Web site TV for Feb. 21 – Feb 27, 2010

TV film fare -- week of Feb.21

The following are capsule reviews of theatrical movies on network and cable television the week of Feb. 21. Please note that televised versions may or may not be edited for language, nudity, violence, and sexual situations.

Sunday, Feb. 21, 8-11 p.m. EST (AMC) "Forrest Gump"(1994). Inspired by the faith his mother (Sally Field) has in him, a slow-witted Southerner (Tom Hanks) becomes a football All-American, Vietnam hero and millionaire entrepreneur, despite intermittent rejection by his troubled, lifelong friend and sweetheart (Robin Wright). Director Robert Zemeckis' big-hearted love story cleverly incorporates gimmicks into the narrative without ever losing focus on the emotional and spiritual development of the title character. A few discreet bedroom scenes, some intense battlefield violence, fleeting drug use and an instance of rough language. 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.

Monday, Feb. 22, 9:45-11:45 p.m. EST (TCM) "The Fighting Sullivans" (1944). Enlisting in the Navy the day after Pearl Harbor, five brothers insist on being assigned to the same ship and die together when it's torpedoed off Guadalcanal in 1942. Director Lloyd Bacon's fact-based dramatization centers on the youths' close-knit, working-class family in Waterloo, Iowa, and their loyalty to each other and to country. Simply told with considerable emotional impact, despite wartime flag-waving. 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. 26, 8-10 p.m. EST (ABC) "Blades of Glory" (2007). Fitfully amusing buddy comedy about rival skating champions -- a macho ladies' man (Will Ferrell) and a former child prodigy (Jon Heder). Banned from the world championships after fighting on the ice, they reluctantly become a team when they learn it's the only way they'll be allowed back to compete, while a jealous brother-sister act (Will Arnett and Amy Poehler) attempt to sabotage the duo. Will Speck and Josh Gordon direct the sophomoric proceedings capably, the skating stunts are well handled, the leads are well paired, and there are apt satirical barbs at the skating industry. The pervasive low humor and vulgarity preclude the younger viewers who would most appreciate the humor, even as predictable affirmations of friendship and good sportsmanship eventually prevail. Crude language, crass expressions, mild profanity, a couple of brief nongraphic sexual encounters, innuendo, comic violence and mayhem, including a decapitation, brief comic suggestion of incest and drug use. 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.

Friday, Feb. 26, 8-10:30 p.m. EST (TCM) "Thoroughly Modern Millie" (1967). In a musical spoof of the Roaring Twenties, Julie Andrews and Mary Tyler Moore seek careers and romance in New York City with the help of handsome John Gavin and debonair James Fox. Director George Roy Hill's irreverent lark gets some good support from Bea Lillie and Carol Channing, some songs that characterize the period and a fast-moving script that has something for everybody. 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.
 
Saturday, Feb. 27, 5:15-8 p.m. EST (TCM) "The Nun's Story" (1959). Sent by her religious community to be a nurse in the Belgian Congo, a young nun (Audrey Hepburn) resists her feelings of love for the doctor (Peter Finch) with whom she works, returns to Belgium and, after struggling with the routine of convent life, leaves for the world beyond the wall. Sensitively directed by Fred Zinnemann, the fact-based story focuses on the interior conflict between the nun's idealism and her growing sense of her own needs as an individual. Convincing portrayal of religious life as a vocation requiring more than good intentions. 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.

Saturday, Feb. 27, 8-10 p.m. EST (HBO) "Fast & Furious" (2009). Overheated, morally swerving action sequel in which an ex-con (Vin Diesel) pursuing a vendetta and an undercover FBI agent (Paul Walker) renew their rivalry as they both use their driving skills to infiltrate a cross-border drug smuggling ring and identify its secretive leader. As directed by Justin Lin, the thin story is no more than an excuse for long sequences of reckless racing, while the characters move from one side of the law to the other as it suits them. Vigilantism, brief nongraphic sexual activity, partial nudity, cohabitation, occasional rough language and profanity. 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.
 
Saturday, Feb. 27, 8-11 p.m. EST (ABC) "Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix" (2007). Teenage wizard Harry (Daniel Radcliffe) and his intrepid Hogwarts chums (Emma Watson and Rupert Grint) face an unexpected obstacle in their ongoing struggle with the malevolent Lord Voldemort (Ralph Fiennes): a repressive teacher (Imelda Staunton) from the Ministry of Magic who won't allow the practice of hocus-pocus that they need to defend themselves against the evil forces. With director David Yates at the helm, this fifth installment is arguably the best yet with its excellent performances, superior special effects, coherent narrative and sensible balance between action sequences and human drama, not to mention a meaningful subtext about the power of love and personal choice in doing good versus evil. Some scenes of peril, moderate fantasy violence and scary imagery may preclude very young viewers. 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.

Saturday, Feb. 27, 10-11:45 p.m. EST (Cinemax) "The Day the Earth Stood Still" (2008). Competent but inferior science-fiction remake about an alien (Keanu Reeves) who lands on earth to warn of the planet's doom, and gains the assistance of a top-flight scientist (Jennifer Connelly), escaping from government custody to continue his mission, despite the initial hostility of the scientist's distrustful young stepson (Jaden Smith). Director Scott Derrickson's version of Robert Wise's 1951 genre classic, which also features Kathy Bates as the wary U.S. secretary of defense, substitutes global warming for the threat of Cold War annihilation (both worthy themes), but though objectionable elements are minimal, the alien's deadpan emotion is a serious drawback. Moderate, mostly bloodless 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 PG-13 -- parents strongly cautioned. Some material may be inappropriate for children under 13.

TV program notes -- week of Feb. 21

Here are some television program notes for the week of Feb. 21 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, Feb. 21, 8-9 p.m. EST (PBS) "Invasion of the Giant Pythons." This program examines how predatory pythons have thrived in the protected wilderness of Florida's Everglades National Park, making the refuge more a killing ground than a haven for the endangered mammals, trees, plants, birds, turtles and alligators there. Part of the series "Nature" (TV-PG -- parental guidance suggested).

Tuesday, Feb. 23, 10-11:30 p.m. EST (PBS) "Behind the Rainbow." A documentary look at South Africa's political problems, struggles and realities. Maggie Gyllenhaal hosts this "Independent Lens" presentation (TV-PG -- parental guidance suggested).

Thursday, Feb. 25, 10-11 p.m. EST (PBS) "Willie Nelson." In this episode of the series "Soundstage," Willie Nelson mixes elements of folk, blues, classic country, western swing and gospel as he performs a versatile set that highlights songs from his first bluegrass album (TV-PG -- parental guidance suggested).
 
Saturday, Feb. 27, 2-3:30 p.m. EST (EWTN) "Dinner With Alex Jones." Evangelist and Catholic convert Alex Jones is joined by author Steve Ray, their wives and six friends in an unrehearsed dinner conversation, exploring Catholicism from the viewpoint provided them as converts.
Saturday, Feb. 27, 8-9:45 p.m. EST (EWTN) "Maria Goretti." St. Maria Goretti, one of the youngest saints in the history of the church, gave up her life to protect her purity; this new film explores her life amid the gritty details of family poverty and harsh living conditions.