TV film fare -- week of Dec. 30

NEW YORK (CNS) -- The following are capsule reviews of theatrical movies on network and cable television the week of Dec. 30. Please note that televised versions may or may not be edited for language, nudity, violence and sexual situations.

Sunday, Dec. 30, 7-11p.m. EST (ABC) "The Sound of Music" (1965). Particularly fine screen version of the Rodgers and Hammerstein musical about the formative years of the Trapp Family Singers in Austria between the two world wars. Its interesting story, solid cast (headed by Julie Andrews and Christopher Plummer), lovely music and intelligent lyrics, colorful scenery and pleasant fantasy will entertain the mind and enliven the spirit. Directed by Robert Wise, the movie has held up over the years as thoroughly refreshing family entertainment. The USCCB Office for Film & Broadcasting classification was A-I -- general patronage. The Motion Picture Association of America rating was G -- general audiences. All ages admitted.

Sunday, Dec. 30, 8-10 p.m. EST (TCM) "The Shaggy Dog" (1959). Disney comedy directed by Charles Barton in which a magic ring causes a teenager (Tommy Kirk) to be transformed into a big bushy dog every now and then. The comic premise will appeal to youngsters, if not their parents. The USCCB Office for Film & Broadcasting classification was A-I -- general patronage. Not rated by the Motion Picture Association of America.

Monday, Dec. 31, 7:15-9 p.m. EST (Showtime) "Keeping Mum" (2006). Picturesque, nicely acted, but rather muted English film about a world-weary country vicar (Rowan Atkinson), his boy-crazy daughter (Tamsin Egerton), bullied son (Toby Parkes) and frustrated wife (Kristin Scott Thomas) who's having a dalliance with a sleazy golf instructor (Patrick Swayze), all of whose lives are altered for the better by a resourceful housekeeper with a mysterious past (a delightful Maggie Smith). Director and co-writer Niall Johnson's quirky black comedy gets better as it progresses, but overall could have been sharper. While some may view the film's central conceit -- murder without retribution -- problematic, the satirical context tempers objections. Unnecessary conversational uses of the f-word, some profanity and crude language, an adulterous affair (though not consummated), brief and distant upper female nudity, innuendo, voyeurism and nongraphic violence. The USCCB Office for Film & Broadcasting classification 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.

Monday, Dec. 31, 8-10 p.m. EST (ABC) "Shrek 2" (2004). Whimsical and welcome sequel to the 2001 smash storybook sendup about a green ogre (voiced by Mike Myers) who, this time around, must face something far more imposing than a fire-breathing dragon -- his in-laws -- when he travels with his new bride (voiced by Cameron Diaz) to her parents' kingdom, where they find out that their chances of living happily ever after are threatened by a scheming fairy godmother. With its blend of captivating animation and clever parody, the fairy-tale farce, directed by Andrew Adamson, Kelly Asbury and Conrad Vernon, is a worthy follow-up act, whose message of self-acceptance, though somewhat recycled, is one well worth repeating. Some mildly crude and suggestive humor. The USCCB Office for Film & Broadcasting classification 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, Jan. 5, 8-10 p.m. EST (CBS) "High Crimes" (2002). Disappointing courtroom drama in which an ex-Marine (Jim Caviezel) stands accused of murdering civilians in El Salvador while his attorney wife (Ashley Judd) and a disgraced former Marine (Morgan Freeman) dig to unearth a cover-up that could prove the accused's innocence. Although sleekly directed by Carl Franklin, the suspense falters amid cliches in the final half-hour. Intermittent violence and a brief sexual situation. The USCCB Office for Film & Broadcasting classification 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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