Culture

‘The Finest Hours’ is a fine film rendering of the greatest rescue

The true tale of the Coast Guard's most daring rescue is old-fashioned moviemaking on a grand scale, conveying quiet moments amidst storm scenes that are so intense you might reach for a sick bag.

Book tells story of married former Episcopal priests now Catholic priests

In "Keeping the Vow," author Father D. Paul Sullins, a sociologist and a former Episcopal priest, presents his research on a tiny but fascinating subcategory of American Catholic priests -- married Catholic priests who were formerly Episcopal priests.

Does sex sell? Possibly not, and neither will violence

"We found almost no evidence that violent and sexual programs and ads increased advertising effectiveness," Bushman told the American Psychological Association, which announced the findings.

Poignant, multifaceted ‘Room’ finds treasure in tragedy

The movie's skillful interplay of contrary ideas -- a redemption and liberation that is also the surrender of the main characters' shared Eden -- sets "Room" far above ordinary movie fare.

Movie review: The Boy

Put Chucky inside the Victorian pile Norman Bates shared with his ma and strand Jamie Lee Curtis alone there to mind him, and you'll end up, more or less, with "The Boy" (STX).

‘The 5th Wave’: Not even invading aliens are a match for teen angst

The latest film variant of the zombie apocalypse theme adds the romantic preoccupations of young adults amidst the decimation of the human race. Another pop culture theme looms: the movie trilogy.

Authors present contrasting viewpoints on biblical theories

Given the lively nature of New Testament scholarship, perhaps it should come as no surprise that "Mythologizing Jesus" strongly counters Pitre's idea of the Gospels as biographies.

How did DeNiro end up in a sexploitation flick like this?

Our reviewer pans the repellant gags and offensive content of "Dirty Grandpa," starring famed actor Robert DeNiro. You might call a taxi driver before the movie's end.

Movie review: Ride Along 2

During World War II, when scarce supplies of gasoline had to be preserved for military use, a familiar government poster asked civilian motorists: "Is Your Trip Necessary?" That same question might aptly be put to the characters who hit the road in the largely pointless comedy sequel "Ride Along 2" (Universal).

Gripping ’13 Hours’ shows the Benghazi you thought you knew

The action thriller "13 Hours: The Secret Soldiers of Benghazi" is more than a rehashing of the congressional hearings on the 2012 terrorist attack in Libya, as the tragic characters try to tell the good guys from the bad guys.