Culture

New book opens a window into Cardinal Wuerl’s life, U.S. church

Though not definitive, the biography gives an overview of the many events in the life of Cardinal Wuerl, former bishop of Pittsburgh and Washington's archbishop since 2006 -- and his role with Pope Francis.

‘How to Be Single’ might be subtitled, ‘And How Not to Be’

Our reviewer notes a disconcerting moral snag concerning procreation in an otherwise appealing, if slightly raunchy, romantic comedy movie about ladies seeking Mr. Right.

‘Risen’ helps revive the biblical epic

Two soon-to-be-released films seem positioned to ignite a sustained revival of the marriage of scriptural message with opulent production values.

‘Hail, Caesar!,’ and farewell to a bygone era

The new comedy by the Coen brothers is a big film Valentine card of golden-age Hollywood, specifically the raucous Tinseltown culture of the early 1950s. The all-star casts descends headlong into some irreverent material.

Jane Austen would spin in her grave over ‘Pride and Prejudice and Zombies’

As its title suggests, this comedy-drama is mash-up of "Downton Abbey" meets "The Walking Dead." The result is not pretty, especially when it crosses the line on parodying the Eucharist.

‘The Choice’: A comfort-food movie that’s bland

An ethical dilemma doesn't go very deep and presents no danger of flouting Catholic medical norms. Nor does it elicit sympathy from viewers. The proceedings quickly return to sweeping scenes of the seaside.

Book advocates using science to deepen faith, relationship to God

True, faith and science abide comfortably in many people; but so far no one has succeeded in convincing all of the diverse mentalities in either camp to accept a basic compatibility.

‘Risen’: The Resurrection from a skeptic’s point of view

Joseph Fiennes, the actor starring in "Risen," said his new project seeks to illustrate the story of Christ's death and resurrection from a unique perspective.

‘Madoff’ tells how a nice guy made off with ill-gotten millions

The miniseries starring Richard Dreyfuss tells the tale of Bernie Madoff's two lives: He's both a loving family man and a conniving criminal. The miniseries airs Feb. 3-4, 8-10 p.m., on ABC TV.

‘Young Messiah’ filmmakers had blessing from author who inspired it

The director and one of the producers of the upcoming movie "The Young Messiah" said they had the blessing of author Anne Rice, whose novel, "Christ the Lord: Out of Egypt," inspired the screenplay.