TV film fare -- week of Dec. 16

NEW YORK (CNS) -- The following are capsule reviews of theatrical movies on network and cable television the week of Dec. 16. Please note that televised versions may or may not be edited for language, nudity, violence and sexual situations.

Sunday, Dec. 16, 8-10 p.m. EST (TCM) "Meet Me in St. Louis" (1944). Nostalgic musical placed in St. Louis on the eve of the 1903 World's Fair celebrates the old-fashioned virtues of close-knit family life as domestic complications beset the parents (Leon Ames and Mary Astor), grandpa (Henry Davenport), teenage daughter (Judy Garland) and boy next door (Tom Drake). Director Vincente Minnelli lightens the sentiment with good-natured humor, Judy's numbers include "The Trolley Song" and "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" and tiny Margaret O'Brien steals the show with her Halloween pranks. Appealing 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, Dec. 20, 9:15-10:45 a.m. EST (TCM) "The Next Voice You Hear" (1950). The lives of an average American worker (James Whitmore), his pregnant wife (Nancy Davis) and their young son are transformed when they hear God speaking to the world on the radio. Directed by William Wellman, the intriguing and well-intentioned concept falls flat because of the banality of the radio message directing people to perform "miracles" of "peace and loving kindness" and the clumsy day-by-day portrayal of how the father gradually changes over the course of a week. It's not silly but it's not very credible. 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.

Saturday, Dec. 22, 8-9:30 p.m. EST (HBO) "Unaccompanied Minors" (2006). Yuletide clunker about a young teen (Dyllan Christopher) and his little sister (Dominique Saldana) separated while waylaid at an airport during a Christmas Eve blizzard, with the former recruiting several other stranded juveniles (Gina Mantegna, Tyler James Williams, Brett Kelly and Quinn Shephard) to reunite them, while evading the airport's Scrooge-like security chief (Lewis Black). Full of mayhem and slapstick silliness and capped with a contrived sentimental payoff, this inane comedy -- directed by Paul Feig -- insults the intelligence of youngsters and will be a chore for grown-ups "accompanying" their minors. Some mildly crude language and humor, as well as divorce themes. 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, Dec. 22, 8-10 p.m. EST (CBS) "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, Dec. 22, 10 p.m.-1 a.m. EST (Cinemax) "The Good Shepherd" (2006). Austere but generally absorbing over-the-years saga of a fictitious CIA man (a quietly intense Matt Damon) tracing his life from initiation into the secretive Yale Skull and Bones fraternity; his unhappy marriage to a classmate's sister (Angelina Jolie); his recruitment into the Office of Strategic Services during World War II; his role in the failed Bay of Pigs invasion during John Kennedy's administration; and his poignant relationship with the son (Eddie Redmayne) with whom he could never be close. Robert De Niro (who plays a small part here) directs the fact-based film with a sure hand and, though the plot has some holes, effectively demonstrates the emotional consequences of its protagonist's overly secretive life and the tragedy of sacrificing one's humanity for misplaced ideals. Adultery and premarital sex, a shadowy sexual encounter, innuendo, a predatory gay character, a couple of cold-blooded murders and other spy-related dirty doings, suicides, marital discord, partial nudity, drug use, a few expletives and racial epithets. 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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