Pauline Media Studies

Film & TV Reviews

Examined through diverse lenses – human, artistic, religious

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...

Before the Flood

You may recall when Oscar-winning actor Leonardo di Caprio, an ardent environmentalist, met with Pope Francis in January. The...

Middle School: The Worst Years of My Life – Listen to your kids

Based on the popular book series by acclaimed author, James Patterson, “Middle School: The Worst Years of My Life,”...

Priceless

I’m debating whether or not to do a teensy little spoiler of the new Christian film “Priceless.” The marketing...