Reviews

The art of confusion

By Nevil Gibson | October 7, 2020 | 0 Comments

Most years produce an incomprehensible movie that is celebrated by critics and audiences alike. The year of Covid-19 looks likely to have more than its share since the release of Christopher Nolan’s Tenet, which many are hoping will lead to an industry recovery. Nolan is a leading practitioner in the … Read More about The art of confusion

How Catholics are responding to the leadership of Pope Francis

By OSV News | September 29, 2020 | 1 Comment

“Can Francis Change the Church?” by Thomas Sweetser, SJ. Crossroad (Chestnut Ridge, New York, 2019). 174 pp., US$16.95. Reviewed by MITCH FINLAY (CNS).  What impact is Pope Francis having on the Church? This is the basic question on which this book reports. Rather than being a summary of wishful thinking on the Church’s future, it is based … Read More about How Catholics are responding to the leadership of Pope Francis

Makeover for movie miracles 

By Nevil Gibson | September 28, 2020 | 0 Comments

by NEVIL GIBSON  When faced with a story of faith and miracles, moviemakers are likely to steer a middle course between scepticism and belief.  While overtly Christian films are readily accepted as mainstream fare these days – recent examples include Risen, Son of God, The Nativity Story – those based on miracles face … Read More about Makeover for movie miracles 

Authoritative journey through history of science and philosophy

By NZ Catholic contributor | September 15, 2020 | 0 Comments

“On Trial for Reason: Science, Religion and Culture in the Galileo Affair” by Maurice A. Finocchiaro. Oxford University Press (New York, 2019). 304 pp., $32.95. Reviewed by NANCY ROBERTS (CNS)  Galileo Galilei (1564-1642) is the Italian astronomer, physicist, mathematician and engineer almost universally known as the father of modern science. He also is … Read More about Authoritative journey through history of science and philosophy

Bollywood steps up

By Nevil Gibson | September 14, 2020 | 0 Comments

Hollywood’s studio system was declared dead in the past month. It was the end of an era in which big budget movies were released solely to paying audiences in cinemas.  Famous studios names such as MGM, Fox, Warner, Paramount, Columbia and Universal may live on in various forms, but their business models will not.  The last to go were Paramount … Read More about Bollywood steps up

Festival hits recurring notes

By Nevil Gibson | September 3, 2020 | 0 Comments

The annual bounty from the New Zealand International Film Festival contained some recurring themes. This year’s offering followed overseas trends of going online because of cinema closures during the Covid-19 pandemic.   However, New Zealand’s cinemas are now open, and a small selection of entries hit the big screen. Habits gained through … Read More about Festival hits recurring notes