Movies don’t have to be literary masterpieces to be good. In fact, sometimes the most impactful films are done through linear storytelling, easy-to-understand writing, and a simple theme. 

The Fantastic Four: First Steps, released in summer 2025, is precisely one of those movies. Instead of trying to win awards, it sticks to what works, delivering a classic feel-good superhero movie with a powerful message about the importance of family. 

With the rise in popularity of gritty and nuanced protagonists, sometimes it’s nice to have clear-cut heroes that are easy to get behind. First Steps portrays the Fantastic Four in exactly that manner. When the Earth’s innocents are in danger, they invariably turn to the Fantastic Four, who come to save the day without fail. Brokering peace, stopping thieves, and rescuing animals are but a few of the team’s accolades. The entire global community embraces the quartet as their planetary heroes and happily supports them through all their endeavors. It’s a happy global society unified under the banner of the Fantastic Four, which makes for a splendidly good feeling. 

What also helps the positive nature of the film is a clear plotline. When the Silver Surfer arrives to Earth to herald the imminent arrival of Galactus, a planet-devouring timeless cosmic entity, the world turns to the Fantastic Four for help, which the team is eager to provide. After some setbacks, the good guys eventually win, and the planet is saved. 

While the story’s events were completely predictable and fit perfectly into a typical superhero movie, that doesn’t mean that it felt any less scary when the Fantastic Four faced near-insurmountable odds when their master strategy went south and they were forced to adapt. Even though the plot followed the curve of rising and falling action to a tee, the emotions and storytelling were still strong enough to create a gripping adventure, which made the heroes’ victory all the more jubilating. 

First Steps was completed with a touching point about family. One of the major plot points was the birth of Reed Richards’ and Sue Storm’s child, Franklin. The baby was a rare point of contention between the Fantastic Four and their world, as Galactus had pledged to spare Earth if the Four gave up Franklin. However, Storm stuck to her guns and refused to sacrifice her baby for the sake of the planet but committed to finding a different way to protect Earth. Her steadfast principles drove home an inspiring message: Nothing is more important than family. Despite being entirely fictitious, First Steps proved true that family is often someone’s most important safety net. 

The family theme coupled with an unquestionably happy story made for a movie that isn’t destined for stardom at the Oscars but still earns its place in the hearts of its viewers. While it won’t revolutionize the film industry, it delivers a simple and upbeat message, which may be just what audiences need.