Culture
‘A Ghost Story’ reflects on loss while suggesting purgatory
The best film about purgatory you'll see this year isn't about religion or spirituality. The spirit of a deceased character must fulfill a task in order to set things right and thus be released from his earthly bonds.
What’s next for net neutrality: Open access or paid priority?
More than 10 million people weighed in on an FCC plan to change the rules on internet access. Among the supporters of preserving current regulations is the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops.
Inspiring book on Mass should be required reading for all Catholics
Rooted in solid, intellectually honest, balanced scholarship, yet written in language that the average person will follow easily and enjoy, "Bored Again Catholic" is a book that will renew just about anyone's appreciation for the Mass.
Diverse writers see parents, children as vehicles for grace
Four new books about being a mom (and not being perfect), a dad (how to be good at it) and parents of an autistic 5-year-old son offer much to Catholics with or without children.
Malfunctioning icons make for techy, madcap ‘Emoji Movie’
Set within the smartphone of a high school freshman, this wacky animated comedy with themes of friendship follows three misfit emojis on their quest to reach the internet Cloud.
Degrading ‘Atomic Blonde’ wields sadistic violence, exploitative sex
Tough on the men and tender with her lady, the main character's adventures embody a pornographic adolescent fantasy anyone committed to a Christian view of human dignity should shun.
Unlikely plot turns don’t nullify good intent of ‘The Tribunal’
The marriage annulment process provides the unusual courtroom setting for this romantic drama whose Catholic values are strong, though filtered through some faulty filmmaking.
‘The Last Tycoon,’ July 28, Amazon Prime
A few significantly objectionable moments, reflecting the worst excesses of contemporary TV and film production, mar the otherwise appealingly old–fashioned storytelling of "The Last Tycoon."
‘Dunkirk’ tells of evacuation as one of war’s greatest stories
While the film about the 1940 evacuation of British troops in the face of the Nazi onslaught is not for the fainthearted, it is a compelling historical drama marked by heroic pluck and generosity of spirit.
‘The Exception’ might stretch credulity, but it’s still exceptional
Historical kitsch applied to World War II espionage doesn't get more gloriously over the top than in this strange little story, which is so well-crafted, the stale elements simply fall away.