I usually engage with films based on three categories: craft, content, and impact, and unfortunately, it scored poorly in all three for Megan and me. Neither the quality of the film nor the storytelling stood out. The worldview felt very much like something from Quentin Tarantino—fueled by revenge and hatred.

Now here is a tender and insightful film, a straightforward redemption story about new beginnings.

What stood out to me most vividly is the world Villeneuve has created. With great irony, he has beautifully captured the ugliness of this world. It is a character in itself, and a leading one.

Over the last year, a group of writers and storytellers has been meeting at my home. It all started at a creative class hosted by our church, where I was teaching on how to write for the stage.

The Fantastic 4: First Steps is actually fantastic. Here's why . . .