Culture

‘The Boxtrolls’: A cheesy but satisfying family film

If Charles Dickens collaborated with Dr. Seuss, he might have produced this charmingly bizarre urban fable about rich and poor and things that go bump in the night. The stunning animation and a first-rate voice cast belie a dark and scary tone that may be unsuitable for younger viewers.

‘The Song’ sings a story lovers need to hear

Taking its inspiration from the Old Testament's Song of Songs, the film offers a modern-day parable on love, marriage and remaining open and faithful to God's plan.

Plain talk and wisdom dot a ‘Travel Guide to Life’

For readers ready for the work of a transformative journey through life, author Anthony DeStefano has produced a reliable road map.

This Is Where I Leave You

Billed as a dramatic comedy, "This is Where I Leave You" (Warner Bros.) tries, unsuccessfully, to wring laughs and sentiment from one suburban family's dysfunction.

Movie review: The Maze Runner

Cross "The Hunger Games" with "Divergent" and you'll get "The Maze Runner" (Fox), the latest angst-ridden drama about teenagers fighting to survive in a post-apocalyptic world.

Inspired by Old Testament, ‘The Song’ a modern story of love, faith

The Song of Solomon, the amorous tale of two lovers contained in the Old Testament, has found reincarnation in a modern story of love and faith underscored by American folk music.

Movie review: A Walk Among the Tombstones

When a film is called "A Walk Among the Tombstones" (Universal), you shouldn't expect a cheery stroll through the park.

‘Calvary’ tells the truth of anger, hypocrisy — and love

Archbishop Chaput has gone to the movies. He offers his take on "Calvary," about the clergy sexual abuse scandal in Ireland. The intimate, unblinking and unforgettable film has much to teach moviegoers, after they catch their breath during the closing credits.

The young, the restless and their beliefs

Two new books, "Young Catholic America: Emerging Adults In, Out of and Gone from the Church" and "Belief without Borders: Inside the Minds of the Spiritual but not Religious" are eye-openers about Catholic young people between the ages of 22 and 28.

Movie review: Tusk

There is no compelling reason even for devoted fans of writer-director Kevin Smith to take in his misguided gross-out horror-comedy "Tusk" (A24). Worse, if you see it, there's no way to un-see it.