Culture
Graduate program aims to reverse decline seen in Catholic art, literature
A new master's of fine arts degree program in creative writing at the University of St. Thomas in Houston may mark a resurgence of Catholic literary arts, said its founders, including a poet at Villanova University.
‘Hemingway’ on PBS traces life of literary genius, colossal jerk
Despite the artistry that Ken Burns and his team bring to bear in telling the tale of Ernest Hemingway, the shortcomings of the writer make this six-hour documentary series a long, depressing slog.
Strength of ‘Godzilla vs. Kong’ isn’t the human characters
Despite mounting plot twists and vulgar dialogue, the titular big brutes set against top-flight special effects and crashing skyscrapers remain the film's only stars.
‘Resurrection’ movie offers fine treatment of sacred subject
Viewers will get an early Easter treat March 27 with the latest project from Roma Downey and Mark Burnett: a handsome dramatization of the most essential period in human history.
Author brings St. Clare of Assisi out from shadow of St. Francis
Author Wendy Murray paints a vivid image of a woman who knew her own mind and wasn't afraid to use it. Clare changed the way women were seen in the Middle Ages and modeled discipleship anew.
Viewers journey with ‘The Father’ through dementia, in his eyes
Powerful performances by Anthony Hopkins as an octogenarian and Olivia Colman as his daughter make this a moving film that delves into morality and lays bare family relationships.
‘Tom & Jerry’ offers pleasantly silly escape for families
Cat and mouse remain natural-born enemies as the mania ensues in this animated and live-action film with lots of slapstick humor and benign mayhem.
Brilliant, unconventional ‘The Mauritanian’ explores dignity in face of torture
A highly balanced plot neither minimizes the true story of a 9/11 suspect nor undermines its effectiveness by indulging in impassioned monologues. The aim is to build the audience's outrage without preaching.
The arduous birth pangs of ‘Roe v. Wade’
Like the landmark ruling that legalized abortion in the U.S., the new film has -- predictably -- been the subject of much controversy. It debuted at the CPAC conference last week.
Olives: Valued gift from God makes an ancient oil
Although olives have been cultivated and crushed for oil for at least 2,000 years before the Christian era, they're still relatively new to American tables. See a recipe utilizing this small, bitter fruit with biblical pedigree.