Pauline Media Studies

Film & TV Reviews

Examined through diverse lenses – human, artistic, religious

Patriots Day – Standing Together in Love

On April 15, 2013, two homemade bombs went off near the finish line of the Boston Marathon resulting in...

Hidden Figures – Simple Respect

Just imagine three African-American women on the side of the road, their car broken down. It’s Hampton, Virgina in...

Scorsese’s “Silence” is his most Catholic film

Shûsaku Endô (1923-1996) was a Japanese Catholic novelist whose extensive writings probed the conflicts and paradoxes of faith. He...

Collateral Beauty – tapping in

Many critics have totally panned “Collateral Beauty” as being emotionally manipulative, unworthy of the acting talent collected in the...

Rogue One – A battle worth fighting

“Rogue One” indeed stands alone as a great Star Wars story outside the Episodes. The opening crawl of Episode...

Jackie – humanity of an icon

Set in the immediate aftermath of the assassination of JFK, “Jackie,” is not your usual biopic. The film flits...

Moana – Learning from everything

Finally, Disney gives us a princess that truly breaks the mold. They tried with Merida from “Brave,” but didn’t...

Manchester by the Sea – grace and mercy in real life

“Manchester by the Sea” defies description in a really, really good way. It’s not flashy or formulaic in the...

Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them – sweet/dark

Fans of the Harry Potter books and films will enjoy the new offering from first-time screenwriter, J.K. Rowling, “Fantastic...

Loving – And the two shall become one

Loving, the latest film from director, Jeff Nichols (Midnight Special, Mud), shares the true story of Richard and Mildred...

Doctor Strange – It’s not about you

One reason comic book movies provide great conversation starters with faith groups is that they often show the hero’s...

Hacksaw Ridge

Mel Gibson has done it again. “Hacksaw Ridge” is the cinematic event of 2016-2017. “HR” is the true story...