Culture
Compelling ‘Judas and the Black Messiah’ calls for much discernment
As a rich study of conflicted loyalties, the fact-based drama is a compelling movie about the FBI's attempt to infiltrate the Black Panthers. Its theme of police misconduct requires careful thought by viewers, and a strong stomach.
Three novels with Catholic themes make for engaging winter reading
A reviewer finds much to like in new fiction with Catholic themes, from the drama of family life to a murder-mystery to an intriguing tale of St. Francis of Assisi.
Morals and methods of police work tied up in ‘The Little Things’
The brooding crime drama starring Denzel Washington asks whether the truth of certain situations can ever be known, to what degree foul means can justly be employed to fair ends.
Parents get advice on helping ‘screenagers’ navigate social media
Making the link between screen time and depression among youths, the author offers parents and counselors conversation starters that allow the young person to be part of the solution.
Book examines difficult path to restoring faith after child sex abuse
"Glimmers of Grace" is an effort to provide some simple, practical guidance to climbing the spiritual ladder back to God. Who better to write it than a survivor of clergy sex abuse?
‘The Dig’ unearths deeds of ancient man, and present men
The discovery of an ancient burial ground in southeastern England in 1939 is the setting for this historical drama spanning ages, effective if not for one extraneous plot detail.
New take on ‘Pinocchio’ offers dark, scary fairy tale
It's no lie to say that the tale is scrupulously faithful to the grotesqueries of its gloomy source material. As such, it falls well short of what anyone might regard as straightforward family entertainment.
Funny, entertaining ‘Soul’ a bit too thin
Although it's understandable that the filmmakers portray the spiritual arena in a nondenominal way to avoid offending religious sensibilities, the result feels sterile, and could be confusing to little ones.
‘Wonder Woman 1984’: The super woman for our time
The plot is silly, but this bloodless action and combat adventure conveys good messages about self-sacrifice, helping one's neighbor and the twin evils of greed and selfishness.
‘Promising Young Woman’ opts for vengeance in dealing with sexual assault
The film takes a lighthearted touch to its lead's murderous approach with the message that her targets had it coming. That undermines its ethical observations about the social attitudes that allow sexual assault to flourish.