Culture
Movie review: Gone Girl
A jaundiced view of marriage permeates the abrasive drama "Gone Girl" (Fox).
Books probe past and future of Christianity in China
Two new books help readers understand how different the Chinese experience with religion and the state is from the traditional Western view, and how it affects cultural expression and evangelization in China.
Doll keeps popping up with devil-may-care attitude
"Annabelle" delivers a reliable series of horror-genre frights in this demon-themed film that puts the Catholic faith in the background, not the center.
Cold War CounterSpy
Take one part James Bond, one part arcade-game shooting gallery, mix in some Pixar-style animation from "The Incredibles," and you've got "CounterSpy" (Dynamighty), the new video game for Sony consoles.
Book on women religious deserves wide, respectful readership
"New Generations of Catholic Sisters" is an important and sober study that examines the future of religious sisters in an honest and courageous way. How communities deal with the millennial generation will be the key.
Hard to root for the good guy when he’s very bad
Vigilante figures can be compelling because it's natural to root against evildoers. But when the vigilante in question -- including the likeable Denzel Washington in "The Equalizer" -- becomes hyperviolent, cheering for him is perverse.
‘The Boxtrolls’: A cheesy but satisfying family film
If Charles Dickens collaborated with Dr. Seuss, he might have produced this charmingly bizarre urban fable about rich and poor and things that go bump in the night. The stunning animation and a first-rate voice cast belie a dark and scary tone that may be unsuitable for younger viewers.
‘The Song’ sings a story lovers need to hear
Taking its inspiration from the Old Testament's Song of Songs, the film offers a modern-day parable on love, marriage and remaining open and faithful to God's plan.
Plain talk and wisdom dot a ‘Travel Guide to Life’
For readers ready for the work of a transformative journey through life, author Anthony DeStefano has produced a reliable road map.
This Is Where I Leave You
Billed as a dramatic comedy, "This is Where I Leave You" (Warner Bros.) tries, unsuccessfully, to wring laughs and sentiment from one suburban family's dysfunction.