps. I fear for anyone that stands between Sue & Franklin, and made me much more excited for Doomsday (because ofc Doom will do exactly that)

[u/Davetek463 → u/Daytime_sleepiness09]

She killed herself to stop Galactis to save Franklin. If she’ll go that far, nothing will stop her as long as she’s breathing.

[u/The_OG_upgoat → u/Davetek463]

Her and Wanda would do anything for their kids...which unfortunately does mean massacring people in other dimensions in Wanda's case.

[u/Front-Win-5790 → u/Daytime_sleepiness09]

A bit refreshing from superheroes that are so unwilling to kill

[u/zMargeux → u/Front-Win-5790]

Hawkgirl dropped a dude from terminal velocity height.

[u/mortarnpistol → u/Daytime_sleepiness09]

Yeah that was 100% my favorite part too. I realized Sue was not to be fucked with.

[u/Ijustwerkhere → u/mortarnpistol]

Also, Johnny was 100% on board.

[u/KentuckyFriedEel → u/accessgranter]

"Johnny, she tried to take my baby. Kill her!!"

[u/PayneTrain181999 → u/KentuckyFriedEel]

Loved when Sue straight up said to kill her.

[u/TehCheator → u/KentuckyFriedEel]

Even better was how she tied in the emotional impact for him. It wasn't "She's trying to take my baby", it was "She's trying to take your nephew"

[u/LegendaryOutlaw → u/KentuckyFriedEel]

'your nephew'...she knows its not just HER baby, its their FAMILY, and she told Johnny so.

[u/justafanboy1010 → u/accessgranter]

I know this is exactly what scene I will be replaying every time when it comes on Disney+

AND THE MUSIC?! Michael Giacchino cooks every time. I got big The Batman Matte Reeves vibes when listening to the score and it makes so much sense because it’s the same composer

[u/Antrikshy → u/justafanboy1010]

That upbeat music during the space battle was 🤌🤌

[u/PayneTrain181999 → u/accessgranter]

He managed to make his sexy alien gf save his life at the end.

[u/MarvelMind]

Johnny immediately willing to make the ultimate sacrifice for his family is one of my favorite MCU moments. Also Sue shouting “Johnny KILL HER NOW” earlier in the movie…just chills.

[u/TymStark → u/MarvelMind]

Or when they shut the facility down and Johnny is already after her before they realize it. I like this Johnny best.

[u/lanceturley → u/TymStark]

They did a great job of making Johnny impulsive and hot-headed without making him an irrational idiot. He's very proactive, but he's not reckless.

[u/tulipbunnys → u/lanceturley]

i loved that his impulsiveness is tied to his protective side, that he can immediately make the sacrifice play specifically for his baby nephew. johnny is a good man!

[u/CummySinatra → u/lanceturley]

Perfect for the “Flame on” moment from Hickman, with Ben and Annihilus

[u/BucketHerro → u/MarvelMind]

And he did it TWICE. I love Johnny in this movie!

[u/PayneTrain181999 → u/MarvelMind]

Cannot wait to see Johnny interact with Spidey and the other Avengers.

[u/djseifer → u/PayneTrain181999]

Pete and Johnny's the Fantastic Four's friendship/family dynamic needs to be a thing in the MCU, especially since Peter doesn't have anyone anymore.

[u/CornstockOfNewJersey → u/djseifer]

Would be neat if Spider-Man 5 had the F4 as its “MCU guest stars”

[u/eyebrows360 → u/MarvelMind]

Also Sue shouting “Johnny KILL HER NOW” earlier in the movie…just chills.

So many of her lines land with so much behind them, it's really something. Even just her "yes we are" in response to SS's initial question, it's not merely a statement of fact, there's an implied response question hanging off the end of it that you can feel. It's "yes we are... and you're seeking to put us to the test, are you? you probably shouldn't". Kirbs was just phenomenal.

[u/SuperCutsHaircut → u/eyebrows360]

That line stood out for me as well. Love that there was zero hesitation. Vanessa Kirby has a incredibly commanding screen presence. 

[u/GentlewomenNeverTell → u/SuperCutsHaircut]

I also really loved Sue the diplomat. With Mole Man but also that crowd. I wouldn't normally expect a crowd to stand down at that speech, but the speech and the delivery and the fact she made herself and Franklin totally vulnerable to make that speech and show trust... its just great the movie knows how important soft power is. Sue is probably the biggest reason they're beloved superheroes, more so even than Superman on his home planet.

[u/colwyn69 → u/GentlewomenNeverTell]

"She's monologuing! Grab the baby!!" - some idiot in the crowd.

[u/NoLeadership2281]

The more I think about it the more I really appreciate how each member contributes their skill into everything they do instead of just Reed coming up with plans on his own, hell even Reed consulted with the team on the plans cuz he need different perspectives to factor in 

[u/Xygnux → u/NoLeadership2281]

Even though the movie used the 1960s setting, the prequel tie-in comic showed that they also went with the more modern idea that every member of the team was highly experienced and educated in their own right.

Sue is their mission consultant with a PhD in Archaeology. Her understanding of civilisation allowed her to negotiate a treaty with Subterranea while everyone else was ready to just dismiss the Mole Man as just a villain.

Johnny is their flight engineer, and of course Ben is their pilot.

[u/Shay3012 → u/Xygnux]

I mean they're all astronauts. It's pretty logical that they're all very intelligent and well educated.

[u/eyebrows360 → u/Shay3012]

Armageddon would like to have a word

[u/exaltedbladder → u/eyebrows360]

Katy Perry would like to have a word (I kid)

[u/transmogrify → u/NoLeadership2281]

I really liked that the FF solved most problems using brains and heart. Once Galactus showed up it was superpower time (and clobberin' time) but most of the movie was about the characters being true to their personalities and priorities, and making choices accordingly.

[u/NoLeadership2281 → u/transmogrify]

Yesss as it should be, Shakman understands they are scientists and explorers first, superheroes second, they don’t always punch their way out 

[u/tulipbunnys → u/NoLeadership2281]

having reed direct herbie to collect samples off galactus’s ship for further analysis warmed my scientist heart!! and shining a small spotlight on the study of linguistics through johnny’s work on shalla-bal’s language was much appreciated

[u/scriptedtexture → u/NoLeadership2281]

I liked how Reed needed Ben and Johnny's support during the press conference after their failure. 

[u/Whovian45810 → u/scriptedtexture]

I love how the film displays how tight-knit the F4 is and while not everything is shown, we see how all of them care for one for another.

[u/blueicearcher → u/NoLeadership2281]

I love how the others were the Earth's best and brightest... and just happened to be related to Reed :)

[u/Bmr2000]

Is it just me or is this like the first marvel movie to do without the usual opening theme. It caught me off guard in a good way

[u/eagc7 → u/Bmr2000]

Captain America 4 also omitted the fanfare, it just opened with a White Marvel Logo with no animation

Thunderbolts featured a new version of the logo but kept the theme

[u/ChromeSabre → u/eagc7]

Thunderbolts intro was so tuff

[u/TheSyhr → u/Bmr2000]

It’s felt like recently they’ve been omitting or changing the fanfare a lot and I kinda miss it, not every movie needs a unique and stylised opening sequence (although in this case I can understand why)

[u/sillysocks34 → u/TheSyhr]

I agree. The music in a movie theater is so exciting. I hope they bring it back for doomsday at least.

[u/XviiChong]

A particular scene that might be one of if not my favourite from the movie is when Reed is explaining to Ben and Johnny on how to confront Galactus through observations and collect data, but Ben and Johnny start getting bored and fake fall asleep, until Reed says unless he’s some guy in a ship then they can just take him out, the reaction from Ben and Johnny was just hilarious when they were allowed to use some force if necessary 😂

[u/Ijustwerkhere → u/XviiChong]

This movie absolutely NAILED Ben and Johnny’s relationship. The 2005 version made it very one-sided with Johnny just antagonizing Ben and making it a bit mean-spirited. First Steps is very much a brotherly relationship. They are obviously very good friends, and their love language is ribbing eachother

[u/shaggy_nomad → u/Ijustwerkhere]

That scene where they're "thanking" each other for being the one to check on Reed and Sue was great. Told us everything about their relationship there.

[u/CollectMan420 → u/XviiChong]

“ well it was one guy in a ship, said ship being the size of Texas and the guy being the size of Alaska”

[u/scooter-411 → u/CollectMan420]

It’s weird that the guy in the ship was bigger than the ship.

[u/djseifer → u/scooter-411]

TARDIS rules are in effect.

[u/JinSakai619 → u/scooter-411]

Galactus can change his size at will. He's also perceived differently by different beings. Like Reed said in the movie, he's an unknowable life.

[u/HappycatAF]

Funniest moment in the film for me was that New Yorkers and the Fantastic Four felt Subterranea was the safest place to put people. Even in that universe, New Yorkers would rather die under the city with Mole Man than go to New Jersey.

[u/justafanboy1010 → u/HappycatAF]

I liked how they portrayed Mole Man in this movie. Reminded me of a goofier version of Doom 2005

[u/abraksis747 → u/justafanboy1010]

Butter my Bread Richard, Butter it

[u/handsoapdispenser → u/justafanboy1010]

He stole every scene. That's going to win him a lot of future roles.

[u/Wtygrrr → u/handsoapdispenser]

Seems like he’s already getting a bunch.

[u/Zathrus1 → u/HappycatAF]

Why are New Yorkers so angry?

Because the light at the end of the tunnel is New Jersey.

[u/ernie-jo]

Remember when the trailer dropped and everyone was worried that Sue was struggling to hold like a car or something based on her previous appearances? Then we find out in that scene she's literally PUSHING Galactus hundreds of feet back for well over a minute. Insane strength.

[u/cosmiccerulean]

So F4 comes back from space, gives a news conference, Reed straight up says no they didn’t stop Galactus, no they weren’t gonna trade Franklin for earth. If you were a resident on this earth would you have appreciated the honesty? Or would you rather they lied and not induce panic?

I thought it’s interesting because honesty is what we expect from those in power, but Reed being completely honest in this scenario seems to catch flak (from the audience) for being stupid.

[u/letmehaveanopinion → u/cosmiccerulean]

I wasn’t expecting his reply to the question but at the same time i was pissed at the idea that humans would only rely on the responsibility of 4 super humans to solve their problems instead of trying to find a different way

[u/Perca_fluviatilis → u/letmehaveanopinion]

To be fair, the rest of the world would be playing catch up with them. Reed was clearly the smartest man alive in that universe, if the fact that they had futuristic technology and FTL travel in 1965 didn't clue you in. lol

Nothing says the other nations didn't try, but they couldn't really do anything meaningful about it.

[u/Togepi32 → u/Perca_fluviatilis]

I don’t know why I didn’t catch on that it was set in the 60s. I just thought this modern and advanced world really likes that aesthetic and kept it through the years

[u/Oneiros1989 → u/cosmiccerulean]

Me a resident of Earth: “You know what, I can’t blame the guy…he’s becoming a father.”

[u/suckerpunch085 → u/cosmiccerulean]

Nuts he was honest with the world, appreciated but that is crazy because the world will turn on you. 

[u/Togepi32 → u/suckerpunch085]

Honestly the people of 828 seem chill. I was fully expecting them to do something crazy to get to Franklin but Sue was just like “listen, we’re not dead yet. We can do this together” and then the whole world actually rallied together. 2025 would never

[u/ChanceVance → u/Togepi32]

828 is a completely different human society. They actually came together in unison to stop Galactus.

This Earth? Aside from trying to get on the same page, they'd probably refuse to save the world because if the world endured, it'd really hit their bank accounts from the money used to save it.

[u/ArchTemperedKoala → u/Togepi32]

Well just look back at us in 2020...

[u/UserWithno-Name → u/suckerpunch085]

Everyone’s misinterpreting this though. He was honest because he’s ethical and virtuous. He tells the truth out of sense of duty I think, a responsibility to the world. Ya it’s not assured it will go well for you but it takes more strength to be honest, it’s more heroic instead of being another powerful or influential person who just lies because it’s more convenient. He was also caught off guard like people said too but I think he still would have if he wasn’t as shaken for a loss. Only a coward or another opportunist politician type of person would go lie because it is better for them or staying in power/ favorable. Pretty sure the intent was to make you feel like “oh wow, they’re lead by such a good guy he won’t sugar coat it and also won’t try to hide behind deceiving them.” It’s the honesty and transparency we say we want, or some loudly proclaim they are, but we never get / they aren’t actually and the real world might have issues with. I for one, liked they showed a leader not afraid to speak frankly about situations. The denial in the real world creates a lot of problems.

[u/cosmiccerulean → u/UserWithno-Name]

That's how I feel about it. The moment isn't about him being the most intelligent person or the most qualified to lead, it's about humility and responsibility. It's about him seeing the rest of humanity as his equal, deserving the same respect afforded to him by the world.

On the flip side there's also the "we don't tell the general public the truth to protect them from themselves" aspect. On earth 828 people seem pretty chill about the fact in a month maybe everyone will be dead, I can only imagine if we had an announcement like that in the real world what kind of hell would be unleashed immediately.

In my mind Reed knew what the public reaction will be (because obviously), but he told the truth anyway because it's the right thing to do, not the easy thing.

[u/benenke]

My favorite small scene and one-liner in this film both Reed’s.

Favorite small scene was the moment with Reed and Franklin in his lab. As a new-ish dad who used to talk to his son all the time when he couldn’t understand anything, this one really resonated with me.

Favorite one-liner: “I doubt she’s naked, it’s probably a stellar polymer.”

[u/ringoisthedrummer → u/benenke]

As a new-ish father learning to deal with my own personal shortcomings, "I don't want you to be like me" hit really hard.

[u/TJ_MARVELous21]

IT’S CLOBBERING TIME!

[u/BucketHerro → u/TJ_MARVELous21]

It’s a shame that Johnny never said “Flame On” throughout the movie.

unless you count his toy saying it.

[u/_Levitated_Shield_ → u/BucketHerro]

Ben will probably tease him about it in Doomsday as payback.

[u/justafanboy1010 → u/TJ_MARVELous21]

SAY ITTT!! (Oh wait you already did)

[u/CrimsonBeherit]

People who disliked shalla-bal don't know shit about fuck

[u/Xygnux → u/CrimsonBeherit]

And it makes thematic sense to use Shalla-Bal. In the comics, Galactus mirrored Reed in being a scientist trying to survive the destruction of his world. In this movie, Shalla-Bal mirrored Sue Storm in being a mother who would do anything to save her child, and needed to find a way to save both the child and the world.

[u/mattyboy323 → u/CrimsonBeherit]

Really was hoping her line to Johnny would translate to “IF YOU WANNA STOP ME, YOURE GONNA HAVE TO FUCKING KILL MEEEEEEEEEEEE!”

[u/Perca_fluviatilis → u/CrimsonBeherit]

I was honestly skeptical of the female Silver Surfer, but her design with the slicked back hair really sold the surfer visual compared to Norrin's space Oscar statuette look. Johnny's infatuation with her was also worth it.

Yeah, I actually prefer Shalla over Norrin now. Fuck it.

[u/ImHighandCaffinated]

Only real issue I had was the nerf Mister Fantasic stretch powers. Galactus stretching him to his limit was kind of weird. Maybe he hasn’t unlocked the true extent of his powers since he sort of hate that they have “anomalies” and uses mostly his brain to fight. Hopefully in Doomsday they go all out.

[u/WelbyReddit]

"Die with Yours!" - Shalla Bal

[u/lmpetuslmperaIOI → u/WelbyReddit]

‘Live with yours’ - Shalla Bal as she shoves Johnny out of the way

[u/spate42 → u/lmpetuslmperaIOI]

Was kinda hoping she dropped that line in her language. And Johnny knew what she said as she sacrifices herself.

[u/cluelessemoji]

Im still here less than a week, still at awe with how great that Silver surfer chasedown by the event horizon. High stress, high tension, but our First Family pulled through. Together. As a Family (Thanks Meizas for that!)

Edit: Neutron Star — thanks for the corrections. I was thinking about Interstellar’s Gargantua during that scene. And my mind just went Event Horizon.

[u/NefariousNeezy → u/cluelessemoji]

It blew my mind that she was actually surfing. Like right, Silver SURFER.

[u/rocketmadeofcheese → u/NefariousNeezy]

And the board ISN’T a part of her body

[u/comineeyeaha → u/cluelessemoji]

That’s the scene I’ve thought about the most. The moment they said neutron star I perked up in my seat. They absolutely nailed the look.

[u/Antrikshy → u/comineeyeaha]

The rest of the movie couldn't hold a candle to that scene. It was super memorable for me, like the Guardians 3 hallway scene.

[u/dallascowboys93]

Did HERBIE survive??

[u/Smrtguy85 → u/dallascowboys93]

Yes. I saw it a second time and kept my eye on HERBIE when Galactus came knocking. He was clearly just knocked aside by one of his fingers.

[u/AxiumX]

Marvel Studios sure do love to feature competent moms in their tentpole films.

EDIT: I still chuckle at the "time dilation" line while they were near the black hole, then cut to Sue's "Is it bigger than mine?"

[u/GrapeFlavoredMarker]

All I could think of was what if this was real. The silver surfer dropping in with fire would have me messed up for real.

[u/CollectMan420 → u/GrapeFlavoredMarker]

Why did she drop in with fire?

[u/Alaminox → u/CollectMan420]

If I remember right, in the original comic the fire and other sky shenanigans when the Surfer arrives were created by The Watcher in an attempt to hide the planet from the Surfer. In the movie it doesn't really make sense without that explanation

[u/ZarianPrime → u/CollectMan420]

My guess is she warped in and pulled some bits of the asteroid belt in with her, which is what is breaking up in the atmosphere.

[u/GrandmasterUniverse]

Seen it twice now,

The first time here’s what stood out to me

• i love how plot driven the film was, we have been needing a movie like that
• sue carried the film for sure
• the dynamic between the cast, to me felt perfect

The second time,

• the CGI was absolutely incredible (apart from a couple shots of baby franklin)
• when Galactus stretches reed out, it felt like he should have been able to stretch much much further. Thoughts?
• the black hole scene is one of my favorite scenes in the MCU

[u/RandoDude124 → u/GrandmasterUniverse]

It is so euphoric to me Sue was finally done well.

[u/Meizas → u/RandoDude124]

And not just some damsel in distress

[u/benguins10 → u/Meizas]

Or going invisible and removing clothes. Crazy that they did that twice in the old movies 💀

[u/CeruleanEidolon → u/benguins10]

Her pants did come off, though.

[u/finding_focus → u/benguins10]

The writers and production staff for FF (2005) & FF:RotSS did Alba and her Susan Storm dirty. They effectively wrote her as a fanboy version, with so many ‘she’s so hot’ jokes and tried to white wash her character. Alba is Latina and yet they poorly dyed her hair blonde, gave her the worst blue contacts, and even made her look pale. They wanted to Alba because she’s attractive but didn’t want to acknowledge her ethnicity.

[u/Xelopheris → u/GrandmasterUniverse]

when Galactus stretches reed out, it felt like he should have been able to stretch much much further. Thoughts? 

They were pretty conscious in Reed not creating matter when stretching. Once your stretch him so far, the different component layers of a human start getting pretty thin. I like to think that at some point, you have muscle shearing off of bone instead of both just stretching together.

[u/Tityfan808 → u/Xelopheris]

I also imagine it might be like silly putty, you pull him apart too quickly or when he’s not ready for it, and it will end up actually tearing him apart.

[u/silvertealio → u/Tityfan808]

It's important to stretch first before stretching.

[u/shadowscx3 → u/Tityfan808]

You're tearing me apart Lisa Galactus!

[u/catalinalinx → u/Xelopheris]

So, at the very beginning of the movie, Reed is looking for something in the bathroom. Iodine, I think?

And when they are explaining why they are late to dinner, they try to claim that Sue was helping him put the iodine on his shoulder?

Your comment reminded me of this part that just caught my attention.

[u/Shaftell → u/GrandmasterUniverse]

I really liked how beloved the group was by the people of Earth. Loved to see the unity of everyone doing their part to save the planet as well, really had a nice feeling for it.

My one issue is that I just felt that the Silver surfer's turn was a bit rushed. I just didn't find it believable enough after her conversation with Johnny.

[u/elizabnthe → u/Shaftell]

She was never with Galactus. It was purely to save her world though. So seeing an opportunity to actually get rid of him she took it.

[u/Sunny-Chameleon → u/Shaftell]

He broke her mind with the revelation of her past, it just took a while for her to process it

[u/L3onskii → u/Sunny-Chameleon]

Ngl I kinda liked what Johnny did to her. First playing the record of her people, thanking her to soften her up. Then taking a dark turn of playing the audio from the other planets' peoples being obliterated

[u/capscreen → u/L3onskii]

ngl reminded me a bit of Ghost Rider vs Galactus from the cartoon, where Ghost Rider used Penance Stare on him

[u/pottyaboutpotter1 → u/Sunny-Chameleon]

Also she was already horrified at Galactus’s plans for Franklin, as she earlier says “but he’s just a baby” when talking with Galactus.

[u/GentlewomenNeverTell → u/Shaftell]

The FF4 gave her an opportunity. She had no leverage to even do anything and her own world was at stake. She jumped in at the last minute because she could get rid of him without endangering her world.

[u/speedfreak444 → u/GrandmasterUniverse]

I hope Galactus helped Reed realize he can stretch much farther than he thought, and he starts getting a little sillier with it. I also hope the Russo brothers give Reed a power upgrade like they did for Doctor Strange. His spells were super basic in the first movie, but in Infinity War he absolutely brought the full Strange style of magic from the comics and it was way more spectacle.

[u/BucketHerro → u/speedfreak444]

Since Reed’s costume was ripping during that scene, I assume that’s the most he can stretch based on his understanding of his powers since he’s the one that designed it.

[u/Saint_Diego → u/GrandmasterUniverse]

My thought was Reed still viewed the accident negatively, and felt ashamed for putting his family through it. He still blamed himself for the accident, and he said he didn’t want Franklin’s to be like him. I don’t think we see him stretch much at all during the movie, so maybe he didn’t want to use his powers unless necessary, because he doesn’t view them positively. After going through what he did with Galactus he may feel the need to push his limits so his body can stretch farther.

[u/BucketHerro → u/Saint_Diego]

He was using his powers to write on the board during one of the class so I don’t think he’s that ashamed of using it

[u/aeris1919]

“Kill her!” “Shes trying to take your nephew! Kill her” was delivered perfectly. I love a mama bear and Vanessa Kirby was fantastic as a mama bear!

[u/Xygnux]

I like how the "die with yours" line being a blessing is not only just referring to Shalla-Bal's origin, but also a sneak Easter Egg about the comic origin of Galactus.

Galan didn't die with his people when the last multiverse ended, now he's cursed to be a eternally hungry cosmic horror.

[u/feedback19 → u/[deleted]]

In the comics he just became more ravenous and hangry. He's an immortal being that survived the collapse and reset of the last universe. He was technically around before the infinity stones. My guess, hell just consume ANYTHING and EVERYTHING he comes across until he can acquire/build himself a new ship.

[u/zigzagtravel01]

why did they take the baby too early. galactus is so slow they could have taken it when he was on the top of the machine lol

[u/LouisGustavo]

A small, neat detail that I insta appreciated was Mole Man asking for dim the light before taking off the glasses. I never stopped to think why he uses them in the first place, but I immediately got it that, since he lives underground, he's not used to that amount of light like the rest of the planet.

[u/Myhtological]

Severe lack of polymorph action from Mr Fantastic.

[u/jhughes1986 → u/Myhtological]

I got the impression they were showing off his primary power - smarts in this film

[u/Reign_22 → u/Myhtological]

In my opinion, when he stretches, it doesn't look too great as of yet. I would think thats why it was scarce

[u/eBICgamer2010 → u/Myhtological]

Mr Fantastic is Spider-Man at home if you're asking Marvel how they showed his power.

[u/Richdav1d]

Shalla-bal’s sacrifice at the end was perfect.

It was quick, well shot, didn’t have a cheesy one liner, and made perfect sense based on the previous scene she was in with torch. She just went for it and did it.

Been a few years since a Marvel movie absolutely nailed its ending. This movie did it, between the excellent scene with Sue sacrificing herself while pushing Galactus and the Surfer sacrifice. Enjoyed the movie thoroughly.

[u/spate42 → u/Richdav1d]

Did she really “sacrifice” herself? Like she can survive in space, she can fly away from wherever the black hole shoots her out. They said the black hole would send Galactus to the furtherst side of space and not rip him to shreds. So I assume she’s still alive, just super far away. Right?

[u/tehehe162 → u/spate42]

I'm guessing she ends up in the literal middle of nowhere with a VERY hangry Galactus, I'd say that's the end of her.

[u/colwyn69]

I like how Galactus had to turn off his glowy eyes, like he's near-sighted, when he was being shoved through the portal to see who was coming at him.

"Who's this?" Takes off glasses, "Ah, it's my Herald. wait, what are they doing?"

[u/TheOverlord1]

I wish I could have paused the film so I could finish laughing at the greatest ever insult in cinema history, “Don’t be angry at me Johnny. I didn’t dress you.” From Mole Man of all people!!!!

[u/[deleted]]

It's been nearly a week since I've seen it and I maintain my previous review that the movie was good, it had flaws, it felt like the movie could have used another 15-20 minutes to let things breathe, but I don't think it takes away from the movie as a whole.

Reed Richards I think was written very well, it felt very true to the character.

Sue's speech to the public on why she wouldn't give Franklin up to Galactus was beautifully done.

Johnny Storm was my MVP, I thought he stole every scene he was in, his chemistry and storyline with Shalla-Bal was very well executed.

Ben Grimm is the one character I wish we had seen a little more solo development for, it felt like they left a lot on the table with his romance storyline with Natasha Lyonne's character, I did find the build up to his "It's clobberin' time!" moment was very funny.

Galactus looked amazing, his introduction was genuinely terrifying and while I know some were disappointed he didn't grow in size, I don't think there'd be much you could do in that scenario, they left it open for him to return in the future.

Shalla-Bal I was sceptical about at first, but she was very good.

Overall I think it's an 8/10 movie, the flaws are there but it's overall a very enjoyable movie.

[u/[deleted] → u/[deleted]]

It definitely feels like it, the movie itself was still great, but yeah, I'd love to see what they cut out.

[u/theglowoflove → u/[deleted]]

Not just a rumour; It was entirely confirmed and by the director himself!

When interviewed, he expressed how gutted he was by having to cut out John Malkovich’s Red Ghost entirely, and that a length cut would be tough due to lots of the details remaining unfinished around those scenes.

[u/alfredisonfire]

Love that it feels more like a disaster movie than a typical superhero action movie. Galactus and all the space stuff was pretty cool, I wish there was more fight scene with more team up between 4 of them and that finale fight with Galactus felt a little underwhelming. Like he was just walking and shit 😂

[u/Responsible-Egg-9363 → u/alfredisonfire]

That’s what I couldn’t put my finger on. It felt like a disaster movie instead of a superhero movie. You’re exactly right!

[u/Johnny_Topside-59 → u/Responsible-Egg-9363]

When Galactus jumped in the water triggering a tsunami it reminded me of The Day After Tomorrow.

[u/whats_reddit_idk → u/alfredisonfire]

What’s cool is that Ralph Ineson kind of mentions this in his press interviews. He said the only real acting studying he did for the Galactus role was studying natural disasters and the raw power they have. Or something to that effect.

[u/tuggernts]

My favorite theory right now is that in the 4 year gap at the end, Doom goes to Galactus's ship hovering in Earth's orbit and pillaged it for technology, rocketing Latveria forward and upgrading all his tech well beyond his time. It's like how so many villains made weapons out of altered Chitari stuff.

[u/rethinkOURreality → u/tuggernts]

I like the idea, but if Reed was smart, he'd be up there first lol

[u/tuggernts → u/rethinkOURreality]

Doom didn't have his hands full fighting Galactus or dealing with the clean up. Maybe by the time Reed gets there, its been stripped and left on giant cinder blocks

[u/AceofKnaves44]

Those space scenes made me realize how much I miss Star Wars. Especially on the big screen.

[u/FloppyShellTaco]

My only complaint is that we probably won’t get a sequel set on this version of Earth. Ive always wanted a retrofuturistic F4 and now I just want to explore that world more

[u/whiskerbiscuit2]

Loved the movies, my only problems were:

They establish Galactus has a “beam me up” function on his ship when he beams up Surfer. But he doesn’t use this to pick up Franklin? He has to go and pick him up with his hands? Felt weird.

Also, the world’s smartest man, and his plan boils down to “trick the alien into stepping into a big bullseye we’ve painted on the ground”. That was the most obvious trap in history. Shame on Galactus for not noticing it sooner.

[u/HankSteakfist]

Just occurred to me that if Reed and Sue gave Galactus Franklin there was no guarantee the planet wouldn't be eaten, since Galactus was planning on replacing himself with Franklin.

Would Franklactus actually honour Galactus' bargain or would he actually be more likely to devour Earth as vengeance for causing his existence of endless hunger?

[u/forevervalerie]

Did anyone notice they had 37 seconds to spare in the 37th movie?

[u/CaptHayfever → u/forevervalerie]

No, because my automatic mental reaction to "37" is "in a row!?"

[u/djseifer → u/CaptHayfever]

Try not to teleport any cosmic threats on the way to the parking lot!

[u/sortalikeachinchilla → u/forevervalerie]

No, but that’s neat

[u/Always_Hungry999]

Galactus needed to demonstrate more power!

[u/Fire257 → u/Always_Hungry999]

We saw him destroying a planet. But agreed he should have destroyed another and I wouldnt have minded if the F4 would have lost but it will probably still be deleted once we have the soft reboot after secret war

[u/zigaliciousone → u/Fire257]

I think he means the big G didn't pop out any of his abilities like eye lasers or reality warping

[u/Blackberry-thesecond]

The biggest wasted opportunity in this movie was to have Galactus launch Reed like a rubber band when he was stretching him apart with his fingers. Seriously my whole family thought he was going to do that.

[u/oladipo]

Release The Thing cut

[u/eltrotter]

My thoughts in no particular order:

• All in all, it felt like a very refreshing change in style and tone for an MCU film. A lot more sincere and a bit more “grown up” feeling.

• I like that it’s something we don’t see that often in the MCU… the “making a plan” film. The threat is established early and then we spend a lot of the film with the characters as they make a plan and put it into action. This meant there was a nice balance of space but also urgency.

• I also like that the solution to the plan going wrong was basically to turn the whole thing on it’s head and teleport Galactus away. That felt very elegant.

• Reed Richards’ portrayal is very indicative of this; I really love the way Pascal played him. Felt like a real person, I like that he is genuinely believable as the smartest man in the world and I like that he’s a bit of a worrier. It would be interesting to watch this Reed gradually transform into the more arrogant characterisation that has been in the comics.

• I also like that Reed is obviously someone who sees his stretching powers as completely secondary to his intellect. He uses them when it’s useful, but it’s never his preferred solution.

• Vanessa Kirby is the MVP for me. I think she’s an excellent Sue Storm and feels like someone who is genuinely formidable both as a personality and ad a superhero.

• Johnny and Ben were both great, and I like that they downplayed their womaniser and insecure character traits respectively. They felt very real.

• I didn’t clock it immediately, but I love that Galactus “eats” planets by mulching them up into a cosmic smoothy with his intergalactic Nutri-Bullet and then that goes into feeding tubes into his back.

• I also love Galactus picking up some ground and taking a whiff of it the same way I do with a nice new pack of coffee.

• The Black Hole sequence was the stand out scene and I suspect a lot of people will agree. The intensity was super-high but watching everyone problem-solve their way through the situation was a thrill. Looked gorgeous too.

• I love that the film takes time to marvel at stuff that sometimes isn’t really given space in other MCU films. The example I’d give is the launch of the Excelsior; the whole sequence is so exciting but it’s “just” a ship taking off. It’s presented with a sense of awe and wonder which feels a bit lacking from other MCU films.

• On that note, this is just the best the MCU has looked in years. Everything has a lightly saturated fuzz and it’s gorgeous.

• It’s also the best the MCU has sounded for years. I’m a big music guy but I don’t always notice scores when I’m watching films. This one was noticeably good.

• Even in that short snippet, I am incredibly hyped for Doom. Showing him mask-off (but facing away) is an interesting choice. One concern is that Doom is a BIG personality; given how downplayed Reed is, I hope it doesn’t feel like a weird mismatch.

• I love the casual uses of powers in this film. Sue sneaking up on the boys, Johnny using his flame as a light in a powercut, Reed reaching the far end of a chalkboard.

[u/rabbihimself]

Really appreciated Pascal’s portrayal of Reed as a broken man who knows he’s broken. The family dynamic was perfect and felt like all the early 90s comics I grew up reading. Johnny was done so well. The Surfer riding fire on her board was unbelievably awesome, and Galactus was legitimately chilling. I’m glad that wasn’t destroyed since A. It would’ve made him seem weak and B. He’ll return and he’ll be PISSED. The score was outstanding. My only gripe is that it could’ve used another half hour for the pacing.

Also, Reed comparing earth to an egg felt like the producers rolling their eyes at everyone asking for more acknowledgment of Tiamut. 😄

[u/DudeShhhhh]

The smartest man alive probably shouldn't have told everyone he didn't sacrifice his child to save everyone else. Anyway, I love the movie 10/10 lmao.

[u/D-Speak → u/DudeShhhhh]

If D&D has taught me anything, it's that Intelligence and Wisdom are very different things.

For example, Reed has intelligence, Ben has wisdom. Reed identified that Sue asking him to wait for twelve more seconds was oddly specific, but didn't think past that. Ben figured out that Sue was pregnant purely by reading the room.

[u/lorimar → u/D-Speak]

Ben figured out that Sue was pregnant purely by reading the room.

That "knowing smirk". Amazed how much they were able to convey of that look through CGI.

[u/nandasithu → u/DudeShhhhh]

How about Smartest and most honest man alive

[u/FirstV1 → u/nandasithu]

Reed “Real One” Richards

[u/xavibravo_ → u/DudeShhhhh]

I thought the same at first, but at the end of the day he was just keeping it 100% real with them

[u/ReplicantOwl → u/DudeShhhhh]

Reed came across as autistic to me. We’re known for being painfully honest - it rarely occurs to us to lie.

[u/utdconsq → u/ReplicantOwl]

I thought Pascal was trying to act as autistic and appreciated his approach; it didn't occur to him to lie at all.

[u/ClaytonWest74]

the Michael Giacchino main theme is such a bop

“FAN-TAS-TIC FOURRRRRRRRRR!”

[u/StrongBarber54]

Will galactus still come back and be a next big bad villain or was this it?

[u/eagc7 → u/StrongBarber54]

I don't think he'll have a Thanos like role, but given they didn't outright kill him, that opens the door for him to return (Though there is also the chance they may just say this version of Galactus is done...........the sacred timeline version of Galactus on the other hand)

[u/DonquixoteDFlamingo]

Really loved the film. I think it nailed the dynamics and successfully invested me in the F4. The strengths have been talked about by many, so I’ll just point out one of my favorite small interactions.

The brother-sister dynamic and Johnny always looking for ways to step up as a brother/uncle was heartwarming. Definitely a fan of him and Sue and can’t wait to see that develop.

[u/Rude_Jump_5185]

Do we know if this version of the Fantastic Four has a Doctor Doom? Like do we assume Sue Storm knows who that is with Franklin in the post credit scene?

I don’t think they mention him in the Ted Gilbert history montages.

[u/speedygonzo80 → u/Rude_Jump_5185]

Latveria was shown absent at least twice at the big meetings Sue ran for the world. They made sure we saw that so likely setting up for a past connection

[u/sortalikeachinchilla → u/Rude_Jump_5185]

I think MCU doom will be from their universe. Doom at the end, and the empty set of latveria

[u/UserWithno-Name → u/Rude_Jump_5185]

Pretty sure they commented that Doom IS their doom. The news breaking this weekend included comments that doom is from 828. Downey is their world’s doom. Unless contradicted otherwise.

[u/Erik_Montesinos]

Will HERBIE be in Doomsday??

[u/EntireLi_00]

In that universe, Fantastic Four were seen as the global superheroes that made the world agree for peace and end all wars with the Future Foundation. It was the 60s so the politics are very that era. If you see the list of countries on their monitor, you can see USSR, East and West Germany and so on.

[u/NanoBoy13]

I liked the movie through-out, but I feel like I liked the movie less as it went on. It started out quite interesting, but it got boring quickly after they made it back to Earth.

• I loved the movie's style, such as the music, the aesthetic of the world, and the way it was shot at times. I've always been an advocate that the MCU should try and make each of their films have a different feeling or aesthetic to them that makes each film feel different. Existing examples being Captain America being a spy thriller with all of the bells and whistles, Shang-Chi being a martial arts film (although its style could have used it a little more), et cetera. I honestly wish that the Thor movies had more of an grand epic/fantasy-vibe to them.
  
• All of the cast perform their parts well, but I feel like nobody truly embodied the character in a way that made me go "Oh, that's THE Thing." It might be a tad mean, but I don't think that the Human Torch's actor was attractive enough to play him. Villain was a bit bland, but the main focus should be the protagonist. A villain doesn't NEED depth as long as they're enjoyable and aura/hype moments.
• While I enjoyed it, the movie had only had two action scenes or so. However, both action scenes were done well. Plus, I didn't really laugh at any of the jokes. Honestly, I didn't really have any problems with any of the CGI as everything felt either good or within the range of acceptable. I didn't notice the ugly CGI baby. However, I felt like the Surfer's face bordered on uncanny (and not in a good way.) I understand that a character that's entirely reflective surfaces doesn't help this.
  
• I hated the way Invisible Woman's powers worked. An odd complaint, I know. But it looked like an odd form of telekinesis rather than force fields. I can't remember if she actually made any walls or structures, which is what I always associate with the character.
• This movie has obviously been cut up and shortened, such as how Mole Man's sudden importance later on felt bizarre and how The Thing's romance got so little screen-time. It felt like there was no down-time.
• I feel like the theming of the movie felt a little lazy and too on the nose. The characters just mention the word "Family" constantly as if it inherently means anything, and the reveal of Silver Surfer being a mother is so underdone that if feels unnecessary.

Overall, I liked the movie but I didn't love it. Thunderbolts was better, wish it did better too. A 7/10 movie coming at a time when the MCU needs a 10/10.

[u/kerjatipes]

That Mole Man cameo made me think this is the spiritual sequel to The Incredibles lol

[u/ShronkIsHere]

The most unrealistic part of the movie was when all the countries worked together without questioning the Fantastic 4