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TV film fare – week of Nov. 30 – Dec. 06

The following are capsule reviews of theatrical movies on network and cable television the week of Nov. 30. Please note that televised versions may or may not be edited for language, nudity, violence and sexual situations.

Sunday, Nov. 30, 4-6 a.m. EST (TCM) “The End of the Affair” (1955). Uneven version of Graham Greene’s novel set in World War II London where the wife (Deborah Kerr) of a civil servant (Peter Cushing) suddenly ends her affair with a writer (miscast Van Johnson) who later learns why from her diary filched by a private investigator (John Mills). Directed by Edward Dmytryk, the story centers on the wife’s bargain with God to give up the writer if his life is spared after a buzz-bomb attack, but her subsequent struggles with religious faith and doubt are only intermittently convincing and the ending is disappointingly melodramatic. Discreetly handled theme of infidelity and its consequences. The USCCB Office for Film & Broadcasting classification of the theatrical version was A-II — adults and adolescents. Not rated by the Motion Picture Association of America.

Monday, Dec.1, 10 p.m.-midnight EST (Lifetime) “Mad Love” (1995). Sappy teen road movie in which a high school senior (Chris O’Donnell) becomes infatuated with a suicidal student (Drew Barrymore), breaks her out of a psychiatric hospital and heads for Mexico in a stolen car before realizing she does in fact require professional care. Director Antonia Bird’s manipulative cautionary tale romanticizes the lovers’ odyssey and glosses over the consequences of their actions in superficial attempts at poignancy. Fleeting love scenes, some menace, brief violence and an instance of rough language. The USCCB Office for Film & Broadcasting classification of the theatrical version was L — limited adult audience, films whose problematic content many adults would find troubling. The Motion Picture Association of America rating was PG-13 — parents strongly cautioned. Some material may be inappropriate for children under 13.

Tuesday, Dec. 2, 6:45-9 p.m. EST (Showtime) “In the Name of the King: A Dungeon Siege Tale” (2008). Ludicrously overblown fantasy adventure, based on a video game, in which a peaceable farmer (Jason Statham) is victimized by an invading army of mutant dogs who are being controlled by an evil wizard (Ray Liotta) and goes off in pursuit of his kidnapped wife (Claire Forlani), eventually having to choose whether to abandon his stubborn independence and ally himself with a wise king (Burt Reynolds) and the good wizard (John Rhys-Davies) who serves him. Director Uwe Boll’s banal, lumbering film offers some effective battle scenes, but virtually nothing else. Fantasy violence, an implied nonmarital sexual relationship and one crass insult. 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-13 — parents strongly cautioned. Some material may be inappropriate for children under 13.

Tuesday, Dec. 2, 10:15 p.m.-midnight (TCM) “The Magnificent Ambersons” (1942). Sturdy saga of American life circa 1900 from the Booth Tarkington novel about the arrogant son (Tim Holt) of a wealthy Midwestern family who keeps his widowed mother (Delores Costello) from marrying a rising automaker (Joseph Cotton), then gets his comeuppance by failing to adapt to changing circumstances. Director Orson Welles succeeds in a vivid period re-creation with convincing performances from a strong cast, though flawed by the narrative’s uneven pace resulting from a studio re-edit of Welles’ original version. Serious treatment of a selfish individual’s foolish pride and its tragic consequences. The USCCB Office for Film & Broadcasting classification of the theatrical version was A-II — adults and adolescents. Not rated by the Motion Picture Association of America.

Wednesday, Dec. 3, 10:15 p.m.-midnight EST (TCM) “The Rocking Horse Winner” (1950). Unsettling British adaptation of D.H. Lawrence’s story about a young boy (John Howard Davies) trying to help his spendthrift mother (Valerie Hobson) by getting winning tips on horse races from frenzied rides on his rocking horse. Writer-director Anthony Pelissier handles the boy’s attempt to shoulder responsibility for his careless mother’s financial needs but his strange system for picking winners turns the ending into uneasy fantasy. Parental neglect and its tragic result. The USCCB Office for Film & Broadcasting classification of the theatrical version was A-II — adults and adolescents. Not rated by the Motion Picture Association of America.

Friday, Dec. 5, 8-10 p.m. EST (ABC) “Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas” (2000). Less-than-spectacular adaptation of Dr. Seuss’ classic tale in which Jim Carrey stars as the Grinch, a mean-spirited green creature who disguises himself as Santa Claus, sneaks into the town of Whoville on Christmas Eve and steals all the residents’ presents. Director Ron Howard’s fanciful rendition is crammed with many colorful, teetering sets and zippy one-liners, but it is essentially a vanity vehicle for its star with a secularized definition of the true meaning of Christmas. Some crass humor including 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.

Saturday, Dec. 6, 8-10 p.m. EST (History) “Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid” (1969). Stylish seriocomic Western set at the end of the 19th century when a pair of outlaws, Butch (Paul Newman) and the Kid (Robert Redford), realize that civilization has overtaken their profession and head for the Bolivian frontier. Director George Roy Hill brings off the action scenes with gusto and the proper amount of humor, though beneath the surface of the laughter and the silly mishaps there are enough realistic scenes to show that their criminal exploits have serious consequences. Much stylized violence and a sexually suggestive situation. 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.

Saturday, Dec. 6, 8-10 p.m. EST (TCM) “Swing Time” (1936). Down-on-his-luck hoofer (Fred Astaire) rides the rails to New York, teams with a comely dance instructor (Ginger Rogers) and they score as the town’s top dancing duo in such numbers as “Waltz in Swing Time” and Astaire’s solo showstopper, “Bojangles of Harlem.” Director George Stevens keeps the pair’s romantic misunderstandings light and lively, gets strong comic relief from Victor Moore and Helen Broderick and effortlessly stages such songs as “A Fine Romance” and “The Way You Look Tonight.” Elegant entertainment for all but the very young. 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, Dec. 6, 9-10:45 p.m. EST (Showtime) “The Air I Breathe” (2008). Energetic but seamy study of characters trapped by their own passions through four interconnected stories involving a gangster (Andy Garcia), a reckless gambler (Forest Whitaker) who’s in debt to him, his vulgar nephew (Emile Hirsch), one of his enforcers (Brendan Fraser), a popular singer whose career he controls (Sarah Michelle Gellar), and a doctor (Kevin Bacon) who’s desperate to make contact with the pop star. Director Jieho Lee’s film, though it shows marks of craftsmanship, ultimately registers as contrived, as well as excessively gory, with a nonstop stream of four-letter words. Graphic violence, including mutilation and beatings, upper female and rear nudity, themes of suicide, prostitution and abortion, pervasive rough and frequent crude and crass language, two uses of profanity, sexual references and innuendo. The USCCB Office for Film & Broadcasting classification of the theatrical version was L — limited adult audience, films whose problematic content many adults would find troubling. The Motion Picture Association of America rating was R — restricted. Under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian.

TV program notes — week of Nov. 30

Here are some television program notes for the week of Nov. 30 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, Nov. 30, 8-9 p.m. EST (PBS) “Panda Tales.” This program covers the first year in the life of Zhen Zhen, the San Diego Zoo’s giant panda cub; it also examines the plight of the giant panda and how the San Diego Zoo’s program has affected the resurgence of this endearing species (TV-G — general audience).

Sunday, Nov. 30, 10-11 p.m. EST (EWTN) “Mount St. Mary’s University: The Spirit Continues.” A look at the 200-year history of Mount St. Mary’s in Emmitsburg, Md., the nation’s second-oldest Catholic university.

Monday, Dec. 1, 8:30-9 p.m. EST (ABC) “Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas.” Boris Karloff narrates this classic special, and provides the voice of the villainous, Christmas-hating Grinch (TV-G — general audience).

Tuesday, Dec. 2, 8-9 p.m. EST (ABC) “Santa Claus Is Comin’ to Town.” Perennial animated favorite which tells the story behind Santa’s red suit, flying reindeer, ho-ho laugh, elves and toy factory in the North Pole. Narrated by Fred Astaire (TV-G — general audience).

Tuesday, Dec. 2, 10-11 p.m. EST (Discovery) “Extreme Loggers.” This special chronicles the challenging work of loggers as they retrieve lumber from some of the world’s most dangerous and inaccessible terrain.

Wednesday, Dec. 3, 8-9 p.m. EST (CBS) “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer.” The longest-running holiday special in television history celebrates its 44th anniversary. Narrated by Burl Ives, the digitally remastered special recounts the tale of a shy reindeer whose Christmas spirit is dampened because his shiny nose has made him the laughingstock of Christmasville.

Wednesday, Dec. 3, 8-9:30 p.m. EST (PBS) “The Priests Live at Armagh Cathedral.” The Priests, three Catholic priests from Northern Ireland — Fathers Eugene and Martin O’Hagan, siblings, and their close childhood friend, Father David Delargy — are trained vocalists brought together by their faith and passion for music. Performing at Armagh, one of Northern Ireland’s most prestigious cathedrals, the Priests are accompanied by a full orchestra and choir on some of the world’s best-loved songs, including “Ave Maria,” “Pie Jesu,” “O Holy Night,” “Gloria,” “Panis Angelicus,” “Irish Blessing” and “Be Still My Soul.” Joining the trio are legendary flutist Sir James Galway and Moya Brennan of Clannad (TV-G — general audience).

Wednesday, Dec. 3, 9-10 p.m. EST (CBS) “The Grammy Nominations Concert Live!!: Countdown to Music’s Biggest Night.” This prelude to the Feb. 8 Grammy Awards will air live from Los Angeles. Celine Dion, the Foo Fighters, B.B. King, John Mayer and Taylor Swift are among those scheduled to perform.

Wednesday, Dec. 3, 9:30-11 p.m. EST (PBS) “Hitman: David Foster & Friends.” Grammy Award-winning songwriter and producer David Foster accompanies some of the most popular songs of his career, performed by Andrea Bocelli, Josh Groban, Michael Buble, Peter Cetera, Kenny G., Boz Scaggs and others. This “Great Performances” presentation was recorded at Las Vegas’ Mandalay Bay Events Center (TV-G — general audience).

Saturday, Dec. 6, 9-11 p.m. EST (Animal Planet) “Dancing With Dogs.” Actor and comedian Alec Mapa hosts this special, which follows entrants in the World Canine Freestyle Organization’s sixth annual international competition for dog and owner dance teams.

TV REVIEW

From Jesus to Christ: The First Christians

Looking back 2,000 years to the historical world of Jesus as well as that of his persecuted followers over the next three centuries is the two-part documentary, “From Jesus to Christ: The First Christians,” to be rerun in its entirety Tuesday, Dec. 2, 9:30 p.m.-1:30 a.m. EST on PBS (check local listings).

Ever since the 1947 discovery of the Dead Sea Scrolls, biblical scholarship has been busy with archaeological digs, the comparison of manuscripts and speculation over texts.

These activities have been accompanied by a rush to bring the latest finding, no matter how tentative, to the public by translating the complexities of specialized research into journalistic and, at times, even tabloid prose.

Drawing on the input of 12 New Testament scholars, this four-hour series tries to avoid the oversimplifications and slippery generalizations that have generated controversy in the public arena.

This kind of research is prone to misunderstanding because its results are often provisional rather than definitive, apt to be discarded or refined as new discoveries come to light.

In exploring the historical context of the Gospels, these scholars confine themselves to the archaeological evidence and textual analysis rather than personal religious convictions or the lack thereof.

Though some Christian viewers will find this approach unedifying, if not confusing, others may gain new insights which deepen their faith rather than undermine it.
Certainly the first two hours provide a rich introduction to the Jewish world into which Jesus was born, all of which is helpful in reading the Gospel accounts of his life and mission.

What is central in the historical context is the subjection of Judea to Roman rule and the rise of political rebels and messianic sects looking for a new kingdom to replace the old.

The second two hours examine how the Gospel accounts came to be written, the struggle between differing Christian sects and the emergence of Rome as the center of the early church.

Produced by Marilyn Mellowes and directed by William Cran, the series presents a secular account of the rise of Christianity without directly taking up the question of Christ’s divinity, which is a matter of faith and beyond the scope of the series.

The series will, however, antagonize those who take a strictly literal view of the Gospel accounts and surely will irritate most historians by using the clunky B.C.E. (Before the Common Era) to replace the commonly used and historically correct B.C. (Before Christ).

As a presentation of the “Frontline” series of investigative reports on current affairs, this scholarly probe into the historicity of Jesus and the development of the early church offers some tentative reflections on the birth of Christianity at the beginning of the third millennium.

- USCCB

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