Culture
‘Thor: Ragnarok’ mixes fighting and fun on a grand scale
The Nordic deities continue to vie for power in the latest installment of the Marvel Comics series. The lack of gore, humorous overtones and surprising character complexity make the film suitable for older teens and adults.
Books highlight papal advice on ministry, diaconate as ‘vocation of joy’
A new collection of talks by Pope Francis to clergy underscores the need to minister compassionately, taking on "the smell of the sheep." In a separate work, a New Jersey deacon highlights the key role of joy in ministry.
Iraq War miniseries holds its fire on leaders’ missteps
The eight-hour TV miniseries, "The Long Road Home," is a film-making triumph in its depiction of a 2004 "peacekeeping" mission. But it sidesteps actions that may have contributed to the suffering and death of U.S. soldiers.
Reformation continues to shape the 21st-century world, author contends
The Reformation's leaders sought to make society more Christian but ended up in the long run secularizing society, giving rise to capitalism, consumerism, burgeoning technology and religious-like allegiance to nation, says a historian.
If ‘Jigsaw’ weren’t so gruesome, it might be funny as parody
Logically, the eight-film franchise should have ended, oh, seven and a half films ago. But the butchery and screaming, having long since played out, sputters along in the latest movie installment.
You’ll need many hours to spend a ‘Night in the Woods’
Autumn is the time when most young people are back at college. But what about the ones who bounce back home? That question provides the premise for the captivating video game "Night in the Woods" (Infinite Fall).
Growing in prayer: Two books show the way
In a recent study, parents were asked what help they needed from the church. The most common responses were, "Teach us how to pray, and then teach us how to pray with our children." Two new books speak to kids and their parents about prayer.
Bleak ‘Suburbicon’ is unfunny, elitist send up of ordinary life
The image of middle-class depravity in this failed black comedy is so lurid as to render the movie fundamentally unbelievable. Its nihilistic outlook may make the picture offensive to many viewers of faith.
Victoria and Abdul
Judi Dench is no stranger to playing royalty, and she shines once again as the titular queen in "Victoria and Abdul" (Focus).
Thank You for Your Service
For many soldiers returning from war, a brand-new battle for survival begins at home. That struggle is depicted in "Thank You for Your Service" (Universal), a powerful drama about the devastating impact of post-traumatic stress disorder.