Culture
Good dogs fetch family fun in ‘The Secret Life of Pets 2’
The animated follow-up to the 2016 original feature offers lessons about overcoming fear and helping those in need, while keeping paws clean and tails wagging.
Not the man they thought he was at home
In its portrayal of rock star Elton John's early life, "Rocketman" is a polished and appealing film. But it deals with its subject's homosexuality in a way that puts it at odds with scriptural values.
Solid morals, relationships brighten tone of ‘Dark Phoenix’
Despite pervasive combat violence, the ultimate message of this "X-Men" film involves the elevation of forgiveness and solidarity over the desire for revenge, which is in harmony with Gospel values.
Humans pale in sound and fury of ‘Godzilla: King of the Monsters’
In this sequel to the 2014 "Godzilla," any semblance of human interest gets trampled underfoot as lumbering behemoths do battle. The film's weird attempt at an environmentalist theme comes across as addled.
‘Aladdin’ unleashes a genie of family fun
Director Guy Ritchie's live action take on the popular tale provides a magical mix of messages about humility, honesty, self-sacrificing friendship and the equal dignity of women.
‘A Dog’s Journey’ continues, life after life
A dog's care for his family gets reborn in generations of canines in this sequel to "A Dog's Purpose." Besides the problem of reincarnation, the film celebrates family, reconciliation and loving loyalty.
Biopic ‘Tolkien’ reveals life of 20th century literary giant
This may not be the biography that fans of Catholic author J.R.R. Tolkien are looking for, but it does tell the story of the young Tolkien and his times -- marked by friendship and the horror of World War I.
‘Tolkien’ focuses on Catholic author’s love of language, medieval imagery
Critics are debating the Christian themes in a new film on the imaginative "Lord of the Rings" author J.R.R. Tolkien, a movie that may have benefited by more explanation of his use of Catholic imagery.
Young love shines in ‘The Sun Is Also a Star’
Boy meets girl, tries to win her love before she's deported, and audiences try to endure pretentious pronouncements in this modern tale of star-crossed lovers.
Video star Pikachu goes live in first film
Fans of the global media juggernaut that began with video games in the 1990s may welcome "Pokemon Detective Pikachu." But the uninitiated may feel both left behind and unimpressed.