Culture
‘Papal Ninja’ brings message of faith to TV audience during competition
In the popular summertime series "American Ninja Warrior," competitor Sean Bryan represented his Catholic faith to millions of viewers. Not everyone got it. He was asked at one point, "Papal? You mean PayPal?"
‘The Infiltrator’ follows the money trail of drug trafficking to bankers
The lackluster film portrays federal agent Robert Mazur's takedown of the Medellin drug cartel in the 1980s. Panamanian banking schemes unfurl as the undercover Mazur leads a double life as a moral family man.
All the single ladies fire up the gags in new ‘Ghostbusters’
The plot of this 3-D reboot runs a similar course to that of its 1984 progenitor but the gender balance gets upended. In lieu of the Reagan-era male specter collectors the film conjures lady metaphysical musketeers.
No accounting for taste in ‘Mike and Dave Need Wedding Dates’
This potentially enjoyable comedy departs from its initial promise as a conversion story and instead follows an all-too-familiar path to the gutter.
When people leave, animals really have fun
Besides the animated film's plentiful litterbox humor, "The Secret Life of Pets" makes for an experience as warm and fuzzy as a cuddle with your favorite puppy or pussycat -- and a lot funnier.
Is ‘The Legend of Tarzan’ simple adventure or accidental satire?
This classic adventure tale's retelling tries too hard to frame the material in ways contemporary audiences will connect with -- including slavery, animal rights, the environment, greed and militarism.
Books give church ministers insights on conflict, leadership
Leaders in Catholic ministry, or anyone, will benefit from one new book on managing conflict in relationships and another book for Catholics working in catechesis and evangelization.
Offenses abound in ‘The Purge: Election Year’
Over-the-top and sacrilegious anti-Christian bias and paper-thin political stand-ins clearly broadcast the intentions of this third in the "Purge" film series.
‘The BFG’: A smart children’s movie for sharp kids
Directed by Steven Spielberg, the fantasy adventure is far superior to most offerings for youngsters. It's fun entertainment for the child who reads, and enjoys fairy tales with a slightly skewed perspective.
‘Kirby Robobot’: fresh take on a gaming staple
At a certain level, you know the piece, because you've heard the original. But the new version adds some elements that makes the whole experience fresh.