• Home
• Business Directory
  • List Your Business in the DFW Catholic Business Directory
• Daily Mass Readings
• Editorial
• Group Blog
• Links
  • Pro-Life Links
  • Reference Links
  • Vocation Links
  • Catechesis Links
  • Bible Links
  • Liturgy Links
  • Prayer Links
  • Mary Links
  • Saints and Angels Links
  • Children Links
  • Young Adults Links
  • Marriage Links
  • Parenting Links
  • Recommended Sites
• News
  • DFW Spotlight
  • Diocesan News
  • US News
  • World News
  • Pro-Life
  • Lifestyle
• Parish List

TV film fare – week of Dec. 14 to Dec. 20

The following are capsule reviews of theatrical movies on network and cable television the week of Dec. 14. Please note that televised versions may or may not be edited for language, nudity, violence and sexual situations.

Sunday, Dec. 14, 8-10 p.m. EST (ABC) “The Santa Clause 2″ (2002). Superficial, but moderately enjoyable, live-action fantasy in which Santa (Tim Allen) must tend to his misbehaving 16-year-old son (Eric Lloyd) and satisfy a contract to marry by Christmas Eve. A sequel to 1994’s “The Santa Clause,” it presumes a familiarity with the original movie and features five of the same major characters. Minor menace. The USCCB Office for Film & Broadcasting classification of the theatrical version was A-I — general patronage. The Motion Picture Association of America rating was G — general audiences. All ages admitted.

Sunday, Dec. 14, 8-10:30 p.m. EST (AMC) “Jeremiah Johnson” (1972). Robert Redford stars in the story of a 19th-century mountain man from his arrival in the Rockies through his years as a self-sufficient trapper, then as family man and, finally, a fighter of legendary proportions who does battle with Crow Indians. Director Sydney Pollack’s story offers the awesome natural spectacle of the mountain locales, the swift frontier action, intense cultural conflict and colorful characters rendered without the burdens of sentimentality and contrivance. Stylized violence. The USCCB Office for Film & Broadcasting classification of the theatrical version was A-II — adults and adolescents. The Motion Picture Association of America rating was GP — general audiences, parental guidance suggested.

Monday, Dec. 15, 8-10:45 p.m. EST (TCM) “Guys and Dolls” (1955). Overstuffed screen version of Jo Swerling and Abe Burrows’ stage musical based on Damon Runyon’s colorful 1920s Broadway types in the story of a bet by a two-bit gambler (Frank Sinatra) that leads ultimately to the reformation of a big-time gangster (Marlon Brando) by a Salvation Army lass (Jean Simmons). Directed by Joseph L. Mankiewicz, the result is an uneven mix of Hollywood and Broadway styles, with some bright production numbers and Frank Loesser tunes, notably Stubby Kaye’s “Sit Down, You’re Rocking the Boat,” but the parts never quite jell into a satisfying whole. Considerable innuendo. The USCCB Office for Film & Broadcasting classification of the theatrical version was A-III — adults. Not rated by the Motion Picture Association of America.

Wednesday, Dec. 17, 9:30-midnight EST (TCM) “Death on the Nile” (1978). An heiress (Lois Chiles) is murdered on a honeymoon cruise up the Nile and Hercule Poirot (Peter Ustinov), Agatha Christie’s Belgian sleuth, is on hand to interrogate such suspects as Bette Davis, Angela Lansbury, Maggie Smith, Mia Farrow and George Kennedy. Directed by John Guillermin, it is an intricately plotted whodunit that plays the game fairly in laying out clues to challenge the mystery fan. A lavishly produced 1930s period piece with exotic Egyptian locales, it’s solid escapist entertainment for those who don’t mind rather graphic depictions of murder. The USCCB Office for Film & Broadcasting classification of the theatrical version was A-III — adults. The Motion Picture Association of America rating was PG — parental guidance suggested. Some material may not be suitable for children.

Friday, Dec. 19, 10-11:45 p.m. EST (TCM) “Christmas in Connecticut” (1945). Breezy romantic comedy in which the unmarried writer (Barbara Stanwyck) of a popular homemaker column has to invent a husband, baby and country home after her unsuspecting publisher (Sydney Greenstreet) invites a war hero (Dennis Morgan) to celebrate Christmas with her “family.” Directed by Peter Godfrey, the slickly contrived proceedings benefit from a capable cast but the slapdash humor is uneven and the romance less than convincing. Romantic situations, sexual innuendo and much comic duplicity. The USCCB Office for Film & Broadcasting classification of the theatrical version was A-III — adults. Not rated by the Motion Picture Association of America.

Saturday, Dec. 20, 8-10 p.m. EST (CBS) “Elf” (2003). Warmhearted yuletide comedy about a foundling (Will Ferrell) raised by elves in Santa’s workshop who travels from the North Pole to New York City in order to reconnect with his long-lost father (James Caan), a workaholic scrooge bereft of Christmas cheer. Full of goofy candy-cane humor, director Jon Favreau’s holiday film imparts a strong family-friendly message, but uses a secular sieve to filter out any religious references about the true meaning of Christmas. Minimal mildly crude language and humor. The USCCB Office for Film & Broadcasting classification of the theatrical version was A-II — adults and adolescents. The Motion Picture Association of America rating was PG — parental guidance suggested. Some material may not be suitable for children.

Saturday, Dec. 20, 9-11 p.m. EST (ABC) “Dr. Seuss’ The Cat in the Hat” (2003). Overwrought live-action version of Theodore Geisel’s classic rhyming kid’s tale about a brother (Spencer Breslin) and sister (Dakota Fanning) whose home is turned upside down by a mischievous talking cat (Mike Myers) in a red-and-white striped stovepipe hat while their mother (Kelly Preston) is at work. While true to the spirit of the book, director Bo Welch has added story lines to flesh out the story to feature length, resulting in a bloated, visually assaulting film weighed down by tedious special-effects sequences and Myers’ hyperfrenetic performance. Minimal mildly crude humor and innuendo. The USCCB Office for Film & Broadcasting classification of the theatrical version was A-II — adults and adolescents. The Motion Picture Association of America rating was PG — parental guidance suggested.

Saturday, Dec. 20, 8-9:45 p.m. EST (HBO) “The Bucket List” (2007). Unremarkable, formulaic, only mildly entertaining story of two cancer patients — a wealthy, womanizing tycoon (Jack Nicholson) and a middle-class garage mechanic (Morgan Freeman) — who decide to hit the road and experience all their wildest dreams in the time they have left, that is, until they “kick the bucket.” We’ve seen all this before, and except for seeing the two stars in standard reliable form, director Rob Reiner’s film is predictably routine — some problematic elements aside — imparting a positive message about finding the joy in life and bringing joy to others. An instance of the F-word; some crude expletives, crass expressions and scattered profanity; a vulgar gesture; an implied nonmarital sexual encounter; sexual references and innuendo; and domestic discord. The USCCB Office for Film & Broadcasting classification of the theatrical version was A-III — adults. The Motion Picture Association of America rating was PG-13 — parents strongly cautioned. Some material may be inappropriate for children under 13.

Saturday, Dec. 20, 10-midnight EST (Cinemax) “Definitely, Maybe” (2008). Carefully wrought romantic comedy, albeit with some problematic material, in which an advertiser (Ryan Reynolds) on the verge of divorce recounts to his inquiring daughter (Abigail Breslin) how he chose her mother from among the three women (Elizabeth Banks, Rachel Weisz and Isla Fisher) he had once been dating. Writer-director Adam Brooks’ generally well-written, often touching film is most suitable for mature viewers. Implied nonmarital sexual activity and cohabitation, some profanity, frank sexual talk and crass language, divorce theme, lesbian reference and political pro-choice allusion. The USCCB Office for Film & Broadcasting classification of the theatrical version was A-III — adults. The Motion Picture Association of America rating was PG-13 — parents strongly cautioned. Some material may be inappropriate for children under 13.

TV program notes — week of Dec. 14

Here are some television program notes for the week of Dec. 14 with their TV Parental Guidelines ratings if available. They have not been reviewed and therefore are not necessarily recommended by the Office for Film & Broadcasting.

Sunday, Dec. 14, 1:30-3 p.m. EST (EWTN) “In Concert: Corrette’s Christmas Symphonies.” Chamber ensemble La Fantasia performs the Christmas symphonies of 18th-century French composer Michel Corrette.

Sunday, Dec. 14, 8-10 p.m. EST (Animal Planet) “Animal Gladiators.” An investigation of the trade that led to the destruction of thousands of animals in the arenas of ancient Rome (TV-PG — parental guidance suggested).

Sunday, Dec. 14, 9-10 p.m. EST (PBS) “Chicano Rock! The Sounds of East Los Angeles.” This documentary tells the story of kids from East Los Angeles who struggled to find a musical identity of their own. Edward James Olmos narrates (TV-PG — parental guidance suggested).

Sunday, Dec. 14, 10-11 p.m. EST (EWTN) “Joyful Hour.” The story of Joseph and Mary is interspersed with teaching regarding the rosary. Actor Pat O’Brien and family are shown praying the rosary.

Sunday, Dec. 14, 10-11 p.m. EST (PBS) “Soul Searching: The Journey of Thomas Merton.” Filmmaker Morgan Atkinson’s documentary provides a look at the life of Father Thomas Merton, the Trappist monk and writer considered one of the most influential spiritual voices of the 20th century, through interviews with his friends, scholars and authorities on spiritual life. The film examines Merton’s life at Kentucky’s Abbey of Gethsemani, as well as his experiences in New York City, at the Redwoods Monastery in California and at the Christ in the Desert Monastery in New Mexico.

Monday, Dec. 15, 8-9 p.m. EST (ABC) “I Want a Dog for Christmas, Charlie Brown!” This “Peanuts” holiday special centers on Rerun, the lovable but ever-skeptical younger brother of Linus and Lucy, and his best friend, Snoopy (TV-G — general audience).

Monday, Dec. 15, 9:30-11 p.m. EST (PBS) “Richard Tucker Gala: An Opera Celebration.” The Richard Tucker Opera Gala concert from New York’s Lincoln Center features celebrated stars such as Renee Fleming, Joyce DiDonato, Simon Keenlyside, Diana Damrau and others singing popular pieces by Mozart, Verdi, Rossini, Wagner and Bernstein. Maestro Asher Fisch conducts members of the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra and the New York Choral Society (TV-G — general audience).

Tuesday, Dec. 16, 9-10:30 p.m. EST (PBS) “Wonders Are Many: The Making of Doctor Atomic.” Jon Else’s documentary, shown as an “Independent Lens” presentation, tells the story of making a grand opera about the birth of the atomic bomb, following composer John Adams and director Peter Sellars over the course of a year as they work to forge the tale of J. Robert Oppenheimer into a music drama (TV-PG — parental guidance suggested).

Wednesday, Dec. 17, 8-10 p.m. EST (PBS) “Dance in America: San Francisco Ballet’s ‘Nutcracker.’” The San Francisco Ballet presents Tchaikovsky’s “The Nutcracker,” with its setting transposed to that city’s 1915 Pan-Pacific Exposition. A “Great Performances” presentation (TV-G — general audience).

Wednesday, Dec. 17, 9-10 p.m. EST (BBC America) “Too Fat to Toddle.” Four families with overweight children participate in a diet and exercise program supervised by professor Paul Gately.

Wednesday, Dec. 17, 10-11 p.m. EST (EWTN) “Eparchy of Our Lady of Lebanon: The Divine Liturgy.” The Divine Liturgy of the Maronite rite, presided over by Maronite Bishop Robert J. Shaheen of the St. Louis-based Eparchy of Our Lady of Lebanon.

Wednesday, Dec. 17, 10-11 p.m. EST (PBS) “L.A. Holiday Celebration 2008.” A highlight version of the six-hour Los Angeles County holiday celebration, representing the many cultures and holiday traditions found in the county (TV-G — general audience).

Thursday, Dec.18, 9-10 p.m. EST (History) “Lost Science of the Bible.” This “Ancient Discoveries” presentation explores the scientific background of such familiar Bible stories as David and Goliath and the tower of Babel.

Thursday, Dec. 18, 10-11 p.m. EST (PBS) “Faith Hill, Joy to the World: A Soundstage Special Event.” Faith Hill presents selections from her holiday album “Joy to the World.” The program was taped over two nights at the Sears Centre Arena in the Chicago suburb of Hoffman Estates, Ill. (TV-G — general audience).

Saturday, Dec. 20, 8-10 p.m. EST (EWTN) “The Great Mr. Handel.” A film about Georg Fredrich Handel and how this 18th-century musical genius rose above illness and financial worries to compose his beloved “Messiah” oratorio.

- USCCB

Comments

Our Sponsors

Copyright © 2008-2010 MetroCatholic, Inc · Designed and Hosted by Klemens Raab · Log in