This Former Disney Stars New Movie About Fatherhood Will Make You Cry

An Important Message for Fathers:

Interview with Hollywood Actor David Henrie

By Ben Kayser, Managing Editor

Fathers Day is right around the corner, and one Hollywood actor wants to send a message to fathers via his new short movie titled CATCH.

California native David Henrie, 24, grew up in the entertainment industry and understood first-hand the impact movies and television has on the culture. After landing several recurring roles on TV shows like THAT’S SO RAVEN and HOW I MET YOUR MOTHER, David’s rise to fame began when he received a main role on Disney Channel’s WIZARDS OF WAVERLY PLACE.

After a five-year run with Disney Channel, David has now poured his heart and soul into a short movie that he wrote and directed himself. Set to release the week before Fathers Day, CATCH is a very powerful and inspirational story exploring the important relationship between fathers and sons. Movieguide® had the chance to speak with David about the influence of fathers and the importance of using movies to inspire.

Movieguide®: The theme of CATCH is all about fatherhood. What sort of inspired that message?

David Henrie: My favorite movies growing up were always father/son stories. That moment at the end of FIELD OF DREAMS is something I’ll never forget. I had always wanted to create that relationship and do it in a powerful way, because, as a little kid, you automatically look at your father like a superhero. A lot of the time, fathers are so busy with work or busy with trying to provide for the family, I call it the “Good Dad problem” actually. You know, it’s a dad that is trying to provide for his family, but, at the end of the day, that can come at a price if you do it to the excess. So, I have wanted to create a story that deals with that issue that so many families deal with. So that way when they’re spending time with their family, they can see that this time is important, this time needs to be quality time. I really wanted to shine a spotlight on time and how time is spent. Because so many times, when the dads are back home, spending time with the family, they’re not present, they’re trying to figure out how to get ahead. That time is important.

Movieguide®: Growing up in the entertainment industry, do you feel this message is especially important for Hollywood?

David Henrie: 100%. Because our industry is one that’s not a typical 9-5, you’re always working, you’re always watching movies, and you’re always figuring out different avenues of getting your project made. Even if you have a normal job at a studio, your brain is always ticking, it’s always figuring out who I’ve got to get this script to, who I gotta be in business with, etc., etc. So, a lot of the time, it’s hard to shut that off.

Movieguide®: What’s one of the greatest things that your father passed down to you?

David Henrie: Definitely his work ethic. He grew up in a very poor family. This story hits very close to home with CATCH because he wanted to provide a life that he never had growing up. I think a lot of Dads can relate to that. He spent a lot of time hustling, a lot of time working hard and a lot of time away. I’m lucky that he and I have such a close relationship now.

Movieguide®: What do you hope CATCH inspires?

David Henrie: The first time I showed it to someone, I got a call a few hours later and he [my friend] literally told me he was driving home from work, and he said he was going to spend time with his son, he took the day off from work. I’m not saying I want Dads to skip work, you gotta go to work. I think a Dad realizing that he hasn’t quite been present the times that he spends with his family, that would be the greatest hope of mine for this short film.

Movieguide®: 2014 has been a great year for inspiring movies. How do you see God currently using movies to change lives?

David Henrie: Since the beginning of time, art has been used to touch on the heartstrings of humanity. I think that’s the potential art has and it has been used for that. Look at the Vatican. Some of the greatest pieces of art every created, people walk into there and just burst into tears. The greatest artists have always been people who have tried to touch the Heavens and recreate that in a picture. I think that’s what art has the power to do – to elevate the mind and to inspire change and hope. And, the fact that that effort is being rewarded is just awesome.

For more information on David Henrie and CATCH, click here. David is attached to star in and is currently filming Kevin James’s PAUL BLART: MALL COP 2.

Now more than ever we’re bombarded by darkness in media, movies, and TV. Movieguide® has fought back for almost 40 years, working within Hollywood to propel uplifting and positive content. We’re proud to say we’ve collaborated with some of the top industry players to influence and redeem entertainment for Jesus. Still, the most influential person in Hollywood is you. The viewer.

What you listen to, watch, and read has power. Movieguide® wants to give you the resources to empower the good and the beautiful. But we can’t do it alone. We need your support.

You can make a difference with as little as $7. It takes only a moment. If you can, consider supporting our ministry with a monthly gift. Thank you.

Movieguide® is a 501c3 and all donations are tax deductible.

What you listen to, watch, and read has power. Movieguide® wants to give you the resources to empower the good and the beautiful. But we can’t do it alone. We need your support.

You can make a difference with as little as $7. It takes only a moment. If you can, consider supporting our ministry with a monthly gift. Thank you.

Movieguide® is a 501c3 and all donations are tax deductible.