In “Klaus,” the Santa legend grows from a simple act of kindness
John Dougherty
John Dougherty is the director of mission and ministry at St. Joseph’s Preparatory School in Philadelphia, Pa.
Posted inArts & Culture, Television
Andre Braugher played the best Catholic character on TV
Frank Pembleton, Andre Braugher’s character on “Homicide: Life on the Street,” embodied the struggle to reconcile faith and intellect. Of course—he was educated by the Jesuits.
Posted inArts & Culture, Catholic Movie Club
‘Catch Me if You Can’ is an underappreciated Christmas movie
“Catch Me If You Can” returns to Christmas again and again, like a scab it can’t stop scratching.
Posted inArts & Culture, Catholic Movie Club
‘Joyeux Noel’ offers a ‘dangerous’ Christmas memory from World War I
Like the soldiers in the film, we will raise our voices on Christmas and sing about peace on earth—but we should also reflect on what we’ll do to make it a reality.
Posted inArts & Culture, Catholic Movie Club
Catholic Movie Club: ‘Rocky,’ an unlikely resurrection story
‘Rocky’ is a reminder that impossible things have happened before. And, if we believe, they can happen again.
Posted inArts & Culture, Catholic Movie Club
Catholic Movie Club: In ‘Win Win,’ Paul Giamatti wrestles with life’s blessings
In Tom McCarthy’s film, the truly good things in life—love, trust, purpose—require hard, honest work.
Posted inArts & Culture, Catholic Movie Club
Catholic Movie Club: ‘Lilies of the Field’ reveals what happens when God forces us to change our plans
God can be a real pain. I think Homer Smith, the protagonist of “Lilies of the Field” would agree.
Posted inArts & Culture, Catholic Movie Club
Catholic Movie Club: ‘Coco’ builds a bridge between the living and the dead
In “Coco,” memory doesn’t just summon up phantoms from the past, it reunites us with those we’ve lost.
Posted inArts & Culture, Catholic Movie Club
Catholic Movie Club: ‘Poltergeist’ and the horrors beneath the American Dream
The Freelings are ignorant of the sacrilege that made their luxurious life possible, but that doesn’t mean they’re innocent.
Posted inArts & Culture, Catholic Movie Club
Catholic Movie Club: ‘Coraline’ is a love story with an edge
So much of growing up is learning what love really is. ‘Coraline’ reminds us what love is not.