Culture
Movie review: Boyhood
NEW YORK (CNS) -- To describe "Boyhood" (IFC) as unique is to underestimate a film that was shot in 39 days over the course of 12 years.
Players feel fog of war in new video game
"Valiant Hearts" challenges the video gaming industry, which is overflowing with violence and explicit adult content. This game, set in World War I, achieves a high level of artistry, is fun to play and informative -- especially in showing the effects of hapless men facing the machines of war.
Book explores early days of church from political, spiritual viewpoints
In "From Jesus to the Church," Craig Evans explores the Jesus movement that developed within the Jewish religion after Christ's death.
‘Planes’ fly again to rescue families from boredom at theaters
"Planes: Fire & Rescue" is that rare sequel that surpasses the original in action, adventure, and 3-D animation. Kids will love the characters and action, and adults will get the inside jokes.
Movie review: Begin Again
NEW YORK (CNS) -- Competent pop tunes are strung together by a hackneyed plot line in the romantic comedy "Begin Again" (Weinstein).
Demanding history of Roman empire could have filled three volumes
The long and winding "The Restoration of Rome" brings readers to the point -- if they ever finish it -- where they see how the bishop of Rome was the one to restore Rome's empire rather than the political rulers Theodoric, Justinian and Charlemagne, despite the great efforts of these three.
Marvel’s ‘Miracleman’ hard to believe
NEW YORK (CNS) -- "Miracleman," a 1980s British comic currently being reissued by Marvel, was an attempt at deconstructing superhero cliches. Violent and depressing, the series tells a story that's often as dated and hackneyed as the Superman tropes it seeks to dismantle.
Cooperation and conflict arise in ‘Planet of the Apes’ sequel
NEW YORK (CNS) -- Those super-sentient simians are back in "Dawn of the Planet of the Apes." As war between apes and humans looms, the wisest among both begin working together for peace.
‘Deliver Us From Evil’ dances gingerly with the devil
NEW YORK (CNS) -- As an exorcism movie, this one's better than most. It's also a conversion story and an exploration of the reality of superhuman malevolence in which only an active and trusting faith will suffice.
Director likes stories that ‘break open mysteries of life’ for people
WASHINGTON (CNS) -- Clergy are too often stereotyped in movies "because writers and directors don't know any pastors or priests," said director Scott Derrickson, who helmed the new crime-horror film "Deliver Us From Evil."