“Barbie” proves can have spectacle without sacrificing the soul.
John Dougherty
John Dougherty is the director of mission ministry at St. Joseph's Preparatory School in Philadelphia, Pa., moderator of America's Catholic Movie Club, and author of Finding God in All Films: A Contemplative Approach to Watching Movies. You can find more of his work on his Substack, Roll Credits.
Posted inArts & Culture, Catholic Movie Club
Catholic Movie Club: ‘Spiderman 2’ channels the Book of Job
In this film, Peter Parker isn’t just down on his luck; he’s a cosmic punching bag.
Posted inArts & Culture, Catholic Movie Club
Catholic Movie Club: How ‘The Lion King’ challenges us to accept the circle of life, death and loss
As the film’s opening song tells us, life is a circle. We are born, we live, we die; our story ends, and others go on.
Posted inArts & Culture, Catholic Movie Club
Catholic Movie Club: ‘Back to the Future’ and the power of visiting the past in our prayers
“Back to the Future” teaches us that, while it’s dangerous to dwell on the past, it’s good to visit every now and then.
Posted inArts & Culture, Catholic Movie Club
Catholic Movie Club: What ‘Jaws’ can tell us about the sex abuse crisis
“Jaws” is both a nerve-shattering thriller and a biting (sorry) social commentary about the failure of authorities to protect the people in their care.
Posted inArts & Culture, Catholic Movie Club
Catholic Movie Club: ‘Kiki’s Delivery Service’ and what God calls us to be
At its heart, “Kiki’s Delivery Service” is a meditation on discovering—and pursuing—your vocation.
Posted inArts & Culture, Catholic Movie Club
Catholic Movie Club: Celebrate Juneteenth with ‘Summer of Soul,’ a concert film about Black joy, rage and hope
‘Summer of Soul’ celebrates Black culture and joy, full of both good news and Good News.
Posted inArts & Culture, Catholic Movie Club
The return of the Catholic Movie Club: Why going to the movies is a sacred act
This summer, I’ll reflect on films for America each week, with an eye toward pulling out spiritual themes. First up: ”The Princess Bride.”
Posted inArts & Culture, Film
Jordan Peele’s ‘Nope’ is a scorching parable about American idolatry
Jordan Peele’s film “Nope” exposes a worldview that prioritizes gain above all else and that reduces human life to a desperate race to the top.
Posted inFaith, Faith in Focus
My name has been in my family for seven generations. Here’s what I hope it means for the next one.
Our shared name is a constant reminder that the work I do today is not on behalf of some shapeless ideal of a better world, but for the world that my children will grow up in.