Culture
‘The Bad Guys’ animates a heist crew ala ‘Ocean’s 11’
This high-octane, older-kid-friendly caper is veteran animator Pierre Perifel's feature debut -- and the neophyte director nails it, and offers a rollicking treat for all but the youngest.
‘Fantastic Beasts’ sequel a dim flash of Harry Potter
Despite lavish visuals, the lackluster production of "The Secrets of Dumbledore" is marred by its enthusiasm for a popular but mistaken understanding of human sexuality.
Two books on Jesus: One to dig into, one to avoid
A review of a book on the archaeological roots of the Gospel stories of Jesus' life shows an intriguing perspective based on facts, whereas another book diverges so widely from the scriptural accounts that the person of Jesus is unrecognizable.
With a good heart and dirty mouth, ‘Father Stu’ inspires
Positive priest characters are a rarity in contemporary films. So Catholics will welcome the uplifting fact-based biography of a former boxer and listless store clerk, portrayed by Mark Wahlberg, becoming a priest.
‘Ambulance’ drives decent man to desperate ends
The tense crime drama explores the psychology of a fundamentally humane character caught up in criminal mayhem -- sometimes in the gory extreme, limiting the audience for this film only to the stout-hearted.
New book points to need for racial reckoning in women’s religious orders
"Subversive Habits" by Shannen Dee Williams details the struggles faced by many Black Catholic sisters, whom she calls the "forgotten prophets of American Catholicism and democracy."
Gritty but genuine, ’61st Street’ leads to a battle for survival
Set in Chicago, the morally complex drama series from AMC explores the lives of two men connected by a violent tragedy, and seeking mutual redemption.
‘Turning Red’ may leave viewers blushing
The latest from Disney and Pixar tackles a delicate subject with plenty of euphemisms, as well as some mixed messages about the "messy, loud, weird part of ourselves."
Many are called, one is chosen: The Oscar for Best Picture goes to…
Catholic film reviewer John Mulderig sizes up the 10 nominees for this year's best film before the winner is announced Sunday night, March 27 at the Academy Award ceremony. Which of the 10 was your favorite this year?
‘The Batman’ explores darkly and at length, Who is a hero?
The latest reboot of the DC Comics-based franchise is a very long and darkly powerful affair examining the inner workings of the doubt-wracked caped crimefighter.