Culture
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.
Legend comes to life in mystifying ‘Green Knight’
Director David Lowery's film take on the medieval Arthurian tale is lovely to look at, but difficult to plumb.
Thriller gets ‘Old’ quickly
Despite an engaging start and credible ending, M. Night Shyamalan's latest flick about a time-warp tropical paradise ages fast, and rather badly.
Wine: An omnipresent food with spiritual significance
Scripture and Christian history underscore the significance of the grape, in moderation, even up to the present. See our recipe for a refreshing summertime wine spritz.
Latest golf-themed Super Mario game comes to the fore
"Mario Golf: Super Rush," the sixth installment in the family-friendly, links-themed series, features beloved characters as gamers compete on six different golf courses amid new twists.
‘Space Jam: A New Legacy’ is an easy layup, missed
The potential for fun in a remix of live action and animation plus basketball led by LeBron James is lost amid the grinding gears of bad writing from six screenwriters and a smug outlook.
‘Sophie: A Murder in West Cork’ shows life’s fragility
The Netflix docuseries, which examines the 1996 killing of a French television producer in "the safest place in Ireland," offers a thoughtful, haunting take on an unlikely crime.