Culture
‘Wonder Park’ embarks on superlative, if scary, ride
The characters in this animated adventure find everything "splendiferous" even when they aren't. While it offers a positive climax, "chimpanzombies" make an amusement park's rides frightening to little ones.
‘Plant-forward’ menus in Lent can have year-round benefits
Many cultures eat plant-based meals, which not only offer an abundance of nutrients and protein, but also reduce the carbon footprint of the consumer, writes Brooke Mullen, who offers four alternatives to meat.
Latin American saint championed social justice in troubled times
Two new books present the martyred St. Oscar Romero to a new generation, taking different approaches. One lets St. Oscar speak in his own words of spirituality and sin, and the other is more academic in tone.
‘Alienated America’ author urges Catholics to engage in parish, community
Washington Examiner reporter Tim Carney thinks it was the dissolution of civic institutions such as church and family that made communities vote for Donald Trump in 2016.
In latest ‘Kingdom Hearts’ video game, 20-year saga wraps
"Kingdom Hearts III" concludes its past 12 installments of storytelling that mixes familiar Disney characters with original personas. The game play is wholesome and stunning, if less than challenging.
Author’s journey helps readers confront their own privilege
An author grew up unaware of her social and economic advantages. When she gave birth to a child with Down syndrome, she became a minority among parents and aware of prejudice and inequity in her own life.
‘Captain Marvel’: Super powers for galactic peace
Wit, positive messages and lavish production values buoy the origin story of this Marvel Comics superhero. The need to work for peace and the resilience of the human spirit are its top themes.
Practice of memento mori — considering one’s death — revived for Lent
The Lenten devotional was designed to help others meditate on the moments of their lives and ultimately remember our Christian hope in the Resurrection -- made possible through Christ's victory over sin and death.
Shift your ‘food focus’ this Lent with simple recipes
When it comes to food, more is not better, writes nutritionist Libby Mills. She offers a simple, tasty and colorful recipe for red beans with collard greens and brown rice perfect for this season of sacrifice.
Tyler Perry’s A Madea Family Funeral
Tyler Perry has given his alter ego Mabel "Madea" Simmons, in what is billed as the final film of her escapades, a sweet and funny valedictory in "A Madea Family Funeral" (Lionsgate).