Culture
‘Native America,’ Oct. 23, PBS
With "modern scholarship and native knowledge," the program examines and affirms Native Americans' way of life, which is "intimately connected to earth, sky, water and all living things" as manifest in the ancient cities they created, and the traditions they preserve today.
‘Gosnell’ dramatizes Philadelphia’s ‘serial killer’ abortionist
The film indicts not only Kermit Gosnell himself but the political bias of officials who shielded and enabled him. Well-written and acted, the film gets its point across more easily than a documentary might.
New film tells true story of broken marriage restored by God’s grace
"Indivisible" recounts the experiences of an Army chaplain during the Iraq War, how the pressures of that ministry led to the unraveling of his marriage, and ultimately how that relationship was healed as the couple began to cooperate with God's grace.
‘Bad Times at the El Royale’ offers offbeat take on Catholic faith
Jeff Bridges stars as a priest in Drew Goddard's intense, challenging drama that examines the need for forgiveness and salvation.
Pope ‘suffered at foot of cross’ after ‘Humanae Vitae,’ says author
Terry Polakovic, co-founder of the Catholic women's study group Endow, explored Humanae Vitae and seven other papal documents spanning the last 138 years to uncover what the Catholic Church says about human life and love.
‘The Circus,’ Oct. 8-9, PBS
Sharon Grimberg writes, produces and directs "The Circus" with care -- and with obvious affection for this wondrous, appealing and long-lived form of popular entertainment. However, she also critically examines the circus world's less savory and more controversial aspects.
Catholic coach’s story of loss and redemption told in new book
"The Chicken Runs at Midnight" tells the story of baseball lifer Joe Donnelly, a devout Catholic who managed the loss of his daughter to cancer, the triumph of a World Series and a return to his boyhood faith.
In ‘First Man,’ a soaring tale of spaceflight, marriage and family
The film offers an intimate portrait of Neil Armstrong's inner life and a lavish look back at the sometimes tragic, ultimately triumphant race to the Moon. Subtle performances and jarring special effects add up to a long flight that lands flawlessly.
‘A Star Is Born’ shines only faintly
Lady Gaga sparkles in Bradley Cooper's remake of the classic film, but the formulaic plot sheds no new light on old themes.
Is ‘God Friended Me’ beyond the rescue of even the Almighty?
CBS boasts that it's America's most-watched network. But a trio of its pilots premiering soon -- a drama and two comedies -- will do little to sustain such popularity.