TV film fare -- week of Oct. 28

NEW YORK (CNS) -- The following are capsule reviews of theatrical movies on network and cable television the week of Oct. 28. Please note that televised versions may or may not be edited for language, nudity, violence and sexual situations.

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Sunday, Oct. 28, 8-10:30 p.m. EDT (TCM) "Elmer Gantry" (1960). Vivid dramatization of the Sinclair Lewis novel about a cunning sharpster (Burt Lancaster) who attaches himself to the entourage of a barnstorming evangelist (Jean Simmons) in the 1920s, then falls in love with her. In exploring the commercialization of religion and some of the techniques used by religious charlatans, writer-director Richard Brooks makes good use of the period's hypocrisy and people's credulity. Critical view of religion's exploitation, some sexual references and occasional stylized violence. 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, Oct. 28, 9-11:30 p.m. EDT (USA) "Bruce Almighty" (2003). Be-careful-what-you-wish-for comedy about a frustrated TV news correspondent (Jim Carrey) whose life is changed when God (Morgan Freeman) entrusts him with divine power after the reporter angrily accuses the Almighty of being asleep at the wheel. Despite its lighthearted irreverence, director Tom Shadyac uses humor to explore such issues as free will, and offers a positive image of personal faith rare in Hollywood flicks. An instance of rough language, minimal profanities, some crass humor and an implied sexual encounter. 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, Oct. 29, 8-10:15 p.m. EDT (TCM) "Yankee Doodle Dandy" (1942). Born on the Fourth of July, George M. Cohan melded patriotism with Irish charm in his rise from song-and-dance vaudevillian to leading Broadway songwriter and producer in a career celebrated by this nostalgic, flag-waving musical starring James Cagney as the feisty entertainer. Directed by Michael Curtiz, it features a grand collection of Cohan's best-remembered songs as well as Cagney at the top of his form singing and dancing his way to an Academy Award for the year's best performance. Fine family fare. 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, Nov. 1, 7:30-10 p.m. EDT (Showtime) "The Lost City" (2006). Wistful and deeply personal drama set in 1950s Cuba on the eve of Castro's communist revolution about three brothers (Andy Garcia, who also directs, Enrique Murciano and Nestor Carbonell) caught in the political unrest that ultimately tears them and their island home apart. While the sprawling story needs tightening, Garcia's well-acted love letter to the country he left as a child is full of passion and gorgeously captures the beauty and energy of the island, its culture and especially its music, in exploring themes of longing and loss. Some violence, including several graphic executions, a suicide, a brief voodoo reference, and a few rough and crude expressions. 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.

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Thursday, Nov. 1, 9-11 p.m. EDT (Lifetime) "The American President" (1995). Fluffy romance with the nation's widowed chief executive (Michael Douglas) insisting on his right to carry on a love affair with a feisty lobbyist (Annette Bening) despite its potential to derail his chances for re-election. Thanks to the appealing treatment of the couple, producer-director Rob Reiner's feel-good romantic fantasy provides superficial entertainment while glossing over moral issues and political realities. References to an off-screen affair and a few instances 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.

Friday, Nov. 2, 8 p.m.-midnight (A&E) "The Godfather Part 2" (1974). Lacking the original's grace, majesty and energy, the sequel follows the rise to power of a crime boss (Robert De Niro) and the subsequent use of that power by his son (Al Pacino). Produced and directed by Francis Ford Coppola, the unmanageably complex scenario shifts interminably from Lake Tahoe in Nevada to the Kefauver hearings, from New York's lower East Side to the Florida base of a crime kingpin (Lee Strasberg). The effect is unsettling and there is much graphic violence. 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.

Saturday, Nov. 3, 8-10 p.m. EDT (TCM) "The African Queen" (1951). Director John Huston's tale of high romantic adventure set in Africa during World War I features Katharine Hepburn as a prim missionary who enlists the aid of rough riverboat captain Humphrey Bogart in escaping capture by German forces. Sharing a harrowing voyage down a wild jungle river, they gradually develop a relationship that changes both their lives -- for the better. Wartime violence. 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. 3, 10 p.m.-midnight EDT (Cinemax) "Night at the Museum" (2006). Lightweight but diverting comedy-fantasy about a perennial loser (Ben Stiller) who takes a job as night watchman at New York's Museum of Natural History only to learn that the dinosaur bones, stuffed animals, mummies and diorama characters (played by Robin Williams, Owen Wilson, Steve Coogan and others) all come to life after closing time, leading him on a whirlwind adventure of slapstick and mayhem, and eventually allowing him to earn back the respect of his young son. Director Shawn Levy's film could be much funnier, but the effects are terrific, Stiller is appealing, and old-timers like Mickey Rooney, Dick Van Dyke, Bill Cobbs and Stiller's mom, Anne Meara, add to the fun of this entertaining family film. There is the standard, but always worthy, message about proving yourself. Light slapstick violence. 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.

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