Culture
Netflix doc on Bob Ross paints in beauty, darkness
Despite the ugly turns in the tale in "Bob Ross: Happy Accidents, Betrayal and Greed," streaming on Netflix, the late painter remains a figure of unusual, enjoyable and infectious tranquility.
‘PAW Patrol’ brings big adventure to the big screen
The hugely successful Nickelodeon TV series finds its way to theaters, as a band of plucky dogs aids a boy's quest for justice in this breezy, tenderhearted film suitable for all.
‘The Night House’: A thinking person’s horror film
Subtle, creative, mostly free of gore and employing menace in favor of mayhem, the psychological thriller finds its lead character trying to sort reality from illusion -- with an elusive resolution.
As social commentary, ‘Candyman’ misses its mark
Unlike director Jordan Peele's earlier films, this new movie's revenge-killer theme does little to provide viewers with insight or to advance dialogue about the vital topics on which it touches.
‘What is truth?’: Authors address pressing question for today
Two new books discuss how lies and deceptions misguide people today. We can speak truthfully and allow truth to shape our lives -- but will we? Truthfulness, insists an author, "is a fundamental faith issue."
‘Reminiscence’: A retreat to not-always better times of memory
The film, set in futuristic war-torn Miami that is flooded and overheated, characters seek the good times in their memories. But when a lover goes missing, the violence ensues.
Long film on the ‘Queen of Soul’ earns viewers’ ‘Respect’
The eventful life of Aretha Franklin is depicted across almost two-and-a-half hours via an all-in performance from Jennifer Hudson. The plot's themes make the story fit mostly for mature adults.
Short book sets out church’s role in Middle Ages, warts and all
Part of a series aimed at "debunking the myths" of Catholic history, the author includes a "You Be the Judge" feature in each chapter that seeks to clarify the motive for various events.
‘The truth’ on UFOs is out there, on Showtime
A four-part docuseries makes the point that the search for evidence of extraterrestrial life has, for too long, been a pursuit shrouded in secrecy and dismissed as eccentric. The series begins with a breathless opening but becomes increasingly intriguing.
‘Stillwater’ flows in bleak, yet touching, course
Matt Damon's latest role as a father seeking to vindicate his imprisoned daughter, while redressing his own failings as a parent, makes for a thoughtful film journey.