Pauline Media Studies

Film & TV Reviews

Examined through diverse lenses – human, artistic, religious

Lion – Seeking Connection

Based on the non-fiction book, A Long Way Home, by Saroo Brierley with Larry Buttrose, the Oscar-nominated film, “Lion”...

Arrival – Living the present moment

Sometimes science fiction offers a creative reflection on what is truly important in life—living each moment as a gift....

A Dog’s Purpose – to get you loving

Lasse Hallström, the Swedish director known for thought-provoking films such as “The Hundred Foot Journey,” “Chocolat,” “The Shipping News,”...

The Resurrection of Gavin Stone – Openness to the Lord

“The Resurrection of Gavin Stone” gently reminds faith-based moviegoers that if our hearts are open to God, God will...

Fences – Ordinary Life, Extraordinary Love

Denzel Washington and Viola Davis embody their characters exquisitely in the play-turned movie, “Fences.” Set in Pittsburgh in the...

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...