A chivalrous parable that showcases self-sacrificing heroism, “The Magnificent Seven” (Columbia) can be read as illustrating, in microcosm, Catholic theology’s theory of a just war.
At the Movies
Movie Classifications – September 2016
Classifications of movies recently reviewed by Catholic News Service (CNS): “Storks,” “Snowden” and “Blair Witch.”
Movie Capsule Review: Bridget Jones’s Baby (Universal)
British writer Helen Fielding’s klutzy diarist (Renee Zellweger) resurfaces in a charming romantic comedy that proves middle-aged characters are more than capable of combining love and laughter to life-affirming effect.
‘Vessel’ Writer, Director Sees Self in Characters
“Catholic symbols help tap into that sense of something below the surface, and there’s more to life than meets the eye.”
Sullenberger Memoir Is High-Flying Success
by John Mulderig PUTTING TOM HANKS in the cockpit as everybody’s favorite aviator, US Airways Capt. Chesley Sullenberger, and bringing Clint Eastwood on board to direct him certainly sounds like a formula for high-flying success.
DVD, Blu-Ray Capsule Reviews
The following are capsule reviews from Catholic News Service (CNS) of new and recent video releases available on DVD and/or Blu-ray – as well as for online viewing. These classifications refer to the theatrical version of the films, and do not take into account extra content.
‘Ben Hur’ Skimps on Religious Dimension
Considered on its own terms, this iteration of Civil War Gen. Lew Wallace’s classic story makes for a satisfying action picture, but fails to convince when Wallace’s religious theme comes to the fore.
Movie Guide: Capsule Reviews
Capsule reviews for Disney’s “Pete’s Dragon” and Lionsgate’s “Cafe Society.”
‘Jenkins’ Good Heart, Questionable Morals
Like the World War II-era New York socialite it profiles, “Florence Foster Jenkins,” a charmingly eccentric blend of comedy and drama, has its heart in the right place. Yet moral complications limit its appropriate audience.
‘Star Trek Beyond’ Offers Rambunctious Adventure
Fifty years after its debut on television, “Star Trek” bursts onto the big screen once again in its 13th feature-film outing. While the bad luck dreaded by triskaidekaphobes fails to curse the aesthetics of this latest production, there is an unwelcome – though fleeting – development in the moral realm.