Culture
Well-crafted but gritty, ‘Widows’ grieves human morality
The crime drama, starring Viola Davis, shrugs off the value of human life in a Chicago-based heist where the ends justify the violent, graphic means.
Fantastical ‘Crimes of Grindelwald’ outpaces its Potterish predecessor
Where "Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them" was lacking in enchantment in 2016, its follow-up film, also penned by J.K. Rowling, is sharper and more engaging -- with one caveat.
All educated Catholics could benefit from new biblical commentary
This excellent volume represents a major accomplishment in Catholic biblical scholarship in the 21st century. It summarizes biblical scholarship for those who “turn to the Scriptures in their ministry.
Book offers perspective on former nuncio’s claims, author says
"Il Giorno del Giudizio" ("Judgment Day") was released Nov. 6 and reconstructs the events leading to Archbishop McCarrick's rise in the hierarchy while countering claims made by Archbishop Carlo Maria Vigano, former nuncio to the United States.
Retelling of ‘The Grinch’ gets reason for Christmas season right
While the new animated film stretches the plot of Dr. Seuss' beloved tale, the story of forgiveness and kindness remains intact. And two carols sing a counter-culture message to "Remember Christ our Savior."
‘The Girl in the Spider’s Web’ spins tense, yet emotionless yarn
Two hours of the title character's emotional stasis feels as long as a Scandinavian winter. There's not much to reward viewers for all the seamy aspects of this sequel to "The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo."
‘Nobody’s Fool’ mocks divine gift of human sexuality
Tyler Perry's latest comedy pairs two unlikely sisters -- one straitlaced, one promiscuous -- in a raunchy adventure that degrades dating and marital relationships.
New biographies highlight brave contemporary Catholics
Two recent releases by Liturgical Press survey the lives of Father Rutilio Grande and Shahbaz Bhatti, both martyrs for the faith in their respective homelands of El Salvador and Pakistan.
Beauty is skin deep in ‘The Nutcracker and the Four Realms’
In this latest retelling of Hoffmann's beloved tale, rich visuals mask a dramatically weak film, whose positive messages are hammered home with excessive force.
No denying artistic notes of ‘Bohemian Rhapsody,’ or moral qualms
The underlying message of the biopic on the rock group Queen, that at least committed gay relationships can pass ethical muster, obviously clashes with both Scripture and tradition.