TV film fare -- week of Jan. 20

NEW YORK (CNS) -- The following are capsule reviews of theatrical movies on network and cable television the week of Jan. 20. Please note that televised versions may or may not be edited for language, nudity, violence and sexual situations.

Sunday, Jan. 20, 7-9 p.m. EST (USA) "Bruce Almighty" (2003). Be-careful-what-you-wish-for comedy about a frustrated TV news correspondent (Jim Carrey) whose life is changed when God (Morgan Freeman) entrusts him with divine power after the reporter angrily accuses the Almighty of being asleep at the wheel. Despite the film's lighthearted irreverence, director Tom Shadyac uses humor to explore such issues as free will and offers a positive image of personal faith rare in Hollywood flicks. An instance of rough language, minimal profanities, some crass humor and an implied sexual encounter. 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.

Sunday, Jan. 20, 9-11 p.m. EST (USA) "The Pacifier" (2005). Embarrassingly unfunny comedy directed by Adam Shankman about a tough-guy Navy SEAL (Vin Diesel) assigned to baby-sit the five children of an assassinated government scientist while simultaneously searching their suburban home for their late father's top-secret computer program, with the fate of the free world -- and the Girl Scout cookie drive -- hanging in the balance. Clumsily acted and directed, this laugh-free riff on "Kindergarten Cop" reeks more than the many diapers its brooding star changes throughout the film. Some action violence, recurring crude and potty humor, occasional mild rude language and several sequences of children in peril. 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.

Wednesday, Jan. 23, 8-10 p.m. EST (TCM) "The Fighting 69th" (1940). Cheerfully sentimental flagwaver celebrates the World War I exploits of New York's Irish infantry regiment, centering on its compassionate chaplain, Father Duffy (Pat O'Brien), and a feisty recruit (James Cagney) who proves a coward, then redeems himself by jumping on a German grenade to save a comrade (Alan Hale). Director William Keighley mixes broad ethnic humor, roughneck pranks, battlefield heroics and reverential moments into a colorful melodrama that can still be watched with interest. Wartime violence in an idealistic context that contemporary viewers may find unconvincing. 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.

Wednesday, Jan. 23, 10 p.m.-midnight EST (TCM) "The Gallant Hours" (1960). Reverential portrait of Adm. William F. Halsey (James Cagney), under whose command the battle for Guadalcanal ended in November 1942 with the first American victory against Japanese forces in World War II. Produced and directed by Robert Montgomery, the movie relies on Cagney's performance rather than battle scenes to convey the tense five weeks it took Halsey to turn a desperate situation around, though those unfamiliar with the campaign may find the details sketchy and the music by the Robert Wagner Chorale overbearing. 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.

Friday, Jan. 25, 9:45-11:30 p.m. EST (TCM) "Support Your Local Sheriff" (1969). Gentle Western spoof set in a lawless boom town whose leading citizens hire a quiet drifter (James Garner) to be sheriff and he proceeds to tame the town through a series of clever and nonlethal maneuvers. Garner is past master at this kind of genial characterization and his performance combines neatly with Burt Kennedy's deft, offbeat direction to make a very solid comedy. Joan Hackett supplies the daffy romantic interest and Walter Brennan, Jack Elam and Bruce Dern are excellent in support. The USCCB Office for Film & Broadcasting classification of the theatrical version was A-I -- general patronage. The Motion Picture Association of America rating was G -- general audiences. All ages admitted.

Saturday, Jan. 26, 8-10 p.m. EST (HBO) "Breach" (2007). Interesting though, by its nature, downbeat dramatization about the case of FBI agent Robert Hanssen (a compelling Chris Cooper) who was revealed to be a spy for the Russians, called the worst breach in the history of U.S. intelligence, and how he was entrapped by young undercover agent Eric O'Neill (Ryan Phillippe), assigned to work with him. Writer-director Billy Ray's gray-toned film is deliberately paced, but ultimately delivers on suspense. There is secondary interest for Catholic viewers in Hanssen's commitment to Catholicism, though given the unsavory aspects of his personality (not only treasonous, but an alleged sexual deviant as well), the connection is more unfortunate than not. Candid discussion of sexual matters, some crude language and profanity, a brief image of a pornographic video, domestic discord and mild violence. 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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Copyright (c) 2007 Catholic News Service/U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops