Stay updated with the latest news, reviews, interviews, and announcements from the Catholic film industry.
School Sister of Notre Dame Kathleen Marie Engers, whose Pumpkin Theatre introduced generations of Baltimore-area children to the performing arts, died June 10 at age 101. A longtime Notre Dame of Maryland professor, she viewed the theater as a ministry that inspired a lifelong love of the arts.
The following are capsule reviews of theatrical movies available now for streaming or scheduled for broadcast on network or cable television during the week of July 26, as well as notes on TV programming for the same week. Televised films may or may not be edited for language, nudity, violence and sexual situations while the programs listed have not been reviewed and therefore are not necessarily recommended by OSV News.
Catherine Laga’aia as Moana in Disney’s live-action MOANA. Photo courtesy of Disney. © 2026 Disney Enterprises, Inc. All Rights Reserved. " data-large-file="https://i0.wp.com/catholictimescolumbus.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/MNA-TP2-0088883-scaled.jpg?fit=780%2C327&ssl=1" /> If you want a predictable, cinematic experience with characters you know wayfinding through a familiar story, the “live-action” Moana (2026) is the movie for you. Otherwise, wait for streaming or pass. Much of the story s
Why be satisfied with an animated success when a live-action re-working of the same tale might also be a hit at the box office? That's a question that seems to be on the minds of the folks at the Mouse House these days, and so, after several other examples in recent years, we get the musical adventure "Moana" (Disney).
The following are capsule reviews of theatrical movies available now for streaming or scheduled for broadcast on network or cable television during the week of July 19, as well as notes on TV programming for the same week.
On July 9th, viewers were introduced (or reintroduced) to the Ingalls family, when Netflix's new adaptation of Little House on the Prairie . This incarnation of the stories of family life in the wild frontier follows the popular Little House books, by Laura Ingalls Wilder. The cast was made available for interviews, and excerpts of those conversations are below.
Indigenous religious beliefs are closely intertwined with the plot of "Moana," a live-action re-working of the eponymous 2016 animated musical adventure. The post Live-action ‘Moana’ sets sail on the silver screen first appeared on OSV News .
Francisco Bocel remembers the night three assassins forced him to bring them to Father Stanley Rother. Bocel shared how he still carries that traumatic moment with him -- one of many being featured -- in an upcoming documentary on the life of the slain priest.
"We need to get not just his name out there but his reputation for holiness and heroic virtue and sanctity before the people of God." The post New documentary brings ‘farm boy’ martyr Blessed Stanley Rother to wider Church first appeared on OSV News .
(OSV News) — Rebecca Sonnenshine read the first page of the “Little House on the Prairie” series as a girl to prove to her older cousin that she knew how… The post Netflix’s new ‘Little House on the Prairie’ show embraces family, faith first appeared on OSV News .
Nora Kenney Mittiga The film retains a moral imagination that much of contemporary culture has lost—one that resonates, even in a supposedly secular age, with the human soul.
Andrew Tolkmith Few can dispute that Rohmer’s faith figures into his filmmaking, but new access to his fiction invites novel comparisons to other Catholic writers.
In this month's faith & family media news, sequels are in the air, and a landmark film gets a fresh release.
Set primarily in the Hollywood of the 1920s, the delightful animated comedy "Minions & Monsters" (Universal) is at once director and co-writer Pierre Coffin's paean to and satire of early Tinseltown.
The feast day for St. Pier Giorgio Frassati on July 4 will be his first ever since his canonization last year. The post A video novena honors Frassati’s 1st feast day as a saint; it almost didn’t see the light of day first appeared on OSV News .
William Franklyn-Miller stars as a young George Washington in “Young Washington.” (Photo Credit: Angel Studios) " data-large-file="https://i0.wp.com/catholictimescolumbus.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/YW-2-scaled.jpg?fit=780%2C520&ssl=1" /> George Washington is a figure that looms large in American history. He was the Commander-in-Chief of the Continental Army in the American Revolutionary War and the first President of the United States of America. His contributions to the founding of the U.S.
America celebrates its 250th anniversary in 2026. I imagine there are lists of Revolutionary War films circulating. Many leave something to be desired, to be honest.
“1776” is a much more lively and complicated work than its latter-day reputation suggests. The post ‘1776’: the other American musical about the founding fathers is still worth watching appeared first on America Magazine .
"The Passion of the Christ," will return to theaters Sept. 10-17. The film is being distributed jointly by Lionsgate and Fathom Entertainment. The post Mel Gibson’s ‘The Passion of the Christ’ to return to theaters first appeared on OSV News .
The following are capsule reviews of theatrical movies available now for streaming or scheduled for broadcast on network or cable television during the week of July 12, as well as notes on TV programming for the same week.
In 1995, the tale of a toy fearing he was forgotten became a global hit. But with its fourth sequel delivering this year’s highest box-office opening , blockbuster family franchise Toy Story may actually outlive us all.
Young Washington , in theaters on July 3, asks the question, "How did George Washington become, well, George Washington?"
At what is meant to be a poignant moment in the DC Comics adaptation "Supergirl" (Warner Bros.), the title character, played by Milly Alcock, is told by her mother (Emily Beecham) that she doesn't have to be nice but she must be good. The recipient of this advice takes it to heart in a way that lends the whole film an unpleasant tone.
What happens when order breaks down, and civilization descends into chaos? That’s the central theme in William Golding’s still-disturbing classic novel Lord of the Flies , now turned into a new, BBC-produced miniseries, streaming on Netflix.
OSV News swept the category for one-shot national news writing at the 2026 Catholic Media Awards ceremony, taking home 13 awards overall. The post OSV News wins 13 Catholic Media Awards, sweeps one-shot national newswriting category first appeared on OSV News .
Catholic Review Media garnered 82 awards from various journalism organizations for work published in 2025, the highest total in six years. The Maryland-Delaware-DC Press Association honored the Catholic Review as News Organization of the Year for the eighth year in a row for Division C, based on circulation and web audience size.
A deservedly much-loved animated series gets a touching extension with the arrival of "Toy Story 5" (Disney). The franchise's hallmark combination of sunny humor and emotional intelligence continues to make for outstanding entertainment, this time under the direction of co-writer Andrew Stanton.
The way the film plays with time, space, and gravity make for the most unique action sequences in any MCU movie, and maybe any live-action superhero movie.
Billy Crudup and Albert Finney in ’Big Fish’ " data-large-file="https://i0.wp.com/www.americamagazine.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/bf04.jpg?fit=600%2C399&ssl=1" /> ‘Big Fish’ is a story about stories, particularly the stories we tell our children about ourselves. The post Watch ‘Big Fish’ and come to terms with your father appeared first on America Magazine .
NEW YORK (OSV News) – The truth is out there, and director Steven Spielberg ultimately intends to tell you all about it with his grandiose, vaguely paranoid fantasy “Disclosure Day” (Universal). As written by David Koepp, the film emphasizes the problem-solving power of empathy in a way that mature viewers will appreciate. Yet moments in […]
Disclosure Day is a heady distillation of just about everything that Steven Spielberg has to say as a filmmaker.
Niko Tavernise/Universal Pictures and Amblin Entertainment via AP " data-image-caption=" Emily Blunt in “Disclosure Day” " data-large-file="https://i0.wp.com/www.americamagazine.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/AP26069643406997-scaled.jpg?fit=780%2C525&ssl=1" /> Steven Speilberg’s films about humanity encountering alien life all have a distinctly spiritual flavor. The post Steven Spielberg is a believer. ‘Disclosure Day’ is his ultimate testimony. appeared first on America Magazine .
NEW YORK (OSV News) – A torrent of degraded sexual jokes overwhelms the few successful one-liners in “Scary Movie” (Paramount), a slipshod send-up of recent horror films and various other aspects of pop culture. Modeled most closely on the “Scream” franchise, the plot — such as it is — of this sixth installment in a […]
NEW YORK (OSV News) – Given that the franchise it extends dates back to the 1982 release of a Mattel line of action toys and that its protagonist’s moniker, when in superhero mode, is He-Man, sensible viewers will not approach the adventure “Masters of the Universe” (Amazon MGM) expecting brilliant insights into the human condition. […]
Will Christians second-guess their faith after seeing Steven Spielberg's Disclosure Day when it hits theaters on June 12? I can't speak for all Christians, but Catholics shouldn't.
The following are capsule reviews of theatrical movies available now for streaming or scheduled for broadcast on network or cable television during the week of June 21, as well as notes on TV programming for the same week. Televised films may or may not be edited for language, nudity, violence and sexual situations while the […]
NEW YORK (OSV News) – “Backrooms” (A24) is that rarity among contemporary horror films, an intelligent and unsettling psychological study that doesn’t substitute wallowing in blood for the work of evoking real chills. While the movie is mostly free of graphic imagery, however, it does include some briefly intense mayhem. Relentless vulgar dialogue, moreover, further […]
Pope Leo XIV recently released his first encyclical, Magnifica Humanitas, regarding Artificial Intelligence (AI). To say it's caused a stir, both in secular and Catholic media, would be an understatement.
France has been called the Eldest Daughter of the Church, and her people recently showed that, at least when it comes to one movie, that's still true.
The following are capsule reviews of theatrical movies available now for streaming or scheduled for broadcast on network or cable television during the week of June 14, as well as notes on TV programming for the same week. Televised films may or may not be edited for language, nudity, violence and sexual situations while the […]
NEW YORK (OSV News) – As America’s Catholic bishops prepare to mark the semiquincentennial by consecrating the nation to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, a French docudrama that can aid viewers in understanding the full significance of such an action makes its timely appearance. A Fathom Entertainment presentation, “Sacred Heart: His Reign Has No End” […]
Filmmakers Sabrina and Steven J. Gunnell examine the origins, meaning and enduring relevance of devotion to the Sacred Heart in this film. The post Sacred Heart: His Reign Has No End first appeared on OSV News .
In this month's faith & family media news: Mel Gibson's two-part The Resurrection of the Christ shifts premiere dates; a new biopic brings Jimmy Stewart back to life; a documentary on Pope Francis gets distributors for European countries; and a new film revisits the horrors of the French Revolution.
NEW YORK (OSV News) – Nate Bargatze, best known for his stand-up work, co-wrote and stars in the domestic comedy “The Breadwinner” (Sony). Although mostly wholesome, the film is also, unfortunately, sorely lacking in laughs. Bargatze plays Nashville, Tennessee, car salesman Nate Wilcox. While he constantly outperforms his co-workers on the showroom floor, Nate is […]
Andrew Garfield and Jesse Eisenberg in “The Social Network.” " data-large-file="https://i0.wp.com/www.americamagazine.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/The-Social-Network-1191776.jpg?fit=780%2C518&ssl=1" /> Both the encyclical and the film ask the same question: What role does the human heart play in technological progress? The post ‘The Social Network’ and ‘Magnifica Humanitas’: Warnings against progress at the expense of our humanity appeared first on America Magazine .
Dr. Richard DeClue There are a large number of people who have a substantial following but are not nearly as well-informed as they think they are.
NEW YORK (OSV News) – For British meteorologist James Stagg (Andrew Scott), the central figure in the fact-based World War II drama “Pressure” (Focus), the “longest day” was probably not the eventual date of the Allied invasion of Normandy. Instead it was likely the day he had to advise that the greatest amphibious landing of […]
The sitcom trope of the clueless, schlubby dad and the smart, beautiful mom has been around for decades, and a loopy but funny version of it is back on the big screen in Sony Pictures' The Breadwinner , hitting theaters on May 29.
WASHINGTON (OSV News) — A French blockbuster is coming to theatres in the U.S. just in time for the consecration of the nation to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and… The post Sacred Heart film’s US showings coincide with bishops’ national consecration first appeared on OSV News .
NEW YORK (OSV News) — It’s one battle after another for the title characters in the latest installment of the “Star Wars” saga, “The Mandalorian and Grogu” (Disney). But the combat is nongraphic and the film is free of anything off-color. As a result, this high-quality escapist adventure can be enjoyed by a broad spectrum […]
The following are capsule reviews of theatrical movies available now for streaming or scheduled for broadcast on network or cable television during the week of June 7, as well as notes on TV programming for the same week. Televised films may or may not be edited for language, nudity, violence and sexual situations while the […]
NEW YORK (OSV News) – Writer-director Guy Ritchie puts a twist on the heist movie with “In the Grey” (Black Bear). Although clever, the film is also harshly violent. So it can only be endorsed for grown viewers who don’t object to a steady barrage of gunfire, the occasional explosion and the sight of blood […]
BritBox is rapidly becoming a go-to streamer for fans of quality British TV. Here are five shows now available, including one Bennet sister and four crimesolvers.
On Jan. 1, all Hollywood films released in 1930 entered the public domain. As a result, many of them can now be watched online for free.
The Sheep Detectives is a kind of movie that Hollywood has all but forgotten how to make, if they ever knew.
Rian Johnson identifies as agnostic today, but clues of his evangelical Protestant upbringing peek through the cracks of more than one of his films.
The following are capsule reviews of theatrical movies available now for streaming or scheduled for broadcast on network or cable television during the week of May 31, as well as notes on TV programming for the same week. Televised films may or may not be edited for language, nudity, violence and sexual situations while the […]
“I think the idea that Carlo was simply just this digital online saint is a disservice to who he was. His life was spent off screens, really encountering the world and loving the world and loving Christ. The digital stuff was really just a means of sharing that love.”
The Fury Road prequel is a satisfying return to the world of the demented 2015 film—but there were two missed opportunities, relating to Immortan Joe’s Wives and Furiosa’s revenge.
Two Jesus movies in the same year may not be all that surprising — but what about two or even three sets of twin Jesus productions, for a total of six productions in a single year? 2025 has to be some kind of record!
I do hope to get back to more regular movie writing in 2025. For now, I hope you enjoy my latest “quick win,” a tongue-in-cheek Christmas movies list I published at All Things SDG.
Is there no hope? This desperate question hangs over the previous film in the saga, Miller’s 2015 extravaganza Mad Max: Fury Road . Now, the same question haunts Furiosa , an epic origin-story prequel for Fury Road ’s stealth protagonist, Charlize Theron’s Imperator Furiosa.
Insofar as writer-director Gunn ( Guardians of the Galaxy ) was hired to make an definitive break from the nihilistic, grimdark Snyderverse DC movies and recover a sense of Superman as a character so decent and generous that it’s okay if he’s corny: mission accomplished.
Pixar’s Elio is the kind of movie that Lightyear should have been.
I have long been proud of my kids for having spontaneously decided, many years ago, to give up all video games every Lent, except on Sunday afternoons and on any solemnities. Carlo Acutis, though, was next level. At eight years old, he was given a PlayStation console — and he resolved to limit himself to one hour a week. “The GOAT,” as my kids approvingly say.
The decency and goofy sweetness of the King films continue in Paddington in Peru , though the broader moral and social themes are lost in the quest adventure plot.
Watching Chris Sanders’s The Wild Robot , I felt things I haven’t felt in a very long time watching a Hollywood animated movie outside the Spider-Verse: wonder, discovery, joy.
Is it possible to tell meaningful stories in a multiverse premise? Or does the multiverse idea tend toward nihilism?
For anyone in the Los Angeles area: I am honored to be giving the keynote address at the first annual conference of the Thomistic Artists Guild, on May 30 at the parish of St. Vitus in Northridge.
NEW YORK (OSV News) — “More tears are shed over answered prayers than unanswered ones,” the 16th-century mystic St. Teresa of Avila is famously said to have observed. To judge by the horror film “Obsession” (Focus), something similar — but far more drastic — might be said about fulfilled wishes. Socially awkward music store clerk […]
As mediation in the Chapter 11 bankruptcy process continues, the Archdiocese of Baltimore has submitted a proposed Plan of Reorganization to the Court. The post Statement from the Archdiocese of Baltimore on Filing a Proposed Plan of Chapter 11 Reorganization appeared first on Archdiocese of Baltimore .
‘Marty, Life is Short’ gives an honest look at Martin Short’s past, one that is scattered with loss. But he has never stopped laughing or making others laugh. The post ‘Marty, Life is Short’ on Netflix laughs amid life’s tragedies appeared first on America Magazine .
“The Mill and the Cross” tells the story of the painter Pieter Bruegel the Elder and the creation of his famous work “The Procession to Calvary.” The post Catholic Movie Club: ‘The Mill and the Cross’ and making art in dark times appeared first on America Magazine .
For far too long, the terms "Christian media" and "children’s shows" were synonymous with "cheesy" and "fluffy." But that’s not necessarily the case anymore, especially on the Catholic platform called Formed.
“The Devil Wears Prada” became truly iconic for depicting the allure of the fashion world with accuracy and complexity. After an original film that is such a big hit, doing a sequel is always a challenge. But I think “DWP2” checks all the boxes. The post ‘The Devil Wears Prada 2’ stays true to its predecessor—and to the fashion world it inhabits. appeared first on America Magazine .
Dr. Matthew J. Ramage Newman recognized long before the age of social media that exaggerating papal authority beyond its proper bounds ultimately weakens genuine Catholic unity.
In this month's faith & family media news: Bishop Robert Barron goes to cathedrals in a new film coming from Fathom; the Sacred Heart gets big-screen treatment in June; a film talks about Everything ; and Gerwig's Narnia gets a premiere date.
Joshua Hren Fiction is not the only mediator between the fullness of truth and our own reconciliation with reality, but it is a wildly generous one.
The relationship between pop stardom and religious worship has rarely been so literal as it is in “Mother Mary,” the new film from David Lowery. The post The superficial Catholic symbolism of ‘Mother Mary’ appeared first on America Magazine .
The feature-length documentary “Aldeas, the Final Dream of Pope Francis” features hitherto unseen footage of the two men in conversation, including what filmmakers say is the last video interview Pope Francis gave before his death. The post Martin Scorsese’s final interview with Pope Francis appeared first on America Magazine .
One Piece isn’t a Catholic story, but something about it definitely feels familiar.
Lorne Michaels is well known to fans of ‘Saturday Night Live,’ yet not much is known about him. The post Even as the subject of a documentary, SNL’s Lorne Michaels is a bit of a mystery appeared first on America Magazine .
In “Essene” (1972), Wiseman gave us a glimpse into life in an Anglican Benedictine monastery in Michigan, at a time of transition in American social, political and religious life. The post Catholic Movie Club: What Frederick Wiseman’s ‘Essene’ reveals about monastic life appeared first on America Magazine .
In 'Jesus of Montreal,' the characters discover truth in Jesus’ story, and want to convey that truth to others—an experience that audiences can also share. The post Catholic Movie Club: An atheist on the transformative power of Christ’s Passion appeared first on America Magazine .
“Project Hail Mary” certainly qualifies as an uplifting experience at the cinema, being a mix of selflessness, sacrifice, camaraderie and even a certain amount of melancholy. The post ‘Project Hail Mary’: a feel-good space story with a deep sense of morality appeared first on America Magazine .
The Best Picture winner asks: How you keep fighting the good fight even when it seems hopeless? The post Catholic Movie Club: ‘One Battle after Another’ and fighting for the kingdom still to come appeared first on America Magazine .
"Tender Mercies," starring Robert Duvall, is the story of one man’s modest steps towards a second chance that he’s not sure he deserves. The post Catholic Movie Club: In ‘Tender Mercies’ with Robert Duvall, resurrection is a quiet thing appeared first on America Magazine .
Angel Studios' biographical drama about St. Frances Xavier Cabrini continues its remarkable theatrical run, proving the sustained demand for quality Catholic cinema.
Our curated selection of films perfectly suited for Lenten reflection, from classic meditations on sacrifice to contemporary explorations of conversion.
“Miracle: The Boys of ‘80” aptly balances archival footage and contemporary reactions, offering an exciting sports documentary while also pulling on the heartstrings with its nostalgic tone. The post ‘Miracle’ is a worthwhile trip down memory lane—even if you don’t remember the 1980 Olympics. appeared first on America Magazine .
“The pope is dead.” These words will dramatically ring out across Olympic ice as Italian figure skater Daniel Grassl begins his long program to music from the movie “Conclave” in the men’s figure skating final event Feb. 13 The post Olympic skater aims to honor Italy’s Catholic culture with ‘Conclave’ program appeared first on America Magazine .
How a new generation of Catholic creators is using YouTube, Vimeo, and social media to tell faith stories in episodic format.
The following are capsule reviews of theatrical movies available now for streaming or scheduled for broadcast on network or cable television during the week of Jan. 18
A preview of the major Catholic and faith-based film festivals happening this year, with submission deadlines and highlights.
So in order to avoid falling into the trap of unnecessary hypernostalgic slop, the burden for anyone creating yet another version of this story is that much higher than for the typical film remake:
Catholic Culture's annual roundup of notable films viewed through the lens of faith.
The Catholic Review's annual roundup of the best films, evaluated through a Catholic lens.
A refreshing faith-filled animated film that highlights the Gospels in a way that will excite youngsters and enthrall adults.
An interview with the Catholic filmmaker producing a new series exploring women of the Bible.
A moving film about a Holocaust survivor whose life was saved by the courage of a Catholic family.
A faithful report on the most infamous exorcism in U.S. history, the exorcism of Emma Schmidt.
Capsule reviews of the Top 10 films of 2024 as selected by the media reviewing service of OSV News.
Cabrini, telling the story of St. Frances Cabrini's mission to New York, is easily the Catholic film of 2024.
A thoughtful survey of the year's best films from a Catholic cultural perspective.
A Catholic critic's personal selections for the best films of the year.
Catholic News Agency's ongoing coverage of Catholic-themed films, faith-based cinema, and the film industry.
The new film portrays the Blessed Mother with reverence but takes troubling liberties with Catholic doctrine.
A magnificent docudrama presenting the Blessed Mother as beautifully as possible for a movie.
Bishop Barron discusses the papal election thriller and what it gets right and wrong about the Church.
The Eucharistic documentary has made a remarkable showing at the box office during a year of Eucharistic renewal.
A Catholic review of the hit film about Mother Cabrini — is it faithful to her real story?
Bishop Barron's theological commentary on the film Cabrini and what it reveals about the patron saint of immigrants.
The Catholic Movie Reviewer shares the most anticipated family-friendly faith films of the year.
Decent Films' comprehensive archive of Catholic film criticism from the National Catholic Register's movie critic.
Bishop Barron discovers profound religious themes in a mainstream Hollywood release.
Bishop Barron comments on the surprise hit about child trafficking starring Jim Caviezel.
The hosts debate which actor delivered the best portrayal of Jesus Christ on film.
Bishop Barron's reflections on Mel Gibson's landmark depiction of Christ's final hours.
Ryan DellaCrosse, Ryan Scheel, and Fr. Rich Pagano discuss their picks for essential Catholic viewing.
Bishop Barron's video commentary on Martin Scorsese's adaptation of Shusaku Endo's novel about faith under persecution.
Bishop Barron reflects on Scorsese's film about the Japanese martyrs and the cost of fidelity to Christ.
Bishop Barron discusses the story of Desmond Doss and the radical courage of nonviolence.
Bishop Barron responds to the Oscar-winning film about the Boston Globe's investigation into clergy abuse.
