Culture
History of religious-themed books a tough read but worth the effort
A professor looks at books that prove religious works have always been big sellers in American history, even if they were looked down upon by scholars and theologians. They tell a lot about the hungers of the book-buying Christian audience.
Almost-dead hero of ‘The Revenant’ rises from grave, bent on revenge
The true story of a mountain man injured and buried alive in the 19th century West shows in striking cinematography his grisly journey to hunt down his son's killer for justice, or for vengeance.
Film charts the ‘Joy’ of success, and misery of sudden stardom
Jennifer Lawrence leads a raucous and dysfunctional family in "Joy," a drama that is as funny and sad as it appears. The movie's characters are as self-absorbed as the mop they rally around.
‘Concussion’ reveals the traumatic risk of any given Sunday
Will Smith's character in the pro football-themed drama takes on the effects of repeated hits on players' brains, and their league that, as another character proclaims, "owns a day of the week, the same day the church used to own."
‘The Big Short’ tells true tale of big greed, big fraud
Compelling characters under severe pressure tell how a few men saw through the financial house of cards before it crashed, ushering in the Great Recession. The film carefully reminds moviegoers of the human cost resulting from widespread corruption.
Vader to Vatican film critic: ‘I find your lack of faith disturbing’
$500 million in ticket sales notwithstanding, a movie critic for a Vatican newspaper panned the latest "Star Wars" film, "The Force Awakens," preferring instead the previous installments. Among his critiques of the latest film: the bad guys aren't evil enough.
Star Wars: The Force Awakens
"Star Wars: The Force Awakens, which opened around the world on Dec. 18, is the seventh installment in the popular film series.
Immature “Sisters” attempt to relive their high school years
In "Sisters," Tina Fey and Amy Poehler portray two sisters who revisit their high school days by throwing a party in their childhood home before their parents sell it.
Movie review: Legend
Political philosopher Hannah Arendt's famous phrase "the banality of evil" springs to mind while viewing writer-director Brian Helgeland's fact-based crime drama "Legend" (Universal).
Book’s academic style makes for a difficult but worthwhile read
Scribner, an accomplished researcher and writer, serves as education outreach coordinator at the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. His scholarship and experience alone qualify him to focus on this particular era in the U.S. church.