Web site TV for Nov. 15 – Nov. 21, 2009
TV film fare -- week of Nov. 15
The following are capsule reviews of theatrical movies on network and cable television the week of Nov. 15. Please note that televised versions may or may not be edited for language, nudity, violence and sexual situations.
Sunday, Nov. 15, 3-5:30 p.m. EST (A&E) "Executive Decision" (1996). Unbeknown to the fanatical terrorist (David Suchet) holding 400 passengers hostage on a jumbo jet headed to Washington, a hostage rescue team (led by Kurt Russell) is in the freight deck desperately trying to defuse a bomb attached to enough nerve gas to decimate the East Coast upon landing. Director Stuart Baird's action thriller offers several unexpected plot twists, but is overlong and overly complicated, weakening it in the suspense department. Some violence, recurring profanity 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 R -- restricted. Under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian.
Monday, Nov. 16, 2-4 a.m. EST (TCM) "Orpheus" (1949). Startlingly designed, exquisitely photographed version of the classic myth about the relationship between love and death visualized with haunting beauty in this French movie directed by artist and poet Jean Cocteau. 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.
Tuesday, Nov. 17, 5:45-8 p.m. EST (TCM) "Meet John Doe" (1941). An unassuming hobo (Gary Cooper) is hired to embody the average American but when he discovers that his media-created popularity is being used to further the ambitions of a homegrown fascist politician (Edward Arnold), he decides to commit suicide. Director Frank Capra plumbs the darker side of the American character in an interesting but ultimately heavy-handed story about the dangers of media manipulation. 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.
Thursday, Nov. 19, 10 p.m.-midnight EST (TCM) "The Bridges at Toko-Ri" (1954). Korean War melodrama from James A. Michener's novel about a lawyer (William Holden) recalled to active service as a jet pilot on an aircraft carrier (commanded by Fredric March) sent to destroy the heavily defended target of the title. Director Mark Robson does equally well with the shipboard camaraderie (notably Mickey Rooney, Earl Holliman and Charles McGraw) as with the short visit of the pilot's wife (Grace Kelly), all of which strengthens the emotional impact of the pilot's final mission. Tense wartime action, a scene in a unisex Japanese bathhouse. 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, Nov. 21, 8-10 p.m. EST (HBO) "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.
Saturday, Nov. 21, 10 p.m.-12:05 a.m. EST (Cinemax) "Notorious" (2009). Gritty but powerful biography of rapper Christopher Wallace, aka Notorious BIG (gifted newcomer Jamal Woolard) from his working-class childhood under the care of his stern but devoted mother (Angela Bassett) and his sudden rise from streetwise drug dealer to musical star, to his tangled personal life and the events leading up to his murder at age 24. Director George Tillman Jr.'s warts-and-all portrait shows the excesses of its subject's lifestyle, but also his efforts to become a responsible father and to reconcile with friend turned violent rival Tupac Shakur (Anthony Mackie). Strong sexual content, including brief but graphic nonmarital sexual activity, adultery, full female nudity, drug use, pervasive rough and crude language, and at least one 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 R -- restricted. Under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian.
TV program notes -- week of Nov. 15
Here are some television program notes for the week of Nov. 15 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. 15, 8-9 p.m. EST (PBS) "Fellowship of the Whales." This episode of the series "Nature" tells the story of the first year in a humpback whale's life as she learns lessons from her mother, and together they make the long journey from her Hawaiian birthplace to summer feeding grounds in the cold seas off Alaska's southeast coast (TV-G -- general audience).
Sunday, Nov. 15, 9-11 p.m. EST (History) "WWII in HD." Premiere of a 10-part miniseries using original color footage to tell the story of World War II as viewed through the eyes of 12 Americans who fought in, or contributed to, the war effort. The first of two back-to-back hourlong episodes, "Darkness Falls," deals with the U.S. failure to prepare for the conflict, the attack on Pearl Harbor and the Guadalcanal and North African campaigns. The second, "Hard Way Back," looks at American efforts to counter Rommel's forces in Tunisia and the bitter struggle for control of the northern Pacific. Actor Gary Sinise narrates. Continues each night 9-11 p.m. EST through Thursday, Nov. 19.
Sunday, Nov. 15, 9-11 p.m. EST (PBS) "Collision." The first episode of a two-part drama about a major road accident on a highway leading into London, and the 10 seemingly unconnected people whose lives become entangled as a result. David Tennant hosts this "Masterpiece Contemporary" presentation. Concludes Sunday, Nov. 22, 9-10:30 p.m. EST (TV-PG -- parental guidance suggested).
Wednesday, Nov. 18, 8-9 p.m. EST (PBS) "Secrets of Shangri-La." In the remote and legendary Himalayan kingdom of Mustang, a team of explorers and scientists climbs for the first time into human-carved caves that are thousands of years old (TV-G - general audience).
Thursday, Nov. 19, 5-7 p.m. EST (EWTN) "Mass Commemorating the 50th Anniversary of the Dedication of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception." The U.S. bishops celebrate a eucharistic liturgy commemorating the 50th anniversary of the dedication of the shrine. Archbishop Donald W. Wuerl of Washington will be the principal celebrant. Bishop Michael J. Bransfield of Wheeling-Charleston, W.Va., the shrine's former rector, will be the homilist. (This live broadcast may run longer than scheduled.)
Friday, Nov. 20, 9-10 p.m. EST (History) "Julius Caesar." This episode of the series "Ancients Behaving Badly" profiles the ruler who declared himself dictator of Rome for life, and turned his allies into enemies in the process.
Saturday, Nov. 21, 2-4 p.m. EST (EWTN) "The Call to Fatima: The Message." Based on the book: "Calls From the Message of Fatima" written by Sister Lucia (1907-2005), one of the visionaries of the apparition, this program relates what Sister Lucia wanted the world to know about the message of Our Lady of Fatima.