Culture
Glories abound for ‘Beauty and the Beast,’ with one exception
The live-action adaptation of Disney's 1991 animated film arrives amid controversy over the updating of one of its characters into an openly gay man. That objection aside, the film is imaginative and visually arresting.
A story of love, race and world politics in ‘A United Kingdom’
Viewers will need patience to process the multiple plot lines of the historical film portraying the story of an African royal who faced down racial prejudice to marry Ruth Williams, a white office worker he met in post-World War II London.
In new audio drama, St. Patrick ‘comes alive brilliantly,’ says actor
"The Trials of Saint Patrick" is an eight-part audio dramatization produced by Augustine Institute Radio Theatre about his holiness and dedication to the people of Ireland.
Examination of Mencken’s writings on religion has lessons for today
D.G. Hart is faced with writing both an interesting biography of Mencken and one that examines Mencken's comments on religion so that they help the reader better understand today's religious issues.
Friar-turned-lawyer writes novels about lawyer-turned-friar
Even though William Brodrick gave up the monastic life in the Augustinian order, just before priestly ordination, to be a lawyer, another call also had been tugging at him. It was persistent, and it didn't let go.
With new Nintendo game system, you may rather wait than switch
The hype about the new Nintendo Switch gaming system has been building for months, and the company marketing it is the most family-friendly in the industry. Yet adult players and the parents of younger gamers alike may want to hold off on buying this vaunted product.
On the journey of spiritual renewal, this book smooths a path
Honest writing and a willingness to share personal experiences mark spiritual writer Dolores Leckey's stories of interior journeys, especially when life doesn't "move along smoothly."
‘Kong: Skull Island’ is impressive monster movie with a message
A campy tone and a sense of dread drive this action film set in the waning days of the Vietnam War -- which serves as a cue for its exploration of the destructive human aggressiveness that gives rise to armed conflict.
Discernment needed when viewing ‘When We Rise’ miniseries
Catholic viewers will likely have experienced conflicting emotions watching "When We Rise," ABC's recent miniseries tracing the evolution of the gay rights movement.
‘Tower’ documentary erases shooter’s history in favor of victims’ grief
"Tower" recounts the harrowing events of Aug. 1, 1966, the day former Marine and expert marksman Charles Whitman climbed to the top of the University of Texas Tower in Austin and started shooting the innocent passersby below.