Culture
Historian looks back at 20th-century war between Catholicism, modernity
Una M. Cadegan in her short but dense history, "All Good Books Are Catholic Books," describes an intellectual war between Catholicism and modernity that reached its high-water mark in the first half of the 20th century.
Cinema’s heavy hitters carve out ‘The Monuments Men’
NEW YORK (CNS) -- Western civilization owes an incalculable debt to the real-life figures behind the fact-based World War II drama "The Monuments Men" (Columbia). It might not be monumental, but it admirably points to the enduring value of art.
Much more than pie-making going on in ‘Labor Day’
The plot of the new Kate Winslet/Josh Brolin film might be improbable -- convicted murder turns helpful handyman and father figure -- but you can tell there's more on the man's mind than making a flaky pie crust.
Founder of shelters for unwed teens inspires film
ARLINGTON, Va. (CNS) -- Every day, Kathy DiFiore helps young unwed mothers in need and their children with shelter and support. Her conviction that God was asking her to share the stories of the mothers she works with eventually led to the movie "Gimme Shelter," now in theaters.
Two books offer good options for personal spiritual growth in 2014
One book shows how to develop one's spirituality from the wisdom of those who have shaped their own spiritual paths in the midst of a secular, materialistic world. Another book examines numerous religions' answers to life's biggest questions, such as Who am I, and Where am I going?
Movie review: Gimme Shelter
NEW YORK (CNS) -- Perhaps the best moment in the fact-based drama "Gimme Shelter" (Roadside) comes when its beleaguered, deeply sympathetic protagonist, played by Vanessa Hudgens, wonderingly recites a passage from the Book of Psalms that tells of God's promises to those who trust in him.
‘Shadow Recruit’ calls up a next generation Jack Ryan
NEW YORK (CNS) -- Few fictional characters have proven as durable as novelist Tom Clancy's brainy -- and Catholic-educated -- spy, Jack Ryan. Though originally a baby-boomer, in this iteration Ryan (a likable Chris Pine) responds to 9/11 by joining the Marines, then the CIA.
Movie review: The Nut Job
NEW YORK (CNS) — The multilayered plot of “The Nut Job” (Open Road) might confuse smaller children. However, this animated feature’s continuous action and theme of the importance of living in community make it both splendidly entertaining and morally appealing. Not all the humor will please accompanying parents, though. Potty jokes seem to have become […]
Movie review: The Legend of Hercules
NEW YORK (CNS) -- An embarrassingly weak film about the personification of strength, the 3-D action adventure "The Legend of Hercules" (Summit) is nothing short of woeful.
Falling in love with ‘Her,’ when she doesn’t really exist
NEW YORK (CNS) -- Tech fans might casually declare their love for a cutting-edge gadget. But all would have to take a backseat to Theodore Twombly (Joaquin Phoenix), the main character in the quirky romantic drama "Her" (Warner Bros.).