TV film fare -- week of Feb. 3

NEW YORK (CNS) -- The following are capsule reviews of theatrical movies on network and cable television the week of Feb 3. Please note that televised versions may or may not be edited for language, nudity, violence and sexual situations.

Sunday, Feb. 3, 8-10:30 p.m. EST (TCM) "Sense and Sensibility" (1995). Splendid adaptation of Jane Austen's tale of two devoted but emotionally dissimilar sisters (Emma Thompson and Kate Winslet) who endure unexpected heartbreak only to eventually triumph in securing suitable husbands. Director Ang Lee's spirited period piece offers frequent subtle humor in its wry observation of the characters and social conventions of the day. Romantic complications. 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.

Sunday, Feb. 3, 9-11 p.m. EST (ABC) "Meet the Fockers" (2004). Glossy, good-natured, often intentionally tasteless sequel to "Meet the Parents" as Gaylord Focker (Ben Stiller) and his soon-to-be bride, Pam (Teri Polo), and in-laws (Robert DeNiro and Blythe Danner) drive to Florida to meet his gregarious, unconventional parents (Barbra Streisand and Dustin Hoffman), with predictably farcical results. The chief pleasure of director Jay Roach's fitfully funny film is watching the stars go through their anything-for-a-laugh paces so gamely, but though the film ultimately espouses good family values, much of the humor, language and setups are on the crude side. Sexual situations and innuendo, coarse language and brief rear nudity. The USCCB Office for Film & Broadcasting classification of the theatrical version was L -- limited adult audience, films whose problematic content many adults would find troubling. The Motion Picture Association of America rating was PG-13 -- parents strongly cautioned. Some material may be inappropriate for children under 13.

Monday, Feb. 4, 8-10:30 p.m. EST (TCM) "Wings" (1927). Silent screen epic about two young men (Buddy Rogers and Richard Allen), in love with the same girl (Jobyna Ralston), who wind up in the same flying squadron during World War I where their rivalry turns to friendship until one of them is accidentally killed by the other. Clara Bow is the girl-next-door who follows Rogers to France as a nurse. Directed by William Wellman, it's a classic adventure film with a refreshing sense of innocence unembarrassed by any doubts about the justice of the actions of the principals. Stylized violence and romantic complications. The USCCB Office for Film & Broadcasting classification of the theatrical version was A-II -- adults and adolescents. Not rated by the Motion Picture Association of America.

Thursday, Feb. 7, 8-10:45 p.m. EST (TCM) "2001: A Space Odyssey" (1968). Director Stanley Kubrick's epic work, co-written with Arthur C. Clarke, is both science fiction and metaphysical poetry using an unconventional mixture of visuals and music to bridge humanity's reconstructed past, identifiable present and projected future, all tied together by the recurring image of a monolith as symbol of a superhuman existence. The central narrative follows the struggle of two astronauts (Keir Dullea and Gary Lockwood) to wrest control of their spacecraft from HAL, a talking computer (voice of Douglas Rain), on a half-billion-mile trip to Jupiter and the unknown. For young people and imaginative adults but too long, deep and intense for children. 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 G -- general audiences. All ages admitted.

Friday, Feb. 8, 8-10:45 p.m. EST (AMC) "Jurassic Park" (1993). A bizarre theme park featuring genetically re-created dinosaurs becomes a potential deathtrap when the carnivorous monsters break loose, endangering some visiting scientists (Sam Neill, Laura Dern and Jeff Goldblum) and two very frightened young children (Joseph Mazzello and Ariana Richards). Director Steven Spielberg's monster fantasy downplays plot and characterization in favor of spectacle and horrific special effects in which the realistic-looking creatures hunt down their human prey. Much intense menace to children and several stylized scenes of violent death. 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-13 -- parents strongly cautioned. Some material may be inappropriate for children under 13.

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