Culture

Get ready to rumble with ‘Captain America: Civil War’

Those unfamiliar with the previous two Captain America films might need a scorecard to keep track of all the Marvel Comics superheroes in this film. It's a problematic probe into current questions of authority.

Wonderful collection of Tolstoy’s writings ultimately disappoints

The book is wonderful because it is always good to read Tolstoy. Unfortunately, The reader should have been given some understanding of the criteria that was used in making selections; without it, the book does not cohere well.

Movie review: Keanu

Keegan-Michael Key and Jordan Peele of the acclaimed Comedy Central television series "Key & Peele" star in the satirical action-comedy "Keanu" (Warner Bros.).

Kid-oriented ‘Ratchet & Clank’ turns sci-fi yarn into yawns

Busy 3-D visuals fail to mask the flat tone and by-the-numbers storytelling of this animated video-game adaptation that seems longer than its 94 minutes, even as a positive theme underlies it.

‘Firewatch’ a beautiful, contemplative video game

In a refreshing departure, the game goes for genuine emotion rather than mindless, violent action. It evokes real mystery instead of confining itself to the simple formula of a shoot-'em-up.

Author’s scholarly take on Peter brings Holy Land to life for readers

"Saint Peter: Flawed, Forgiven and Faithful" is part travel guide, part Scripture study, and a lively look at the steps of the fisherman 2,000 years ago and even today.

Secrets abound in ‘Mother’s Day’ but pretentions are clear

There's no question of an agenda; cohabitation and same-sex unions, treated as marriages, are simply meant for audiences to take for granted. Well-grounded grownups will assess and resist this skewed thinking.

Chinese film on Tibetan Buddhists wins Signis Award at Filmfest DC

"Paths of the Soul" offers "a look at a religious tradition different from that of most Westerners, and in so doing expands our understanding of human yearning for the divine.

Intense book challenges status quo on churches’ approach to racism

White Christians, and particularly white, male Christians, who like to be challenged about how they live the Gospel will find that challenge in "Trouble I've Seen: Changing the Way the Church Sees Racism."

Fantasy film mash-up is part Hobbit, part ‘Frozen’

"The Huntsman: Winter's War" is both a prequel and a sequel that fails with a resounding thud. A lavishly staged follow-up to "Snow White and the Huntsman," it is well intentioned but dull.