September 20 - September 26, 2009
TV film fare -- week of September 20
The following are capsule reviews of theatrical movies on network and cable television the week of Sept. 20. Please note that televised versions may or may not be edited for language, nudity, violence and sexual situations.
Sunday, Sept. 20, 5:30-8 p.m. EDT (TCM) "A Face in the Crowd" (1957). Cautionary tale about an Arkansas drifter (Andy Griffith) whose homespun appeal is discovered by a local radio producer (Patricia Neal). He goes on to become a national television star but his ambitious ego and nasty disposition ultimately make him a dangerous political force. Directed by Elia Kazan from Budd Schulberg's savvy script, the result takes a close look at the media's power to influence and manipulate, a theme given credibility by Griffith's chilling two-faced performance, but the story itself grows increasingly contrived and predictable. Sexual situations and 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.
Sunday, Sept. 20, 7-11 p.m. EDT (ABC) "King Kong" (2005). Visually staggering remake of the 1933 classic about a giant ape smitten by a blonde-haired beauty (Naomi Watts), captured from his lost-world island home by a maverick filmmaker (Jack Black) and taken in captivity to New York where, breaking free, his rampage climaxes atop the Empire State Building. Though the film runs too long, director Peter Jackson's strong storytelling masterfully blends stunning action sequences, humor and pathos-tinged emotion, paying reverent homage to the original while fleshing out the tragic story and raising the movie-magic bar to dazzling new heights. Intense action violence, some frightening and disturbing images, fleeting burlesque images and a few instances of profanity make it inappropriate for younger adolescents. 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.
Wednesday, Sept. 23, 8-10 p.m. EDT (TCM) "The Adventures of Robin Hood" (1938). Rousing costume adventure tale pitting the good Robin (Errol Flynn), Little John (Alan Hale), Friar Tuck (Eugene Pallette) and the rest of the Merry Men of Sherwood Forest against the nasty Prince John (Claude Rains) and the Sheriff of Nottingham (Basil Rathbone), with the lovely Maid Marian (Olivia de Havilland) serving as pawn. Directed by Michael Curtiz and William Keighley, the story's fight against injustice is treated with sincerity but told playfully, the color photography adds zest to the action scenes, and the Warner Brothers cast of supporting players seem to be having as good a time as the leads. Vintage but still sparkling. 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.
Thursday, Sept. 24, 8-10:30 p.m. EDT (AMC) "Top Gun" (1986). The bravado of a Navy hotshot jet pilot (Tom Cruise) wins the grudging admiration of his comrades, the affection of his female flight instructor (Kelly McGillis) and audience commendation for his patriotic hip-shooting heroism. Director Tony Scott's high-flying celebration of peacetime military training is mostly a hollow exercise in macho derring-do. Fairly restrained bedroom scene, brief nudity and incidental profanity. 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.
TV program notes -- week of Sept. 20
Here are some television program notes for the week of Sept. 20 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, Sept. 20, 8-9 p.m. EDT (PBS) "Violent Hawaii." Actor James Naughton narrates this documentary featuring volcanic eruptions, rivers of molten lava, monster waves, humpback whales and, surprisingly enough, snow. A "Nature" presentation.
Sunday, Sept. 20, 8-10 p.m. EDT (History) "Holy Grail in America." A look at the theory that a group of Knights Templar discovered America 100 years before Columbus, bringing with them the Holy Grail. The Kensington rune stone, a mysterious artifact discovered in Minnesota in 1898, appears to lend credence to this seemingly bizarre idea.
Sunday, Sept. 20, 8-11 p.m. EDT (CBS) "61st Annual Primetime Emmy Awards." Hosted by Neil Patrick Harris live from Los Angeles' Nokia Theatre.
Monday, Sept. 21, 10-11:30 p.m. EDT (PBS) "Our Disappeared/Nuestros Desaparecidos." Filmmaker Juan Mandelbaum returns to his native Argentina to discover what happened to friends and loved ones who "disappeared" during the 1976-83 military dictatorships there. An "Independent Lens" presentation with series host Terrence Howard.
Wednesday, Sept. 23, 10-11 p.m. EDT (EWTN) "A Celebration of Padre Pio: Pray, Hope and Don't Worry." English filmmaker J. Paddy Nolan's documentary on the life and spirituality of St. Padre Pio includes footage of Pope John Paul II's visit to the saint's tomb and personal testimonies of healing, prophecy and other spiritual phenomena.
Wednesday, Sept. 23, 10-11 p.m. EDT (PBS) "Wallace Stegner." A profile of the Pulitzer-winning author Wallace Stegner (1909-93). Dubbed the "dean of Western writers," he also was an environmentalist who celebrated the national parks. Peter Coyote narrates (TV-G -- general audience).
Saturday, Sept. 26, noon-1:30 p.m. EDT (EWTN) "Pope Benedict XVI in the Czech Republic: Vespers (Live)." Celebration of first vespers at the Cathedral of St. Vitus, St. Wenceslas and St. Adalbert, where the pope will address priests, religious, seminarians and members of lay movements.