The longstanding sci-fi conflict between light and darkness first limned by writer-director George Lucas in 1977 continues in "Star Wars Jedi: Survivor" (Electronic Arts). It's another epic adventure for the sturdy saga. But the game's combat is too graphic for youngsters and some off-color vocabulary also makes it unsuitable for them.
For someone who would end up being one of the most influential figures in my Catholic life, my relationship with Pope Benedict XVI got off to an inauspicious start.
A long time ago, in a world that now seems far, far away -- to wit, Earth in spring 1977 -- George Lucas wowed audiences with the original "Star Wars" film.
In his recent apostolic exhortation, Pope Francis told young men and women that they did not need to look far for role models who avoided the traps of "self-absorption, isolation and empty pleasure" that abound in the digital age.
Before he grew up to be Harrison Ford, intergalactic freebooter Han Solo was Alden Ehrenreich -- or so at least the folks behind "Solo: A Star Wars Story," the pleasing but insubstantial latest addition to the blockbuster franchise, would have you believe.
“Rogue One: A Star Wars Story,” bring this dynamic to life on the silver screen and provide a profound image of our duty as Catholics in today’s culture and public arena: to be workers, ministers and prophets of a future not our own.
Despite the high price of a movie ticket these days, patrons are unlikely to come away from a showing of the engrossing sci-fi epic "Star Wars: The Last Jedi" feeling shortchanged.
During the first day of production on his most recent film, Preston Yarger was concerned for the well-being of his cast and crew.
"It was 40 degrees and raining all day long, and everyone was soaked to the bone and just completely shivering," the 21-year-old recalled.
But as it turned out, he needn't have worried.
With "Rogue One: A Star Wars Story," last year's promising reignition of the iconic franchise, "The Force Awakens," gains a worthy -- and equally family-friendly -- companion.
