Culture
‘The Story of God’ ponders life, death and the divine
Different cultures and religions are examined for their answers to such perennial questions as: "Who is God?" "Where did we come from?" "Why does evil happen?" and "What happens when we die?"
Movie review: Criminal
The spirit of "Young Frankenstein" looms over the contrived plot of the mind-swap yarn "Criminal" (Summit). Since the newer film is meant to be a serious action adventure, that's not such a good thing.
“Patience”: The dangers of changing the past
If you could go back and change the past, would you do it? The latest to delve into this intriguing theme is cartoonist Daniel Clowes. His new graphic novel, "Patience" (Fantagraphics), features a time traveler whose goal is to prevent the murder of his pregnant wife.
‘The Jungle Book’ never looked so good
Breathtaking jungle landscapes and meticulously detailed creatures great and small are joined by favorite songs "The Bare Necessities" and "I Wanna Be Like You" from the 1967 animated film version of the classic tale.
Collection explores ‘playing ball’ from Catholic viewpoints
In an age when an increasing number of Americans find themselves on ball fields on Sunday mornings, rather than in the pews, Jesuit Father Patrick Kelly offers a perspective to place sport in its proper context.
‘Barbershop’ sequel offers a kinder but cruder cut
Family unity, marital commitment and civic decency are all worthy themes in "Barbershop: The Next Cut." But in this film those values come at the price of numerous vulgar jokes and degraded dignity.
McCarthy stumbles to show who’s ‘The Boss’
Intended as a comedy vehicle for its star and co-writer, Melissa McCarthy, the film's lead character instead makes an annoyance of herself, inspiring more grimaces than giggles.
Book reveals pope’s secret spy network during World War II
Who really was Pope Pius XII during World War II? Was he a weak pope, too afraid to speak out publicly against Hitler? Or was he an expert diplomat, calculatingly using his position to help posture assassination attempts of the horrific German leader?
For Her aims to help women have life of ‘beauty, meaning’
The online magazine, led by a Catholic woman, has sections on relationships, family, fashion and beauty, lifestyles, spirituality and well-being.
‘Creed,’ ‘Room,’ ‘The Martian’ among newest Christopher Award winners
The Christopher Awards were inaugurated in 1949 to celebrate writers, producers, directors, authors and illustrators whose work "affirms the highest values of the human spirit," according to a statement by the organization.