TV film fare -- week of Jan. 6

NEW YORK (CNS) -- The following are capsule reviews of theatrical movies on network and cable television the week of Jan. 6. Please note that televised versions may or may not be edited for language, nudity, violence and sexual situations.

Monday, Jan. 7, 10 p.m-12:15 a.m. EST (TCM) "Emma" (1996). Bright adaptation of Jane Austen's 1816 novel about a supremely self-confidant young woman (Gwyneth Paltrow) who busily though ineptly sets about matchmaking for those around her but, in the process, nearly overlooks the perfect match for herself. Writer-director Dough McGrath's British production of the romantic classic captures the subtle snobbery of the English class system without losing sight of the charming frailties of the story's many characters. Romantic complications. The USCCB Office for Film & Broadcasting classification is A-II -- adults and adolescents. The Motion Picture Association of America rating is PG -- parental guidance suggested. Some material may not be suitable for children.

Thursday, Jan. 10, 8-9:30 p.m. EST (TCM) "Brief Encounter" (1945). Bittersweet British romance about a suburban housewife (Celia Johnson) and a married doctor (Trevor Howard) whose chance meeting in a train station becomes a weekly event that deepens into an emotional involvement neither had anticipated. Director David Lean shows this mutual attraction to be more spiritual than physical as conveyed in exquisitely understated performances and the evocative Rachmaninoff piano concerto on the music track. The question of marital infidelity is treated within a moral framework. The USCCB Office for Film & Broadcasting classification is A-II -- adults and adolescents. Not rated by the Motion Picture Association of America.

Saturday, Jan. 12, 9-10:45 p.m. EST (HBO) "Norbit" (2007). Mild-mannered nebbish (a sweet Eddie Murphy), raised in the Golden Wonton Restaurant Orphanage by an eccentric but caring Asian man (also Murphy), is later browbeaten into marrying an abusive and monstrously large battle-ax (Murphy again), but reunites with his childhood sweetheart (Thandie Newton) who comes back to town engaged to an unscrupulous con artist (Cuba Gooding Jr.). Director Brian Robbins -- working from a script co-written by Murphy -- keeps the fitfully amusing gags coming, and Murphy's versatility is undeniably impressive but the script often sags, and vulgarity is rampant. How much compensation one finds in the heart beneath the bawdiness will depend on a willingness to look beyond the flagged elements listed below that in less skillful hands would be even more offensive. Much low humor including some brief irreverence, crude language and expressions and some profanity, farcical adultery, brief rear male nudity, suggestive costuming, two "ex-pimp" characters, innuendo and some ethnic stereotyping. The USCCB Office for Film & Broadcasting classification is A-III -- adults. The Motion Picture Association of America rating is PG-13 -- parents strongly cautioned. Some material may be inappropriate for children under 13.

Saturday, Jan. 12, 10 p.m.-12:30 a.m. EST (Cinemax) "Blood Diamond" (2006). Compelling action-adventure set in Africa's Sierra Leone as a mercenary (a superb Leonardo DiCaprio), a crusading U.S. reporter (Jennifer Connelly) and a frantic African fisherman (Djimon Hounsou) who has been separated from his family join forces against the backdrop of a bloody civil war and plundering of the country's natural resources. Director Edward Zwick masterfully balances the action sequences with the more intimate ones. The film, though overly long, delivers on entertainment value, while imparting a worthy message about the immoral origin of conflict diamonds and the exploitation of child soldiers, and delivers a strong affirmation of family, while the DiCaprio-Connelly romance is refreshingly devoid of overt sexual elements. Much violence and bloodshed though admirably restrained in its presentation, murder, rough language and profanity, crude expressions, threat of rape, underage drinking and smoking. The USCCB Office for Film & Broadcasting classification is A-III -- adults. The Motion Picture Association of America rating is R -- restricted. Under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian.

Saturday, Jan. 12, 10 p.m.-midnight EST (History) "Good Morning Vietnam" (1987). Robin Williams stars as a wacky Armed Forces Radio disc jockey brought to boost troop morale in 1965 Vietnam but his unmilitary sense of humor brings him into conflict with those in charge of the station. Directed by Barry Levinson, the seriocomic movie has some hilarious routines but also considerable raunchy sexual humor, rough language and irreverence, only somewhat redeemed by being placed within the context of the obscenity of war. 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 R -- restricted. Under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian.

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