Culture
Pope Francis superhero in ‘I Believe in Mercy’ manga-style comic book
The publisher Manga Hero specializes in combining two seemingly disparate things: comic books in the Japanese, or manga, style and Catholic subject matter.
Comprehensive account of Salem witch trials offers lessons for today
Autumn's hard frosts and shortening days invite contemplation of our mortality. But for our 17th-century Puritan forebears, the veil between this world and the next fluttered in the slightest breeze. This was, after all, an age when people still believed in magic.
This week’s DVD and Blu-ray releases
NEW YORK (CNS) — The following are capsule reviews of new and recent DVD and Blu-ray releases from Catholic News Service. Theatrical movies have a Catholic News Service classification and Motion Picture Association of America rating. These classifications refer only to the theatrical version of the films below, and do not take into account the […]
Katniss and crew shoot straight and true in ‘Hunger Games’ sequel
Stirring action scenes, a solid plot, positive values and no morally problematic content -- not only are the characters of the sci-fi thriller "The Hunger Games: Mockingjay, Part 1" heroic, so are its creators.
U.N. hosts exhibit of St. Francis’ manuscripts, artifacts from Assisi
Speakers at the Nov 17 opening of an historic exhibit at the United Nations of medieval manuscripts and papal documents associated with St. Francis of Assisi affirmed the saint's association with the world body's peaceful aims and hoped his namesake pope would pay a visit next September.
‘Jane the Virgin’ series thoughtful, yet troubling look at family, love
The CW's controversial new comedy-drama "Jane the Virgin" -- airing Mondays at 9 p.m. EST -- is adapted from the Venezuelan telenovela "Juana La Virgen." The English-language version toys with the genre's themes without losing its focus.
Book provides poignant first-person look at Alzheimer’s disease
Former journalist Greg O'Brien poignantly chronicles the dripping away of his brain's power and memory, even as he recalls the good things in his life. The book is sad and joyful; depressing and uplifting; tragic and touching.
‘Beyond the Lights’ offers shadowy view of sexuality
The vulgarity-soaked world of rap music takes a well-intentioned story of romance and mutual support and dims it with a script that takes going to bed before strolling down the aisle for granted.
‘Race the Sun:’ Good, clean solar-powered fun
There's something hypnotic about flight in a video game, and this one is a nice throwback to simpler and more innocent gameplay. Admittedly, it has a short shelf life. But priced at less than $10, it's cheaper than most movies.
‘St. Vincent’ offers a grouchy, flawed man as a saint for today
An unlikely baby sitter in the person of Bill Murray also serves as an unusual image of sanctity that forces the viewer to ask, just how much bad behavior is excusable in a person who is nurturing, generous and perhaps saintly?