TV film fare -- week of Nov.18

NEW YORK (CNS) -- The following are capsule reviews of theatrical movies on network and cable television the week of Nov 18. Please note that televised versions may or may not be edited for language, nudity, violence and sexual situations.

Tuesday, Nov. 20, 8-10:15 p.m. EST (TCM) "The Bad and the Beautiful" (1952). Gritty Hollywood melodrama about the rise and fall of a ruthless producer (Kirk Douglas) as told in flashback by the director (Barry Sullivan) he exploited to get his start, an actress (Lana Turner) he pretended to love and a screenwriter (Dick Powell) who blames him for the death of his wife (Gloria Grahame). Directed by Vincente Minnelli, the episodic story has a number of credible scenes about the business and craft of moviemaking, but the troubled characters never emerge as anything more than familiar stereotypes. Sexual situations and ambiguous treatment of Hollywood ethics. The USCCB Office for Film & Broadcasting classification of the theatrical version was A-III -- adults. Not rated by the Motion Picture Association of America.

Thursday, Nov. 22, 8-10 p.m. EST (Fox) "Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story" (2004). Failed laugher about a bunch of scrappy misfits (led by Vince Vaughn) who form a dodgeball team to compete in a high-stakes tournament in Las Vegas in order to save their rundown neighborhood gym from being taken over by a state-of-the-art competitor (owned by Ben Stiller). As directed by Rawson Marshall Thurber, "Dodgeball" follows a tried-and-true David-vs.-Goliath formula, but its love-yourself-for-who-you-are message is weighed down by its puerile brand of crass comedy. Recurring crude and sexual language and humor, an instance of rough language and profanity and same-sex kissing. The USCCB Office for Film & Broadcasting classification is L -- limited adult audience, films whose problematic content many adults would find troubling. The Motion Picture Association of America rating is PG-13 -- parents strongly cautioned. Some material may be inappropriate for children under 13.

Thursday, Nov. 22, 8-11 p.m. EST (History) "Forrest Gump" (1994). Inspired by the faith his mother (Sally Field) has in him, a slow-witted Southerner (Tom Hanks) becomes a football All-American, Vietnam hero and millionaire entrepreneur, despite intermittent rejection by his troubled, lifelong friend and sweetheart (Robin Wright). Director Robert Zemeckis' big-hearted love story cleverly incorporates gimmicks into the narrative without ever losing focus on the emotional and spiritual development of the title character. A few discreet bedroom scenes, some intense battlefield violence, fleeting drug use 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 PG-13 -- parents strongly cautioned. Some material may be inappropriate for children under 13.

Friday, Nov. 23, 9 p.m.-midnight, EST (USA) "Elf" (2003). Warmhearted yuletide comedy about a foundling (Will Ferrell) raised by elves in Santa's workshop who travels from the North Pole to New York City in order to reconnect with his long-lost father (James Caan), a workaholic scrooge bereft of Christmas cheer. Full of goofy candy-cane humor, director Jon Favreau's holiday film imparts a strong family-friendly message, but uses a secular sieve to filter out any religious references about the true meaning of Christmas. Minimal mildly crude language and humor. 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.

Saturday, Nov. 24, 8-9:45 p.m. EST (HBO) "The Nativity Story" (2006). Dramatization of the New Testament birth narratives from the Annunciation to the birth of Jesus, focusing on the relationship between Mary (Keisha Castle-Hughes) and Joseph (Oscar Isaac) and their arduous trek from Nazareth to Bethlehem, with subplots tracking the journey of the three Magi and the efforts of King Herod (Ciaran Hinds) to prevent the prophecy of a messiah from coming to pass. A composite of the Gospels of Matthew and Luke, embroidered with apocryphal traditions and the imagination of the filmmaker, the Bible story gets the prestige treatment in director Catherine Hardwicke's artful, reverent and affecting retelling, with soulful performances from an excellent international cast -- including Shohreh Aghdashloo as Elizabeth -- and impressive production design. Mike Rich's screenplay manages to flesh out Mary and Joseph while remaining faithful to Scripture, poignantly suggesting the humanity beneath the halos. Some violent images. 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.

Saturday, Nov. 24, 9-11 p.m. EST (Lifetime) "Beauty Shop" (2005). Amiable comedy about a widowed mother (Queen Latifah) working as a hairdresser who, after a falling-out with the shop's owner, flamboyant Jorge (scene-stealing Kevin Bacon), opens her own establishment in the ghetto and, thanks to her styling prowess and warmhearted people skills, overcomes myriad obstacles to succeed. Bille Woodruff's engaging film is a perfect showcase for the likable Latifah, the eclectic ensemble cast (including Alfre Woodard, Alicia Silverstone, Djimon Hounsou and Andie MacDowell) makes for interesting watching, and despite some salty street language and salon sex chatter the movie imparts solid messages about loyalty, friendship and parenting. Some profanity, crude language and crass expressions, sexual innuendo and suggestive dancing. 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.

---

Copyright (c) 2007 Catholic News Service/U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops