Culture
In drug-war thriller, ‘Sicario’ pits bad guys vs. bad guys
A deadly game of cat-and-mouse plays out along the U.S.-Mexico border in this ultraviolent film that follows the ongoing war against drugs and the machinations of rival cartels. Rules, and morals, apparently don't apply.
Doctor’s book on faith and medicine deeply felt but deeply flawed
Why do some parents choose prayer over medicine? Why do children die of preventable and treatable diseases? Why do laws allow religious exemptions to vaccination? Why do "we allow people to claim that they are acting in the name of God when they are doing no such thing."
When going gets tough, ‘The Martian’ becomes fully human
The compelling film examines courage and ingenuity, the fear of isolation and the yearning for solidarity, and treats matters of faith in a brief yet profound way.
Hollywood’s popes: A grab bag of pontifical personas
With the attention of so much of the press focused on Pope Francis during his historic journey to Cuba and the U.S. this month, it's interesting to reflect on the image of the papacy generated by those whose job it is -- or has been -- to entertain rather than inform.
Long, winding road of church in Philadelphia comes to TV
“Urban Trinity: the Story of Catholic Philadelphia” airs in three parts this week on 6ABC Channel 6, and in its entirety at the World Meeting of Families Film Festival.
Maze Runner: The Scorch Trials
The forecast is bleak in "Maze Runner: The Scorch Trials" (Fox). This adaptation of the second novel in James Dashner's sci-fi trilogy about teens running for their lives in a post-apocalyptic world calls for a permanently dusty atmosphere with an unwelcome windfall of predatory zombies.
Movie review: The Perfect Guy
The stale predictability and slow pacing of "The Perfect Guy" (Screen Gems) might appeal to people who prefer generic thrillers without twists and turns.
‘Captive’: Edgy story turns into blunted drama
The film's true story of a kidnap victim reading inspirational fare to her captor stoops to blatant product placement, undermining the positive values the director is working to promote.
Fascinating format can promote understanding among religions
This book is a most appropriate way for undergraduates and dialogue groups to become engaged with the fruits of the many dialogues between Catholics and representatives of other religions that have flourished on the local, national and international level.
Who’d have thought M. Night’s ‘The Visit’ would be so funny?
Humor is not characteristic of an M. Night Shyamalan movie, beginning with his supernatural puzzler "The Sixth Sense." His new film blends horror and comedy with reflections on media consumption and forgiveness.