Culture
‘It: Chapter Two’: Almost 3 hours of creepy horror
The bloodletting of this sequel to the film based on the Steven King novel is kept within reasonable limits, but the ethics underlying its story are bankrupt.
‘The Goldfinch’ paints good ends as justifying immoral means
In this intriguing though overly long story, which revolves around a purloined Dutch masterpiece painting, characters yearn to make up for past mistakes while their complex friendships deepen.
At Washington exhibit, the toll of the immigrant journey becomes art
"The Warmth of other Suns: Stories of Global Displacement" exhibit, on display until Sept. 22, 2019, focuses on people forced to leave their homelands.
Book explores ‘a vision of the good’ beyond right-left politics
Fordham theologian Charles Camosy outlines "a revitalized consistent life ethic" that seeks to overcome Catholic tensions between pro-life and social justice issues and oppose the "throwaway culture."
For gamers, ‘Sea of Solitude’ a beautiful if disturbing play
While not intended to be a pleasant gaming experience, this is a journey of catharsis for a young woman, which is important for all who have struggled with pain and suffering in their past.
What if you could change a tragic past? ‘Don’t Let Go’ goes there
An intriguing premise in which a slain girl communicates with her uncle two weeks before her death gets the thriller off to a strong start. But the increasingly tangled plot becomes hobbled by implausibility.
Agnostic author pens atypical ‘appreciation’ of religion’s worth
When a former Catholic and now agnostic professor writes "Why We Need Religion," the result is unusual: he points out the value of prayer, forgiveness and joy, and how religion provides the means to find them.
‘Where’d You Go, Bernadette’: A tale of life after failure
Cate Blanchett's performance is complimented by a stellar supporting cast in this film about a woman unable to process her losses of inspiration and 20 years of resentment -- until she finally confronts her losses.
Heartwarming ‘The Peanut Butter Falcon’ a study in dignity
A young man with Down syndrome and a down-on-his-luck crab fisherman share Tom and Huck-like adventures in this aesthetically accomplished, implicitly pro-life movie that subtly upholds the dignity of all.
‘Blinded by the Light’ shines as a sunny mix of comedy and drama
The music of Bruce Springsteen inspires a working-class teen in London to defy the odds and get the girl of his dreams (without losing his family and friends) in this lively tale based on a true story.