Culture
‘Pacific Rim Uprising’: A ridiculous sci-fi film of toppling skyscrapers
Even though the monsters of mass destruction from another dimension were vanquished in the first movie, Hollywood decided a sequel was in order. Plot is sacrificed for relentless action, laying waste to much of Tokyo.
A comic book look at ‘The People’s Pope’
Written from a far-left political perspective and with a distorted view of the church, the book calls Pope Francis a refreshing new leader but argues he isn't liberal enough.
Tension of daring raid goes missing ‘7 Days in Entebbe’
Discussions more than action concern the story of a hijacked a plane of Israeli tourists, in particular a superficial look at Israeli political rivalries of the 1970s and the sensitive German leftists who carry out the caper.
Despite flaws, book offers fair assessment of Francis’ papacy so far
The new book by New York Times columnist Ross Douthat serves as an overview of the pope's accomplishments and a sometimes critical commentary on them. It is a nuanced if cautionary account of the unfinished Francis papacy.
Book offers fascinating look at 20th-century feminist, contemplative
Edith Stein, who eventually became Carmelite Sister Teresa Benedicta of the Cross, is not well known as saints go but is becoming better known, thanks to books like this one.
Metaphysical hooey, video-game mayhem marks ‘Tomb Raider’
The tough-gal Lara Croft reboot film has plenty of fighting and dying, and distasteful mythology. Yet it's tiresomely repetitive, with features that might make gameplay enjoyable but fail to work on the screen.
Once a hit song, ‘I Can Only Imagine’ comes to the screen
There is an inspiring real-life story behind the 2001 chart topping song. With a screenplay free of anything offensive, the movie offers uplifting entertainment that parents and teens can share without worry.
Well-crafted but misguided ‘Love, Simon’ deserves close look
The gay-themed romantic comedy needs a careful analysis rather than off-hand dismissal: Despite its morally faulty conclusion, the film's main characters reject casual romantic ties.
Gotham by Gaslight: Batman vs. Jack the Ripper
Catholics who view the direct-to-video animated film "Batman: Gotham by Gaslight" (Warner Home Video) may take a particular interest in one character, a nun named Sister Leslie (voice of Grey DeLisle).
‘A Wrinkle in Time’ seeks virtue in the secular and magical
The picture's ultimate message, that we should love ourselves even while acknowledging our faults, promotes the Christian virtue of humility. But parents should discuss the metaphysical gobbledygook with their kids.