Religion

‘Under the Banner of Heaven’ a ripping critique of religion

As a rule of thumb, I figure religions are neutral forces. Good or evil people will use religion as an outlet for their ingrained good

READ MORE

‘Damien’ (2016) gives ‘Omen’ lad more adult struggles 

The 2010s were the decade of TV continuations of legendary horror franchises, highlighted by “Bates Motel” (2012-17), “Hannibal” (2013-15) and “The Exorcist” (2016-18). The least

READ MORE

‘Omen’ (2006) may not be necessary, but it’s great 

To mark the 30th anniversary of “The Omen” (1976) and take advantage of the 6-6-06 release date, a remake of “The Omen” came out in

READ MORE

Devil menaces next gen in ‘Omen IV: The Awakening’ (1991) 

After the original trilogy, the “Omen” series continued in two little-known but well-regarded novels, “Omen IV: Armageddon 2000” (1982) and “Omen V: The Abomination” (1985).

READ MORE

‘Damien: Omen II’ (1978) a respectable continuation 

Considering it was cranked out only two years after the original and that Richard Donner and David Seltzer don’t return, “Damien: Omen II” (1978) is

READ MORE

Donner’s ‘The Omen’ (1976) a classic of religious horror 

Religion is a source of comfort and light to billions, but it’s also a source of foreboding darkness for horror movies. What’s remarkable is that

READ MORE

‘Soul Surfer’ (2011) is Hamilton’s tale of true inspiration 

In “The Descendants,” another great Hawaii-set film from the same year, George Clooney says “This is paradise? F*** paradise.” And his character merely has financial

READ MORE

Preston takes on God in ‘Blasphemy’ (2008)

Douglas Preston’s “Blaspehmy” (2008) has such a good premise that it hooked me twice. I remembered from my first read that scientists with a particle

READ MORE

‘Shifting Realities of Philip K. Dick’ (1995) collects odds and ends

Lawrence Sutin follows up his excellent biography of Philip K. Dick, 1989’s “Divine Invasions,” with a peek at his research materials as he curates “The

READ MORE

‘Transmigration of Timothy Archer’ (1982) puts bow on PKD catalog

It’s tempting to think of the last four books Philip K. Dick book wrote – all after his 1974 beam-of-pink-light experience – as his crazy

READ MORE