By focusing on parental grief, “Mass” grounds us in human tragedy even as it touches on the political and social implications of the epidemic of school shootings in the United States.
John Dougherty
John Dougherty is the director of mission and ministry at St. Joseph’s Preparatory School in Philadelphia, Pa.
Posted inArts & Culture, Film
Remembering James Earl Jones: the voice of God, a father and a compelling villain
James Earl Jones, who died this week, was a prominent figure on stage and screen. He also possessed a voice—and a presence—that has become iconic in American culture.
Posted inArts & Culture, Catholic Movie Club
Lessons from ‘Lady Bird’: Angst, love and the prayerful art of paying attention
We often don’t recognize our influences until much later. It’s the things we’re closest to that we have the most trouble seeing clearly.
Posted inArts & Culture, Catholic Movie Club
Why the cult classic ‘Newsies’ is a perfect Labor Day movie
“Newsies” is the rare family-friendly musical that also serves as thematically appropriate Labor Day viewing.
Posted inArts & Culture, Catholic Movie Club
Catholic Movie Club: ‘Beauty and the Beast’ and the seduction of evil
Gaston is troubling because he is the Disney villain who resonates most with reality: It’s unlikely that we’ll encounter an Ursula or a Jafar, but we all know a Gaston.
Posted inArts & Culture, Catholic Movie Club
‘Fiddler on the Roof’ and how to live out the faith in an ever-changing world
Torn between religious devotion and his own children, Tevye struggles to hold onto his faith in a new and uncertain world.
Posted inArts & Culture, Catholic Movie Club
‘The Umbrellas of Cherbourg’: a musical that echoes the sacred vision of Teilhard de Chardin
In “The Umbrellas of Cherbourg,” the ordinary becomes operatic and the everyday becomes extraordinary.
Posted inArts & Culture, Film
Review: M. Night Shyamalan’s thriller ‘Trap’ reveals the true price of a double life
Living a double life requires lying to everyone around you, but it also requires lying to yourself.
Posted inArts & Culture, Catholic Movie Club
The Ignatian creativity of ‘Singin’ in the Rain’
“Singin’ in the Rain” inspires us to meet pivotal moments with creativity, cooperation and a desire to achieve the greatest possible good.
Posted inArts & Culture, Catholic Movie Club
A Jesuit rom-com? ‘Crossroads’ explores love in a time of discernment
Would you believe that there’s a Jesuit rom-com? It sounds like a joke, but that is a fairly accurate description of “Crossroads,” a 2006 film written and directed by Murray Robinson.