Culture
’21 Bridges’ ends up leading nowhere
The violent crime drama, which stars Chadwick Boseman as a vengeful detective, never fully explores its proposed themes of justice and mercy as the body count rises and profanities fly.
‘Charlie’s Angels’ fly high with adventure, humor
The third remake of the iconic 1970s television series finds the stylish spies crossing the globe in this popcorn feature filled with outlandish action sequences, exotic locales and a few laughs.
‘A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood’ makes viewers feel at home
Tom Hanks stars as Fred Rogers, beloved host of the long-running children's television show, in this fact-based dramatization that explores the power of innocence, forgiveness and kindness.
Changeover in online search protocol could foretell a bumpy road ahead
Under the DOH protocol, you type in the URL. But the request to access the webpage does not go to your ISP. In fact, the request may not even stay within the United States. And it will furnish the page upon request -- virus or no, blocked or not.
Fast-racing boomers are OK in ‘Ford v Ferrari’
The heroic saga revels in 1960s youth culture, told in the style of cowboys battling their demons, plotting to win a big race and keeping arrogant corporate boys from Detroit at bay while forging a tight personal bond.
Charming ‘Frozen II’ hails solid values and friendly fun
The animated sequel's flaws are outweighed by sympathetic characters, visual flair and skillful storytelling, all while stressing teamwork, family solidarity and upright values.
‘Call of Duty: Modern Warfare’ rewrites history, violently
Stunning graphics can't hide bad intel about the Gulf War, excessive gore, profanity and support for recreational drug use in Activision's latest game, whose problematic content may drive even adults to step away from the console.
‘Playing With Fire’ ends up all wet
The harmless comedy, which stars professional wrestler-turned-actor John Cena, doesn't burn audiences, but its banal humor and wooden characters fail to light a spark.
‘Doctor Sleep’ writes a prescription for bad dreams
The sequel to the 1980s horror classic "The Shining" finds the son of Jack Nicholson's crazed character battling child murderers, frightening memories and alcohol in this gory, profanity-laden film.
‘Pariah: The Lives and Deaths of Sonny Liston,’ Nov. 15, Showtime
Most Americans would be hard-pressed to name boxing's current heavyweight champion. Yet, for most of the 20th century, that person was a central figure in our national life.