Culture
Latest ‘Mission: Impossible’ film possibly franchise’s best
Tom Cruise's heroic agent Ethan Hunt is at the top of his game in the engrossing espionage sequel "Mission: Impossible -- Fallout." Extensive action scenes frame intricate plot twists and one complicated marriage.
Adults-only video game ponders AI/human morals, amidst mayhem
The androids of "Detroit: Become Human" have become self-aware, and are being mistreated. Gamers deal with moral questions of whether those endowed with artificial life can claim the same rights as people.
Vengeance is Denzel Washington’s, again, in ‘Equalizer 2’
Solitary, grieving, beset by mild obsessive-compulsive disorder, lead character Robert McCall would make a sympathetic figure if his hobby were not wreaking bloody vengeance.
Abba lives again, and again, in ‘Mamma Mia’ sequel
The exuberant kitsch that was the trademark of the 1970s Swedish band is back with "Mamma Mia: Here We Go Again." The film showcases glitzy fun but blithely accepts casual sex.
Computer hackers turn slashers in ‘Unfriended’ sequel
The familiar tropes of 1980s' horror films get an updated twist with "Unfriended: Dark Web," as characters get more than they bargain for tapping into a mysterious, murderous hacker.
Fascinating tale of Vatican search for Peter’s tomb rivals a novel
Set on the backdrop of World War II, Italian Jews and ancient intrigue, this significant event in American Catholic publishing may be the most complete account so far of the search for St. Peter's bones.
Archbishop’s summer book pick: ‘An Immovable Feast’
If you are looking for a recommendation of a book for your reading list, Archbishop Charles Chaput offers one by a young Catholic author on his compelling, personal spiritual journey.
Deacons called ‘messengers,’ ambassadors between a bishop and his diocese
Bishop McKnight's book, "Understanding the Diaconate," draws on theology, scriptural exegesis, history and sociology to cast a renewed vision for the permanent diaconate in the Catholic Church, which he said is by nature both priestly and diaconal.
Forceful arguments characterize author’s rebuttal of atheism
With bold insights and lively language, Anthony DeStefano rebukes atheists for being "bullies" who rely on scientism and shallow thought. DeStefano also calls out Christians who are "functional atheists," challenging them to live their faith more deeply.
Catholic college prof’s true-to-life soccer book optioned by Netflix
By chance, Amy Bass saw a friend's posting on Facebook about a boys' high school soccer team comprised mainly of Somali players who won the Maine high school championship match. Bass was more than intrigued.