Culture
Smart teens, gruesome scenes make a scarier ‘Stranger Things 2’
In an age of terrorism and suspicion about government officials, this Netflix saga's appeal is easy to understand. It's unfortunate that the producers depict so much carnage to capture their audience's attention.
It’s a dark, mysterious trip for ‘Murder on the Orient Express’
Even if you know where the tracks are headed, this retold journey with its all-star cast is enjoyable. The characters' choices might form the basis for a family discussion about the balance between divine and human justice.
Filmmaker of ‘Novitiate’ had little Catholic grounding, and it shows
While the movie relies heavily on the "Bride of Christ" metaphor for religious life and the love nuns have for their spouse, God, it gets its subject matter wrong on many levels, leading to a well-earned R rating.
Catholics praise miniseries for even tone on historical drama
The notorious Gunpowder Plot of 1605, in which militant Catholics attempted to blow up King James I and his parliament, was a reaction to the brutal persecution of England's outlawed Catholic Church. The BBC portrays the episode in a three-part drama.
‘Thor: Ragnarok’ mixes fighting and fun on a grand scale
The Nordic deities continue to vie for power in the latest installment of the Marvel Comics series. The lack of gore, humorous overtones and surprising character complexity make the film suitable for older teens and adults.
Books highlight papal advice on ministry, diaconate as ‘vocation of joy’
A new collection of talks by Pope Francis to clergy underscores the need to minister compassionately, taking on "the smell of the sheep." In a separate work, a New Jersey deacon highlights the key role of joy in ministry.
Iraq War miniseries holds its fire on leaders’ missteps
The eight-hour TV miniseries, "The Long Road Home," is a film-making triumph in its depiction of a 2004 "peacekeeping" mission. But it sidesteps actions that may have contributed to the suffering and death of U.S. soldiers.
Reformation continues to shape the 21st-century world, author contends
The Reformation's leaders sought to make society more Christian but ended up in the long run secularizing society, giving rise to capitalism, consumerism, burgeoning technology and religious-like allegiance to nation, says a historian.
If ‘Jigsaw’ weren’t so gruesome, it might be funny as parody
Logically, the eight-film franchise should have ended, oh, seven and a half films ago. But the butchery and screaming, having long since played out, sputters along in the latest movie installment.
You’ll need many hours to spend a ‘Night in the Woods’
Autumn is the time when most young people are back at college. But what about the ones who bounce back home? That question provides the premise for the captivating video game "Night in the Woods" (Infinite Fall).