Shyama Krishna Kumar

DUBAI: Director Matt Shakman ushers in phase six of the Marvel Cinematic Universe with “The Fantastic Four: First Steps,” a film that feels more like a promising prologue than a fully developed story. While it lays important groundwork for future storylines — especially a mid-credit sequence that earned big cheers from the audience — the movie never quite finds its own narrative momentum.

Set against a richly realized retro-futuristic palette, “First Steps” follows the titular superhero group — “Marvel’s First Family” — as they face off against the planet-devouring entity Galactus and his enigmatic herald, the Silver Surfer. World-ending stakes aside, the group also has to deal with some heavy personal issues as leading duo Reed Richards (Pedro Pascal) and Sue Storm (Vanessa Kirby) discover they are going to become parents.

The ensemble cast is undoubtedly the film’s greatest asset. Pascal brings a nervy, endearing edge, channeling the energy of a distracted genius always trying to be one step ahead of possible disaster. But it’s Kirby who steals the spotlight. She’s in control of every frame she’s in, giving Sue a gravitas that transcends the film’s otherwise uneven emotional beats. The chemistry between Pascal and Kirby is palpable and feels lived in.

Ebon Moss-Bachrach is effortlessly charming and grounded as Ben Grimm/The Thing, while Joseph Quinn delivers perhaps the most charismatic Johnny Storm/Human Torch we’ve seen on screen — cocky and impulsive, but never cartoonish. His dynamic with Julia Garner’s quietly compelling Silver Surfer adds depth to both characters.

Unfortunately, the cast can’t fully overcome a flat script or lukewarm direction. Despite the looming galactic peril, the story feels strangely tensionless. The pacing is off and the sense of wonder that usually accompanies Marvel’s bigger swings is absent. There’s a sense that “First Steps” is more interested in planting seeds for future crossovers than telling a compelling story.

There’s reason to be optimistic, though. If future installments can match the emotional depth of the cast’s performances and the breezy chemistry of its leads, the Fantastic Four may yet go the distance.