TV film fare -- week of Nov.11

NEW YORK (CNS) -- The following are capsule reviews of theatrical movies on network and cable television the week of Nov. 11. Please note that televised versions may or may not be edited for language, nudity, violence and sexual situations.

Sunday, Nov. 11, 2-4 p.m. EST (A&E) "Jesus Camp" (2006). Fascinating and frightening documentary about an evangelical summer camp where children are trained to lead the fight in "reclaiming America for Christ" through a militant Christianity which critics claim has little to do with the Gospel. Co-directors Heidi Ewing and Rachel Grady give voice to both those who charge that what is being done is harmful indoctrination and those who see it as instilling passionately held religious values. While it's understandable that many of the evangelicals interviewed earnestly feel alienated by the increasingly secular, materialistic and immoral culture -- and many of those same concerns may resonate with Catholics -- the picture painted is nevertheless sobering. Some emotionally intense images and mature discussions. 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.

Monday, Nov. 12, 8-9:45 p.m. EST (TCM) "12 Angry Men" (1957). When a jury begins its deliberations on the guilt or innocence of a youth accused of murdering his father, one man (Henry Fonda) insists they re-examine the evidence before rendering their verdict. Directed by Sidney Lumet, the result is an absorbing character study of the jurors (a brilliant ensemble of character actors, including E.G. Marshall, Lee J. Cobb, Jack Klugman, Martin Balsam and Jack Warden), the preconceptions they bring to the case and the human dynamics of the jury system. Some intense moments. 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.

Tuesday, Nov. 13, 4-6 a.m. EST (HBO) "Infamous" (2006). Author Truman Capote (a bravura turn by Toby Jones) travels to Kansas with his friend, "To Kill a Mockingbird" author Nelle Harper Lee (Sandra Bullock), after the brutal murder of the wealthy Cutter family in 1959, and decides to write the nonfiction novel that became "In Cold Blood" by interviewing the townspeople, the authorities (Jeff Daniels), and the killers themselves (Daniel Craig and Lee Pace). The similarities and differences between this version (by writer-director Douglas McGrath), with more humor and greater scope, and director Bennett Miller's "Capote" (made at the same time) are interesting. It also boasts a star-filled supporting cast (Gwyneth Paltrow, Sigourney Weaver, Hope Davis, Isabella Rossellini and Juliet Stevenson) as his high-society friends back in New York. Some gay elements involving Capote and one of the killers, innuendo, discreet but strong re-creation of the murders, some grisly images, two hangings, rough and crude language and expressions, an irreverent remark, domestic violence, and abortion and suicide references. 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.

Thursday, Nov. 15, noon-2:30 p.m. (Lifetime) "Children of a Lesser God" (1986). A deaf girl (Marlee Matlin) who has resigned herself to a life of solitude and mediocrity painfully comes to accept the love and admiration of a professor (William Hurt) at the school for the deaf where she works as a janitor. A well-acted sentimental love story, its potential insights into the problems of interpersonal communication are undercut by director Randa Haines' concentration on the sexual aspects of the lovers' relationship. Nudity and harsh 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.

Friday, Nov. 16, 8-11 p.m., EST (USA) "National Treasure" (2004). Unevenly entertaining action adventure about a fortune hunter (Nicolas Cage), who steals the Declaration of Independence, which he believes holds the key to unlocking a 200-year-old mystery surrounding a fabled treasure hidden by America's Founding Fathers. Combining Indiana Jones-inspired action sequences with "The Da Vinci Code" intrigues involving secret societies like the Freemasons, director Jon Turteltaub has crafted a fun but forgettable popcorn film. Recurring action violence and some frightening images. 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. 17, 8-10 p.m. EST (TCM) "Kes" (1970). British movie set in a small, drab Yorkshire coal mining town tells the story of a lonely, sullen boy (David Bradley) whose life is momentarily given meaning by his experience in raising and training a baby kestrel, a European falcon. Directed by Ken Loach, the movie is a compassionate study of the blighted conditions and brutalizing life of this youth which in its final scenes indicates the possibility of his rising above his environment. Fine experience for adults and older adolescents. The USCCB Office for Film & Broadcasting classification of the theatrical version was A-III -- adults. The Motion Picture Association of America rating was GP -- general audiences, parental guidance suggested.

Saturday, Nov. 17, 10-11:45 p.m. EST (Cinemax) "Code Name: The Cleaner" (2007). Forgettable comedy about a janitor (Cedric the Entertainer) who wakes up in a hotel room with total memory loss and, believing he's really a secret agent, sets out to piece together his past with the help of his waitress girlfriend (Lucy Liu). All the while, he's targeted by a siren (Nicollette Sheridan) who claims to be his wife but works for a high-tech company whose shady CEO (Mark Dacascos) thinks the amnesiac has proof of his criminal activities. Saddled with such vacuous material, Cedric provides only modest laughs, and director Les Mayfield's unfunny, at times lewd, shenanigans could have been cleaner. Crude and sexual humor, including erotic comic interplay, and recurring crass 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.

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