Culture
Astronaut’s earthbound life veers off course in ‘Lucy in the Sky’
Natalie Portman plays the lead in this drama based loosely on a real-life love triangle and the story of an astronaut whose obsessions fuel her bad decisions.
Award for Flannery O’Connor film brings new attention to Catholic writer
"Flannery," about the life and writings of Catholic writer Flannery O'Connor, recently won the Library of Congress Lavine/Ken Burns Prize for Film.
‘The Sojourn’ is worth the trip
Gamers of all ages will enjoy solving puzzles to advance through a ruined but still beautiful city, whose shadows remind us that the fullness of reality is always present, but not normally visible.
Even in the dungeon, ‘Children of Morta’ highlights role of family
Players of the Dead Mage video game learn to see the world through the eyes of individual family members, in a challenging and largely bloodless competition suitable for teens and adults.
Long overdue, ‘Harriet’ celebrates life and freedom
Cynthia Erivo reenacts the historic journey of Harriet Tubman from slave to Underground Railroad conductor, giving due attention to the role of faith, courage and hope.
‘Countdown’ doesn’t quite beat the clock
The latest take on haunted cell phone apps mixes routine plot twists with a bit of moral justice, occult themes and a few stereotypical priests. Teens may enjoy the tech-savvy story, but crude dialogue will have parents hitting the delete button.
Conversion is aim of pope’s ‘great reform,’ author says
Following up on "The Great Reformer," his biography of Pope Francis, Austen Ivereigh is convinced that conversion is "the deepest reform" and is a process Pope Francis is trying to facilitate.
‘Renaissance man’ uncovers today’s Catholic lit
In "The Catholic Writer Today and Other Essays," Dana Gioia -- a man on his fourth career -- has written the perfect book for anyone who embraces the vital role of the church in American culture.
‘Maleficent’ is more ‘mistress of misunderstood’ than evil
Angelina Jolie reprises her role as a "queen of mean" who's actually just ornery in this acceptable but uninspired sequel from Disney, which abounds with cute mythical creatures, colorful visuals and even comic relief.
Still creepy and kooky, but ‘The Addams Family’ isn’t very funny
Jokes fall flat as this animated film of the beloved TV and live-action movie series attempts to Lurch from scene to scene. Yet the family has a Thing to say (not in French) about suburban sprawl and conformity.