TV film fare -- week of Jan. 27

NEW YORK (CNS) -- The following are capsule reviews of theatrical movies on network and cable television the week of Jan. 27. Please note that televised versions may or may not be edited for language, nudity, violence and sexual situations.

Embrace your Faith

Sunday, Jan. 27, 8-10 p.m. EST (TCM) "Young at Heart" (1954). Slick sudser in which the daughter (Doris Day) of a music teacher (Robert Keith) calls off her wedding to a promising composer (Gig Young) because she thinks her sister (Elizabeth Fraser) is in love with the guy, then marries an embittered musician (Frank Sinatra) who proves to be suicidal. Directed by Gordon Douglas, this musical version of Fannie Hurst's "Four Daughters" has some good songs, including the title number, but lays on the sentiment with a trowel and only Sinatra fans will appreciate the saccharine ending. Romantic complications and a suicide attempt. 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, Jan. 28, 10 p.m.-12:15 a.m. EST (TCM) "That Hamilton Woman" (1941). Fact-based historical romance recounts the ill-fated extramarital affair between Lady Hamilton (Vivian Leigh), the low-born wife of the British ambassador to Naples (Alan Mowbray), and Lord Nelson (Laurence Olivier), the admiral who crushed Napoleon's fleet at Trafalgar. While director Alexander Korda treats the characters sympathetically, their romance is placed within the context of the times which hopelessly doomed their affair to unhappiness. Wartime violence and discreet treatment of marital infidelity. 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. 2, 8-11 p.m. EST (ABC) "War of the Worlds" (2005). Impressive but distressingly violent updating of H.G. Wells' classic sci-fi story, about (in this version) a deadbeat dad (Tom Cruise) who is jolted into responsible parenthood when he must struggle to survive and keep his two children (Justin Chatwin and Dakota Fanning) safe amid a hostile invasion by space aliens bent on exterminating humanity. Directed by Steven Spielberg, the decidedly dark and scary thrill ride delivers edge-of-your-seat excitement and knockout action sequences, which though visually stunning never drown out the human drama at its core about a father trying to reconnect with his children. Intense sci-fi violence, including mass destruction and slaughter, disintegrated bodies, a murder with extenuating circumstances and child peril, as well as scattered crude 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.

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Saturday, Feb. 2, 10 p.m.-midnight EST (Cinemax) "The Astronaut Farmer" (2007). Sweet if improbable film about a Texas rancher (Billy Bob Thornton) with dreams of blasting off into space in a homemade rocket ship, while contending with the admiration and derision of the townsfolk, and his generally supportive but sometimes exasperated family (including Virginia Madsen as his wife) on the verge of financial ruin, and interference from the FBI, CIA and others who would impede his would-be mission. Director and co-writer Michael Polish trots out every cliche imaginable and the film is stately paced, but gets points for its strong affirmation of family, more than the "follow-your-dream" philosophy which in this case seems fairly wacky, and the capable supporting performances from Bruce Willis, Bruce Dern and Tim Blake Nelson. A few expletives and crass expressions, brief innuendo and some domestic strife. 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.

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