Culture
One book offers exhaustive study of rosary, another adds mysteries
At 351 pages -- not including various appendices and reference sections in the back of the book -- "Champions of the Rosary" is easily the most exhaustive study of the devotional prayer known as "the rosary" that this reviewer has ever seen.
Movie review: Jackie
"Jackie" (Fox Searchlight) is more of a passionate meditation on the nature of a first lady's fame than a historical drama about Jacqueline Kennedy in the weeks following the 1963 assassination of her husband.
Choral Arts group presents rare Bach ‘Christmas Oratorio’ New Year’s Eve
What are you doing New Year’s Eve? Choral Arts Philadelphia performs Johann Sebastian Bach’s six-cantata oratorio Saturday, Dec. 31 from 4-8 p.m. with intermission for dinner, at the Philadelphia Episcopal Cathedral.
Movie review: Sing
"Sing" (Universal) is a generally amiable but flawed musical cartoon, populated mostly by animals. While the essential values of this show-biz fable are respectable enough, writer-director Garth Jennings incorporates elements into his film that make it unsuitable for youngsters.
‘Sacred’ film aims to show common path of life among various faiths
In a world where headlines speak of hatred among people of different faiths, William Baker is hoping the film "Sacred," which he produced, will help others see that believers in the divine all walk along similar paths in the cycle of life.
Good grief: ‘Collateral Beauty’ takes on rich topic with trite results
A tale about overcoming grief could be a good subject for the silver screen, but despite Will Smith's best efforts this quirky mess of a movie is too bizarre and too pat to yield any insights beyond a blizzard of cliches.
With ‘Rogue One: A Star Wars Story’ the Force will be with us, always
A worthy and family friendly companion to last year's "The Force Awakens," the new reboot in the famous "Star Wars" series offers an engaging showdown between plucky goodness and elegant villainy.
Well-edited anthologies have much to add to discussions of community
These two anthologies offer a splendid trove of insights about spirituality and Christian community.
‘Miss Sloane’ no paragon of virtue while fighting for convictions
A striking performance from Jessica Chastain in the title role propels this forceful study of political corruption, spiced with personal degradation. Moviegoers should look for upended expectations rather than deep insights.
Movie review: The Bounce Back
"The Bounce Back" (Viva) is a pleasantly compact and diverting romance in which everyone goes out of their way to be both polite and well-attired.