Culture
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.
‘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.