Fantastic Four: First Steps (2025) - Movie Review

 

source: https://collider.com/the-fantastic-four-first-steps-review/

Watched at Lippo Plaza Kebun Raya Bogor – 01:40 PM

I have to admit, when I first saw the trailer and cast announcement for Fantastic Four: First Steps, I didn’t expect much. I grew up with the 2005 version with Chris Evans as Johnny Storm and that version, for all its flaws, had a charm I didn’t think could be topped. Then came the 2015 reboot, which was a complete disappointment, both for me and most critics. It honestly killed any excitement I had for future reboots. So when I heard Pedro Pascal was cast as Mr. Fantastic, I thought, “Really? Again?” He’s been everywhere lately, and I doubted he’d bring anything new. And Joseph Quinn from Stranger Things as Human Torch? I just couldn’t see it. Compared to Evans’ charisma, it felt like a downgrade. All of that left me pretty skeptical.

I watched this film right after a meeting with my thesis advisor. I figured I deserved a little treat, so I went to the cinema, alone (like I usually do). Daytime movie sessions are kind of my thing because it's less crowded, more peaceful, and honestly, I just enjoy it.

I got there early and had to wait about 30 minutes outside the studio before they let people in. At first I was just sitting there, half-bored, music playing quietly in my headphones. Then two girls sat nearby and started talking and not just random talk. They were discussing movies and TV shows I actually love. Marvel stuff, the upcoming Spider-Man: Brand New Day, the next Avengers movie, even Stranger Things and how the final season’s coming later this year. I was sitting there like, are you serious right now? these are my people. I really wanted to join in, maybe even say hi but yeah, social anxiety said nope. So I just sat there, vibing, eavesdropping while pretending to scroll my phone.

By the time I walked into the theater, my expectations were still low. I mean, I was curious but I wasn’t expecting anything amazing. But wow... this movie completely proved me wrong.

The chemistry between the cast is so natural that it genuinely felt like I was watching a real family. Pedro Pascal surprised me with a calm, grounded performance as Reed Richards, intelligent but never robotic. Joseph Quinn brought a different flavor to Johnny Storm, more layered and human than I expected, but still fun and chaotic in some ways. Vanessa Kirby was powerful and warm as Sue Storm, and Ebon Moss Bachrach’s portrayal of The Thing had just the right balance of strength and vulnerability. It actually took me a moment to realize like wait, isn’t this the same guy who played Micro in Netflix's The Punisher? Turns out I was right. I never paid much attention to him before, but this film made me really appreciate his work. I genuinely ended up loving this team.

One of the best things about this movie is how it captures family dynamics without being cheesy. You can feel the care they have for each other starting from the small jokes, the tensions, the emotional moments. It’s not just about powers but it’s about people trying to stay together in a strange, shifting world. And I really appreciated that.

Visually, it’s a treat. The retro futuristic setting set in an alternate 1960s style Earth, it gave the film a unique look that sets it apart from the usual Marvel formula. It reminded me of the kind of bold world building we got in early Guardians of the Galaxy or Thor: Ragnarok, but with its own identity. The colors, costumes, and design felt fresh yet nostalgic.

Even the villains worked surprisingly well. Julia Garner’s Silver Surfer wasn’t what I expected, but in a good way, she was quiet and mysterious, without trying too hard. And for Galactus, they handled him way better than I imagined. Instead of turning him into some oversized cartoon, they gave him a darker, almost cosmic horror presence that actually felt intimidating. It was the kind of threat that didn’t need to be loud to be terrifying.

I went in with doubts and I left completely won over. The whole theater was buzzing with energy afterward, and I actually found myself smiling the whole way home. This isn’t just a good Marvel movie, it’s a good movie, period. One that balances emotion, humor, heart, and just enough weirdness to stand on its own.

Fantastic Four: First Steps gets a strong 9/10 from me.
And if this is just the beginning, then yeah

bring on the Doomsday. It’s Clobberin Time babyyy

Superman (2025) – Movie Review

https://www.heavenofhorror.com/reviews/superman-2025/

Watched at Lippo Plaza Kebun Raya Bogor – 8:45 PM

I was super super super excited to watch SUPERMAN, and finding out that Indonesia got it early before the July 11 release just made it even better. It felt like we got early access.

From the very beginning, I couldn’t stop smiling every time Superman appeared on screen. There’s just something about him that always brings me joy, I’ve always loved how he represents more than just strength but he also stands for hope. And this movie captured that feeling so beautifully, it made me smile over and over again without even realizing it.

James Gunn did an amazing job as the director. I’ve always enjoyed his style since Guardians of the Galaxy and The Suicide Squad. His signature touch really shines here too, the fun, emotional, and full of character. The visuals were stunning as well: colorful, clean, and easy on the eyes. I also loved Superman’s suit in this version because it looks modern but still respects the classic design.

Another thing I really liked was how the supporting characters were written. Green Lantern was fun—kind of silly, but in a good way. Mr. Terrific actually became one of my favorites. He was smart, calm, and brought something different to the team. Krypto was a bit annoying at times, but still cute and entertaining in his own way. As for Lex Luthor, I think this is the best version we’ve seen so far (way more intimidating than Zack Snyder’s version).

The story follows Superman as he tries to protect a fictional country called Jarhanpur from a violent invasion by Boravia, and even though it’s never said outright, it clearly draws inspiration from a real world conflicts, especially the heartbreaking situation between Israel and Palestine. Watching Superman stand up for a small, vulnerable nation under attack was incredibly emotional. He wasn’t just using his strength to save lives but he was standing for something much deeper which is justice, dignity, and the basic human right to live in peace. It reminded me that in the real world, so many people don’t have anyone strong enough to protect them. And in that moment, Superman became more than just a superhero - he became a voice for the voiceless, a symbol of resistance, and a reminder that hope still matters, even in a world that so often feels unfair. Honestly, I found myself wishing he was real.

The soundtrack was seriously AMAZING, I got chills during so many scenes just because the music hit so perfectly. Right after the movie ended, I went straight to Spotify and started saving songs from the official playlist. Two tracks I’ve been obsessed with ever since are “5 Years Time” and “Punkrocker.” I’ve had them on repeat nonstop. They weren’t super popular before, but thanks to Superman and James Gunn’s insanely cool music taste, they’re finally getting noticed. He really knows how to pick songs that stick in your head and make the scenes feel even more powerful.

Overall, I’d give Superman (2025) a strong 8/10. It’s not just about action or superhero stuff  but it has meaning, great characters, and a heart. I left the cinema feeling inspired, and honestly, I’d love to watch it again.