“The Shack” director Stuart Hazeldine’s screen version of William Paul Young’s best-selling novel, represents a serious effort to tackle the problem of evil from a Christian perspective. As such, it will be welcomed by believers.
At the Movies
The Envelope, Please: Ten Best Films of 2016
The quality of the best Hollywood films was higher in 2016 than in some recent years. But the outstanding movies of the 12 months just past tended to deal with challenging subject matter. Here are the Media Review Office of Catholic News Service’s top 10 movies of 2016.
Capsule Review: Gold
A strong performance from Matthew McConaughey fails to dispel the sour taste of this loosely fact-based story, set in the 1980s, about the zigzagging fortunes of the scrappy Nevada prospector he plays.
Charming, Dog’s-Eye View of the World
While cats are said to be blessed with nine lives, the clever canine at the center of “A Dog’s Purpose” (Universal) – voiced by Josh Gad – guides us through his adventures over four eventful lifetimes. Repeatedly reincarnated, he (and, for one stint, she) returns in the guise of various breeds and encounters a range of human caregivers.
Capsule Review: “Silence” (Paramount)
Dramatically powerful but theologically complex adaptation of Catholic author Shusaku Endo’s 1966 fact-based historical novel about two 17th-century Jesuit missionaries (Andrew Garfield and Adam Driver) in Japan.
Spiritual Exercises Prepared Actor to Portray Jesuit Priest
Actor Andrew Garfield underwent the spiritual exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola, founder of the Society of Jesus, as part of his preparation for playing a Jesuit priest in Martin Scorsese’s new film, “Silence.”
Capsule Movie Reviews
Capsule reviews for Freestyle’s “Believe,” and Disney’s “Moana.”
Cultural Impact of ‘Loving’ Makes for Valuable Viewing
Dignity and understatement are usually noble qualities in a film. “Loving” (Focus), the fact-based story behind a landmark 1967 Supreme Court decision, is so restrained and decorous, however, that it nearly obscures the historical significance of the events it recounts.
Plenty of Action, But Plot Holes Abound in ‘Reacher’ Sequel
by Kurt Jensen NEW YORK (CNS) – One thing you can say for the title character in “Jack Reacher: Never Go Back” (Paramount), the fellow does enjoy a good punch in the face.
Sports Drama, ‘Queen of Katwe,’ Highlights Strength in Adversity
THE GLORIOUS “Queen of Katwe” (Disney) applies the traditional formula of an uplifting sports drama to the real-life story of a Ugandan chess prodigy.
