Culture
‘Shaft’ leads father-son vigilantes down deep hole of violence, vulgarity
Between gunplay mayhem and treating women as playthings, the fifth movie in a series dating back to 1971 winks at do-it-yourself justice and promiscuity.
Sadistic killer doll on a rampage — this is supposed to be comedy?
The nicest thing about the reimagined horror film "Child's Play," reprising the "Chucky" horror character, it that is just 88 minutes long. Any longer and it could be designated a method of torture.
Spy thriller ‘Anna’ offers clever twists, around its body counts
Graceful she is not, but the film's lead character Anna links objectionable violence and sex, which make the otherwise entertaining CIA/KGB tale problematic for viewers of faith.
Wise and witty, ‘Toy Story 4’ plays nice with the whole family
Woody and Buzz Lightyear join friends old and new for the latest adventure in the beloved franchise, which explores complex themes about love, loyalty and conscience while delivering laughs.
Novelist looks at writings of Trappist monk Thomas Merton
An author reexamines one of the most popular and influential Catholic literary figures of the 20th century, whose work included fiction, journals and a best-selling autobiography, "The Seven Storey Mountain."
Agents are back in black with ‘MIB: International’
The famous sci-fi comedy franchise gets an amusing and stylish reboot that offers good-natured fun for mature audiences. Chris Hemsworth leads a ensemble of aliens and gadgets in the film's globetrotting plot.
After a gripping debut, ‘When They See Us’ closes viewers’ eyes
The Netflix series, which focuses on five teenagers of color wrongly convicted of raping a female jogger, loses its hold on viewers as it unfolds. A story of redemption and vindication winds up being a slow slog through a great deal of misery.
Good dogs fetch family fun in ‘The Secret Life of Pets 2’
The animated follow-up to the 2016 original feature offers lessons about overcoming fear and helping those in need, while keeping paws clean and tails wagging.
Not the man they thought he was at home
In its portrayal of rock star Elton John's early life, "Rocketman" is a polished and appealing film. But it deals with its subject's homosexuality in a way that puts it at odds with scriptural values.
Solid morals, relationships brighten tone of ‘Dark Phoenix’
Despite pervasive combat violence, the ultimate message of this "X-Men" film involves the elevation of forgiveness and solidarity over the desire for revenge, which is in harmony with Gospel values.