Culture
In ‘Gotti,’ a man and a movie without a moral viewpoint
Stilted dialogue in this low-budget crime saga of the eponymous New York mob boss helps to heap on the cliches, but the film lacks tension as it charts the demise in prison of the "Dapper Don."
‘Parallel biography’ of Thomas Merton, Bob Dylan offers unique insights
Although Merton and Dylan "lived their lives a thousand miles apart, their souls were next-door neighbors," writes the author of a book that makes connections between themes in both men's lives unlikely to be found anyplace else.
Dinosaurs of ‘Jurassic World’ chew up scenery in latest film
In the sequel to the 2015 reboot of the series, "Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom" ratchets up the gore as the cloned dinos face extinction even as the lead characters rekindle their romance in a refreshingly innocent way.
‘Incredibles 2’: Maybe too much action, profanity for young viewers
Despite all the bluster in this sequel to the much-loved 2004 animated film, it pitches the worthy lessons of its predecessor about love, family, courage and helping others in need.
Ladies of ‘Ocean’s 8’ add glamor, humor to their larceny
In a reboot of the suave "Ocean's" trilogy, a cast of clever women plot a big heist. The Met's recent "Vatican fashion" exhibit becomes the climactic setting for the elaborate crime caper.
Comic book take on the national pastime a well-pitched delight
Baseball and comic books, two colorful American originals, come together in "The Comic Book Story of Baseball: The Heroes, Hustlers, and History-Making Swings (and Misses) of America's National Pastime."
Book peers into Confederate leader’s religious life
"The Religious Life of Robert E. Lee" draws upon the Civil War general's correspondence to establish his faith journey. Those looking for a condemnation or a canonization of Lee will not find it in this book.
Books on saints, secrets, Mary for your children’s summer reading
See reviews of eight books -- including a collection of short stories, poetry, illustrated tales and on Marian consecration -- to keep school-age youngsters and teenagers busy reading on summer vacation.
Will documentary on Fred Rogers make you cry? It ought to
The new film "Won't You Be My Neighbor?" on the gentle children's television host who taught kindness and empathy to millions of children will likely elicit strong emotions from viewers.
Fred Rogers’ ministry was on TV to kids, says documentarian
Fred Rogers was ordained for the Presbyterian Church, but instead of a clerical collar, he ministered wearing a red cardigan sweater.