Culture
‘Obvious Child’ treats abortion in obviously deplorable way
If Satan were a movie critic he'd likely give the abortion-themed romantic comedy "Obvious Child" (A24) an enthusiastic "two horns up." He'd love this propaganda piece on how "terminating a pregnancy" can serve as the gateway to a bright and fulfilling future.
‘Groundhog Day’ goes sci-fi thriller in ‘Edge of Tomorrow’
Despite its premise of a soldier reliving his last day of mortal combat over and over, this satisfying action film starring Tom Cruise also features rare costars: self-sacrifice, romantic restraint and transformation from death to life.
For the aging and the ages, stories provide valuable insight
Spend any time with the aging and you will discover that one thing they have in common is personal stories.
Cancer-themed teen drama delves into love, death and tears
What's a film with a literate, sensible teenager doing in a theater like yours? "The Fault in Our Stars" allows for much weeping while deftly handling an untimely death by cancer. Praise the movie and pass the tissues.
Movie review: Ida
NEW YORK (CNS) -- The starkly beautiful minimalist masterpiece that is "Ida" (Music Box) adroitly navigates two horrific eras of Polish history as an aspiring nun discovers her true identity.
Movie review: Maleficent
NEW YORK (CNS) -- Even an iconic villainess may not be all bad.
‘Family Guy’ creator spoofs Westerns in latest film
NEW YORK (CNS) -- Coarse humor and a dragged-out story line unsaddle the new comedy by writer, director and star Seth Macfarlane in "A Million Ways to Die in the West."
Summertime, and the viewin’ is easy, as in undemanding
WASHINGTON (CNS) -- Now that Memorial Day is in the rearview mirror, the TV industry is still looking for ways to lure viewers to the tube. Or the flat-screen, as it were.
Marvel’s ‘Family Business,’ starring: Spider-Man, secret agent?
NEW YORK (CNS) -- Parker. Peter Parker. Those words may not have quite the same ring as James Bond's characteristic self-introduction. And yet "Family Business," a graphic novel starring Parker's alter ego, the Amazing Spider-Man, is an enjoyable espionage thriller in which the familiar superhero manages to give not only 007 but Jason Bourne a run for his money.
A ‘Blended’ surprise: Family movie without gross-out gags
Adam Sandler stars in "Blended," a rare, sincere family film that deals well with children's problems maturely, and with fun. There's even an old-fashioned approach about sons needing fathers' lessons about toughness, and daughters needing a mother's compassionate understanding.