Culture
Metaphysical hooey, video-game mayhem marks ‘Tomb Raider’
The tough-gal Lara Croft reboot film has plenty of fighting and dying, and distasteful mythology. Yet it's tiresomely repetitive, with features that might make gameplay enjoyable but fail to work on the screen.
Once a hit song, ‘I Can Only Imagine’ comes to the screen
There is an inspiring real-life story behind the 2001 chart topping song. With a screenplay free of anything offensive, the movie offers uplifting entertainment that parents and teens can share without worry.
Well-crafted but misguided ‘Love, Simon’ deserves close look
The gay-themed romantic comedy needs a careful analysis rather than off-hand dismissal: Despite its morally faulty conclusion, the film's main characters reject casual romantic ties.
Gotham by Gaslight: Batman vs. Jack the Ripper
Catholics who view the direct-to-video animated film "Batman: Gotham by Gaslight" (Warner Home Video) may take a particular interest in one character, a nun named Sister Leslie (voice of Grey DeLisle).
‘A Wrinkle in Time’ seeks virtue in the secular and magical
The picture's ultimate message, that we should love ourselves even while acknowledging our faults, promotes the Christian virtue of humility. But parents should discuss the metaphysical gobbledygook with their kids.
Faith shines through as priest recounts grim captivity in Iraq
Held captive and tortured for a month by Islamic extremists, Father Hanna's cruel confinement led him to ponder life's ultimate questions, like love's meaning, God's presence and action, and goodness itself.
New Testament prof sorts out plausible, implausible in new ‘Paul’ movie
Don't take everything you see in the new movie "Paul, Apostle of Christ" as, well, gospel. Much of what is on screen is conjecture but the film offers an opportunity learn about St. Paul.
Movie review: Gringo
Moral dilemmas come fast and furious in "Gringo" (STX), a dark, but somehow not cynical, comedy about avarice and its near-instant consequences.
Melodrama aside, CNN series on papacy edifies, challenges viewers
"Pope: The Most Powerful Man in History" covers a lot of ground and provides a fine overview both for those who may have forgotten this aspect of history and for those who never learned about it.
Video game review: Okami
"Okami" (Capcom) is a game based on Japanese mythology and folklore and considered a masterpiece by many critics. It has recently been reissued in a high-definition edition playable on PC, PS4 and Xbox One.