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A Catholic reflection on communion, identity and resisting the lies that isolate us. (Photo: Stranger Things ' Facebook page) By Catriona Kerwin I’m not usually a fan of science fiction or horror, but the Netflix original series, Stranger Things , has recently captured my heart and imagination.  Reader, be warned — it is not a Catholic series, nor is it appropriate for all audiences. The series contains violence, excessive gore, mature content and themes that are inconsistent

John Adams by Gilbert Stuart, c. 1800. (Photo: Wikimedia Commons / Public Domain) Having recently lamented in this space that book reading is on life support in these United States, I find myself in the awkward position of recommending a made-for-television series as good preparation for the nation’s 250 th birthday, which will soon be upon us. In fact, though, if you’re going to do just one thing over the next six months to recollect what a marvel the birth of this country

‘The Bells of St. Mary’s’ and ‘The Bishop’s Wife’ blend faith, humor and humanity in stories that continue to lift spirits at Christmastime. L to R: ‘The Bells of St. Mary’s’ and ‘The Bishop’s Wife’ (Photo: Samuel Goldwyn Productions/RKO Pictures; free Canva background, Register illustration) By Joseph Pronechen/National Catholic Register The Christmas season brings with it some enjoyable films, the best of which move and cheer hearts while reminding viewers what is important

The beloved holiday film’s church scenes, misunderstood neighbor and surprising rescue reveal a deeper Catholic story hiding in plain sight. (Photo courtesy of Home Alone's Facebook page) By Gigi Duncan/National Catholic Register More than 30 years after its release, Home Alone remains cherished as pure Christmas fun: slapstick booby traps, a wisecracking 8-year-old, and two burglars who refuse to quit despite the bodily harm they sustain along the way. Yet woven into the mo

Rian Johnson's Wake Up Dead Man is a moving depiction of the faith in the modern age.   (Photo courtesy of Wake Up Dead Man 's social media) Wake Up Dead Man is the best movie I’ve seen in theaters in a while.   Since seeing the movie before Thanksgiving with Risen Christ Parish in Denver, I’ve been talking it up to friends nonstop. Just this past weekend, some friends shared that they’d seen it and were floored. One, who hadn’t read the Denver Catholic in a bit, even comme

In a weary world, his unapologetic joy reveals the bold hope Christmas demands of us. (Photo courtesy of Elf 's Facebook page) Those who know me know that I am obsessed with the movie Elf . Like I can quote the whole thing obsessed. It’s a weird thing to admit in writing, in a Catholic magazine, I know, but stay with me. Beyond how absolutely hilarious I’ve always found the movie to be, and the magic of New York City at Christmastime, there’s something deeper that’s always ca

Tired of warning signs and alarm bells over television content? Korean drama may just provide your family and you with a friendlier alternative. (Photo: Lightstock) I recently viewed the Korean drama, “Lovely Runner,” which took me on an emotional rollercoaster through its tale of a fan traveling through time to save her Korean pop idol's life and change both their destinies. Across 16 episodes, I laughed, raged and bawled my eyes out, and I did so without sitting through a s

Through his work with director Rian Johnson and actor Josh O'Connor on the new Knives Out film, Father Scott Bailey created opportunities for understanding, even evangelizing, the Catholic faith. Father Scott Bailey, pastor of Risen Christ Parish in Denver, with Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery producers Ram Bergman, Leopold Hughes and Nikos Karamigios. (Photo courtesy of Father Scott Bailey) By Jay Sorgi Sometimes, God uses big meals with fettuccine alfredo to open do

Revisiting Gilmore Girls  this fall, I’m learning that true freedom isn’t about doing whatever we want — it’s about choosing the good....

Julian Fellowes should consider adding St. Katharine Drexel to the show's cast — an example of what it means to find something worth more...

(Photo: Prime Video AU & NZ, Wikimedia Commons/CC BY-SA 3.0) By Mary O'Gara The Summer I Turned Pretty  seems to have us all hooked this...

St. Maximilian Kolbe prays with a fellow prisoner in a starvation bunker in Auschwitz. (Photo courtesy of Triumph of the Heart) A...

(Photo courtesy of Blackstone Films) For decades, Msgr. Ken Leone has been a familiar presence in parishes, hospitals and communities...

Jesus and the disciples during Season 4 of “The Chosen.” (Photo: The Chosen/Mike Kubeisy) By Almudena Martínez-Bordiú/CNA On June 23,...

Film that highlights the heroic role of chaplains is available to rent this week. ‘Fighting Spirit’ highlights the vital role of...

St. Maximilian Kolbe prays with a fellow prisoner in a starvation bunker in Auschwitz. (Photo courtesy of Triumph of the Heart )...

By David Ramos, Catholic News Agency The film “Eucharistic Miracles: The Heartbeat of Heaven” about Blessed Carlo Acutis and the...

It can be hard to find movies to watch. A recent Netflix study showed that 18 minutes of our time on a given day is spent just searching...

Well, that was exhausting. After all the media hype surrounding the “exclusively gay moment” in Disney’s latest live-action remake of...

The movie “Spotlight,” set for wide release Nov. 20, tells the story of how a team of Boston Globe journalists broke the story of...