TV film fare -- week of March 30

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

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Tuesday, April 1, 8-10:15 p.m. EDT (TCM) "The Birds" (1963). Classy adaptation of Daphne du Maurier's story of nature in revolt begins leisurely as a romantic comedy that gradually shifts into high gear as a suspense thriller when seagulls, crows and other usually harmless birds suddenly turn malignant and band together in murderous attacks on a seaside community. Director Alfred Hitchcock is up to his old tricks in transforming the ordinary into the menacing as he puts his vulnerable principals (Rod Taylor, Tippi Hedren, Jessica Tandy and Suzanne Pleshette) through an emotional wringer trying to fend off nightmare attacks by the winged avengers. Mounting menace and special effects violence, with a key sequence involving schoolchildren that youngsters may find especially frightening. 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.

Friday, April 4, 8-11 p.m. EDT (AMC) "King Kong" (1976) .The Empire State Building and Fay Wray are in no danger of being outdone by the World Trade Center towers and Jessica Lange in a moderately entertaining but uninspired remake of the 1933 classic. Director John Guillerman's lack of creative energy contrasts unfavorably with the naive vigor of the original. Some semi-nudity and graphic 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 -- parental guidance suggested. Some material may not be suitable for children.

Saturday, April 5, 8-10:30 p.m. EDT (HBO) "Lucky You" (2007). Mellow love story set in Las Vegas about an ace poker player (an especially good Eric Bana) who puts his randy ways behind him when he meets a decent young woman (Drew Barrymore) who gently encourages him to come to terms with his estranged father (Robert Duvall), also a poker champ. Director and co-writer Curtis Hanson gets appealing performances from his cast, but the emphasis is largely on the game (familiarity a plus) with several poker champs playing cameo roles, and though there are hardly any sex, violence or language concerns, and the values espoused -- honesty, fidelity, forgiveness, filial devotion and good sportsmanship -- are commendable (gambling notwithstanding), the result is only mildly involving. Acceptable for older teens. A couple of instances of crude language, an implied premarital encounter, brief sexual references and innuendo, and brief 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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Saturday, April 5, 8-11 p.m. EDT (ABC) "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone" (2001). Vividly imaginative tale follows the magical adventures of an 11-year-old orphan (Daniel Radcliffe) who discovers he is a wizard and escapes his miserable life with an awful aunt and uncle to attend the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. A fine adaptation of J.K. Rowling's children's book, director Chris Columbus' fantasy film about magic, villainy and friendship is filled with beguiling visual details as well as excellent casting choices, but a few underdeveloped characters and its extravagant length are shortcomings. Older children should be able to handle it, although it is too long and intense for younger ones. Some menacing situations and scary images with an instance of crass language. 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, April 5, 8-11 p.m. EDT (Animal Planet) "Gorillas in the Mist: The Adventure of Dian Fossey" (1988). Sigourney Weaver stars as Dian Fossey whose dedication over 18 years to saving the endangered mountain gorillas of central Africa alienated many and ended tragically in her murder in 1985. Sensitive direction by Michael Apted and Weaver's fine performance make this an inspiring but heartrending account of human courage and an unwavering commitment to wildlife preservation. An adulterous love affair, much rough language and explicit attacks against gorillas. 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.

Saturday, April 5, 9-11:30 p.m. EDT (Lifetime) "North Country" (2005). Compelling drama set in northern Minnesota about a struggling single mother of two (Charlize Theron), who takes a job at a local mine, and encounters hostility and abuse from the predominantly male ranks. With the help of a sympathetic lawyer (Woody Harrelson), she eventually stands up for herself and her female co-workers (including Frances McDormand) by filing a landmark sexual harassment lawsuit against the mining company. Buttressed by an emotionally forceful performance by Theron, director Niki Caro's film avoids melodrama while touching on issues of gender discrimination, justice, family, community and human dignity. Scenes of workplace harassment including lewd comments and humor plus obscene graffiti, groping and assorted other malicious mischief involving scatological and sex gags, implied spousal abuse, a suggested rape, and recurring rough and crude language and profanity. 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 R -- restricted. Under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian.

Saturday, April 5, 9-11:30 p.m. EDT (Showtime) "Casino Royale" (2006). Adrenaline-charged adaptation of Ian Fleming's first James Bond novel (spoofed in a 1967 film of the same title) in which the iconic British superspy (Daniel Craig in his 007 debut) must infiltrate a high-stakes card game organized by a banker (Mads Mikkelsen) to international terrorists. Director Martin Campbell's addition to the franchise (the 21st overall) jettisons the campy elements of past films for a grittier, more serious return to the harder-edged tone of the books -- especially in regard to the violence -- blending virtuoso action sequences and substantial character development to show the origins of the Bond mythology. Virile yet vulnerable, Craig's secret agent is less the sophisticated playboy -- though there is the usual womanizing -- and more a brash and brooding assassin. Recurring strong action violence, including an intense torture scene, adultery, partial nudity, sexual situations, and some mildly crude language. 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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