![[home]](/movies/images/usccb_logo.gif){kind=logo}
TV film fare -- week of March 6
The following are capsule reviews of theatrical movies on network and cable television the week of March 6. Please note that televised versions may or may not be edited for language, nudity, violence and sexual situations.
Sunday, March 6, 7-9 a.m. EST (A&E) "Analyze This" (1999). Sporadically funny comedy in which a mob boss (Robert De Niro) suffering anxiety attacks enlists a nervous psychoanalyst (Billy Crystal) to treat and cure him before an imminent meeting of crime kingpins from around the country. Director Harold Ramis tempers the crude underworld setting with adult humor, some sentiment and the gangster's reformation. Intermittent stylized violence, a brief sexual encounter, some sex references, occasional profanity and much rough language. The Catholic News Service 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.
Sunday, March 6, 2-4 p.m. EST (TCM) "Lilies of the Field" (1963). When an itinerant jack-of-all-trades (Sidney Poitier) stops to help a group of German nuns newly arrived in New Mexico, his cheerful generosity is disdained by the stern, demanding mother superior (Lilia Skala) until he builds them a chapel with the aid of the local Mexican-American community. Directed by Ralph Nelson, the movie's simple little story of the triumph of faith coupled with good will has enormous charm in the winning performances of the two principals, some good-natured comedy and an infectious theme song that will leave viewers humming "Amen." The Catholic News Service classification of the theatrical version was A-I -- general patronage. Not rated by the Motion Picture Association of America.
Tuesday, March 8, 8-11 p.m. EST (AMC) "Goodfellas" (1990). The heady rise -- and eventual downfall -- of three Brooklyn hoods (Ray Liotta, Robert De Niro and Joe Pesci) are shown from one gangster's warped point of view in this fact-based story spanning 30 years. Director Martin Scorsese synthesizes flowing cinematography, an eye for details and commanding performances into a chilling re-creation of the empty glamour, endless greed and sick violence that characterizes mob life. Much graphic violence and rough language. The Catholic News Service 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.
Thursday, March 10, 8-10:15 p.m. EST (TCM) "The Searchers" (1956). Returning from the Civil War, a seasoned Westerner (John Wayne) stops to visit his brother's family but, after an Indian war party raids the ranch, kills the family and abducts his young niece (Natalie Wood), he sets out to rescue her in a quest that spans many years and a variety of frontier experiences that mellow the aging man of action. Classic Western directed by John Ford, its themes of pioneer versus Indian and civilization versus the freedom of nature are conveyed through the rich and often surprisingly warm interplay of its diverse characters amid the striking landscapes of Monument Valley. Fairly balanced view of Native Americans and some frontier violence. The Catholic News Service classification of the theatrical version was A-II -- adults and adolescents. Not rated by the Motion Picture Association of America.
Thursday, March 10, 8-10:30 p.m. EST (AMC) "The Thomas Crown Affair" (1999). Cat-and-mouse drama in which a billionaire art thief (Pierce Brosnan) and the investigator (Renee Russo) who will net $5 million for nailing him become romantically involved, complicating whether she will do her job or take off with him as he suggests. Director John McTiernan updates the 1968 crime caper with sleek performances but more explicit bedroom scenes for a slick escapist fantasy of riches and romance without consequences. Sexual encounters with nudity, occasional profanity and a few instances of rough language. The Catholic News Service 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.
Friday, March 11, 8-10:30 p.m. EST (TCM) "All Quiet on the Western Front" (1930). Excellent adaptation of Erich Maria Remarque's novel about the lessons in life and death learned by a patriotic German youth (Lew Ayres) after enlisting in the Kaiser's army and serving at the front during the First World War. In showing the conflict's senseless waste of human life, director Lewis Milestone re-creates with vivid authenticity the horrors of trench warfare while underscoring the humanity of those on both sides of no man's land. Classic anti-war picture especially appropriate for older teenagers, despite some strong battlefield violence and a brief romantic interlude. The Catholic News Service classification of the theatrical version was A-II -- adults and adolescents. Not rated by the Motion Picture Association of America.
Saturday, March 12, 7-9 p.m. EST (Lifetime) "Chasing Liberty" (2004). Conventional teenage romantic comedy about the president's daughter (Mandy Moore), who, frustrated that her every move is monitored, ditches her Secret Service handlers while traveling abroad with her father (Mark Harmon) and embarks on an impromptu European adventure, aided and abetted by a dashing Brit (Matthew Goode) with a secret of his own. While giving parent-teen angst a presidential twist, there is little to hail about director Andy Cadiff's touching on issues of independence and parental trust while seemingly equating personal freedom with irresponsible behavior. An implied sexual encounter, some sexual humor, brief rear nudity, and minimal mildly crude language. The Catholic News Service 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.
TV program notes -- week of March 6
Here are some television program notes for the week of March 6 with their TV Parental Guidelines ratings if available. They have not been reviewed and therefore are not necessarily recommended by Catholic News Service.
Sunday, March 6, 7-11 p.m. EST (check local listings) (PBS) "Les Miserables 25th Anniversary Concert at the O2." To mark the 25th birthday of the Broadway musical hit "Les Miserables," the show's producer Cameron Mackintosh staged this one-off concert at the O2 Arena in London. The production stars Alfie Boe, Jenny Galloway, Katie Hall, Nick Jonas, Norm Lewis, Matt Lucas, Lea Salonga, Samantha Barks and Ramin Karimloo (TV-G -- general audience).
Tuesday, March 8, 10 p.m.-midnight EST (check local listings) (PBS) "The Weavers: Wasn't That a Time!" This 1982 documentary captures a reunion performance at Carnegie Hall in the early 1980s of the now-aged Weavers, blending contemporary footage of the concert with background about the turbulent times in which the popular folk group first emerged (TV-PG -- parental guidance suggested).
Wednesday, March 9, 10-11 p.m. EST (EWTN) "Fatima, Our Hope." This special presents the story of the apparitions of Our Lady at Fatima, along with a brief history of the surrounding area in Portugal. Pope John Paul II's 1982 visit to the shrine there is also recalled.
Wednesday, March 9, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. EST (EWTN) "Blessing and Imposition of the Ashes From Rome (Live)." Pope Benedict XVI celebrates Ash Wednesday Mass, marking the beginning of Lent, from the basilicas of St. Anselm and St. Sabina. The liturgy will be rerun 3-5 p.m. EST.
Saturday, March 12, 8-9 p.m. EST (ABC) "Rascal Flatts: Nothing Like This." Musical special featuring the popular and multiple award-winning country group Rascal Flatts performing at a January tour date in St. Paul, Minn.
- - -