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TV film fare; week of Feb. 8 – 14

February 9, 2009

The following are capsule reviews of theatrical movies on network and cable television the week of Feb. 8. Please note that televised versions may or may not be edited for language, nudity, violence and sexual situations.

Sunday, Feb. 8, 8-10 p.m. EST (Lifetime Movie) “Akeelah and the Bee” (2006). Irresistible story about a South Los Angeles 11-year-old loner (Keke Palmer) who reluctantly agrees to compete in a national spelling bee — under the tutelage of an emotionally fragile English professor (Laurence Fishburne) against the initial wishes of her hardworking mother (Angela Bassett), who worries the endeavor will interfere with the girl’s flagging grades in other subjects. Writer-director Doug Atchison handles Akeelah’s journey of self-discovery and growing empowerment deftly and builds suspense on the way to a satisfying if unabashedly formulaic conclusion, helped by his first-rate leads and inspiring messages about conquering fears, winning by honest means, the strength of community, and, above all, the beauty and potency of words. A few crass expressions and a single use of a four-letter word can’t detract from an overall warm endorsement for all audiences. The USCCB Office for Film & Broadcasting classification of the theatrical version was A-I — general patronage. The Motion Picture Association of America rating was PG — parental guidance suggested. Some material may not be suitable for children.

Tuesday, Feb. 10, 10 p.m.-midnight EST (TCM) “Enchanted April” (1992). Charming period piece about the transformation four world-weary London women (Joan Plowright, Miranda Richardson, Josie Lawrence and Polly Walker) experience when they impulsively rent a medieval castle for a month in sunny Italy. Based on Elizabeth von Arnim’s 1922 novel, director Mike Newell offers up a sweetly fanciful film about characters removed from their drab routines who learn the value of tolerance and renewed commitment to relationships. Very mild sexual 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. Some material may not be suitable for children.

Wednesday, Feb. 11, 10-11:45 p.m. EST (TCM) “Lassie Come Home” (1943). Before television, the faithful collie got her start in this story of a poor English family who has to sell its dog, Lassie, but the canny canine crosses the Scottish highlands, despite the elements and all manner of hazards, to return to the little boy (Roddy McDowall) who loves her. Directed by Fred M. Wilcox, the movie’s charm holds up quite well as family entertainment, especially for youngsters enthralled by Lassie’s intelligence and perseverance. The USCCB Office for Film & Broadcasting classification of the theatrical version was A-I — general patronage. Not rated by the Motion Picture Association of America.

Friday, Feb. 13, 7-9 p.m. EST (Showtime) “A Mighty Heart” (2007). Tense recounting of the 2002 kidnapping of and frantic search for Wall Street Journal reporter Daniel Pearl (Dan Futterman) in Karachi, Pakistan, as seen through the eyes of his pregnant wife, Mariane (Angelina Jolie), also a journalist. Director Michael Winterbottom superbly captures the tumult, and without histrionics (except for one searing outpouring of grief), deftly embodies the courageous Mariane Pearl, who, after the tragic events, refused to succumb to bitterness or vengeance. Several uses of the F-word under duress, and a few other crude or crass words, fleeting newsreel footage of bombings and some dead bodies including a grim morgue image, a discreet torture scene, a brief nongraphic bedroom scene and a verbal description of Daniel Pearl’s gruesome death. The USCCB Office for Film & Broadcasting classification of the theatrical version was A-III — adults. The Motion Picture Association of America rating was R — restricted. Under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian.

Friday, Feb. 13, 8-10 a.m. EST (TCM) “Lilies of the Field” (1963). When an itinerant jack-of-all-trades (Sidney Poitier) stops to help a group of German nuns newly arrived in New Mexico, his cheerful generosity is disdained by the stern, demanding mother superior (Lilia Skala) until he builds them a chapel with the aid of the local Mexican-American community. Directed by Ralph Nelson, the movie’s simple little story of the triumph of faith coupled with good will has enormous charm in the winning performances of the two principals, some good-natured comedy and an infectious theme song that will leave viewers humming “Amen.” The USCCB Office for Film & Broadcasting classification of the theatrical version was A-I — general patronage. Not rated by the Motion Picture Association of America.

Saturday, Feb. 14, 8-10 p.m. EST (HBO) “Fool’s Gold” (2008). A sparring treasure hunter (Matthew McConaughey) and his ex-spouse (Kate Hudson) join forces with a billionaire (Donald Sutherland) and his pampered daughter (Alexis Dziena) to seek ancient treasure in the waters off a Caribbean island before a gangster (Kevin Hart) and the hunter’s former mentor (Ray Winstone) get to it first. The amiable stars, eye-filling location shooting and moral wrap-up are pluses, but the routine script co-written by director Andy Tennant is generally witless and is bogged down by exposition, while the action sequences are lively but unexciting. Some uses of the S-word and brief profanity, a few crass expressions, moderate action violence, an implied sexual encounter in an abandoned church, and some light sexual banter. 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.

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Posted by George Vogt · Filed Under Lifestyle 

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