Culture
Collection shows Dorothy Day’s unique vision of holiness
This well-edited volume of Day's columns from the Catholic Worker from 1960 to 1969 show lush attention to detail, her profound ascetical spirituality and the hard challenge of modern discipleship.
‘The Many Saints of Newark’ prequel probes mobster’s roots
The richly textured but sad origin story of Tony Soprano, lead character of the long-running television drama "The Sopranos," dives deep into details for those already familiar with the story but will be confusing to anyone else.
Game holds ‘life is strange’ in search for ‘true colors’
A new graphic video adventure starring Erika Mori explores the meaning of community, loss and self-reliance, but some misguided interludes make for a morally rough ride.
Three books offer hope-filled views on Christian-Muslim relations
A journey through the Muslim year with friends, an exploration of negative views toward Muslims and how Christians can work with them in solidarity are the themes of three new books on their relationship both in the U.S. and around the world.
Like teen of its title, ‘Dear Evan Hansen’ plumbs deep well of emotions
Always intense though sometimes awkward, the movie's star-studded cast brings gravitas, and sometimes too much, to this film adaptation of the stage hit that throws a spotlight on the real-life problems of young people.
Poet sees renewed appreciation of fine arts as way to deepen devotion
James Matthew Wilson, formerly a professor at Villanova University, recognizes that people may find contemporary literature "obscure and abysmal," but he leads a program designed to promote good poetry "with the resources of the Catholic tradition."
Ken Burns retells story of ‘Muhammad Ali’ that’s largely been told
It wouldn't be fall without a new PBS documentary series by the famed director, who turns his gaze to Ali. Since more than a dozen films have already been made about the boxer, fans might have preferred more on Ali the activist and humanitarian.
Analysis of church’s diplomatic work is a must-read for many
In the new book "God's Diplomats," the author examines the church's global efforts to build dialogue and peace by avoiding partisan alignment, and looks at diplomacy in recent conflicts.
Witty ‘Shang-Chi’ brings good fun, good fights
The latest Marvel Comics-derived adventure, "Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings," offers up plenty of bloodless dust-ups in a simple-though-subtle plot of good vs. evil.
Netflix doc on Bob Ross paints in beauty, darkness
Despite the ugly turns in the tale in "Bob Ross: Happy Accidents, Betrayal and Greed," streaming on Netflix, the late painter remains a figure of unusual, enjoyable and infectious tranquility.