The following are capsule reviews of theatrical movies available now for streaming or scheduled for broadcast on network or cable television during the week of April 28, as well as notes on TV programming for the same week. Televised films may or may not be edited for language, nudity, violence and sexual situations while the programs listed have not been reviewed and therefore are not necessarily recommended by OSV News.
Streaming Now
“American Graffiti” (1973; Netflix)
It’s the last, long night of the summer of 1962 and for two recent California grads (Richard Dreyfuss and Ron Howard) jetting away to college in the morning, it’s a last chance to taste the innocent fantasies of a teenage world about to be lost, perhaps forever. The hugely eventful evening is packed with high school nostalgia but, despite the bemused smiles of its star-crossed lovers, the mood ultimately turns sober. Director George Lucas’ delightful comedy not only captures the signs of former times but comments on them with eloquence and incisiveness. The OSV News classification is A-III — adults. The Motion Picture Association rating is PG — parental guidance suggested. Some material may not be suitable for children.
“The Aviator” (2004: Amazon Prime)
Absorbing and entertaining epic detailing the dramatic glory days of legendary billionaire Howard Hughes, in his myriad roles as aviation innovator and visionary, daredevil pilot, Hollywood producer and airline tycoon, while charting his well-publicized relationships with Katharine Hepburn and Ava Gardner, and ultimately his appearance before the Senate on charges of defrauding the public through wartime airplane contracts. This film is a career highpoint for both director Martin Scorsese and star Leonardo DiCaprio, who is onscreen almost every minute and gives a highly charismatic performance. The supporting cast is mostly first-rate. A smattering of profanity and rough language, implied sexual situations, a violent plane crash and brief rear nudity. The OSV News classification is A-III — adults. The Motion Picture Association rating is PG-13 — parents are strongly cautioned. Some material may be inappropriate for children under 13.
“Letters to Juliet” (2010; Hulu)
Director Gary Winick’s old-fashioned romantic comedy explores time-honored themes of love, loss, family and destiny amid a beautifully photographed Italian travelogue as it chronicles a New York-based magazine fact-checker’s (Amanda Seyfried) journey to Verona — the city of “Romeo and Juliet” — where, left on her own by her food-obsessed chef fiance (Gael Garcia Bernal), she visits Juliet’s house and discovers a kind of Wailing Wall for the amorous, where lovesick women leave letters seeking relationship advice. Her answer to one such missive, penned 50 years before by an Englishwoman (Vanessa Redgrave), prompts its writer to return, with obnoxious grandson (Christopher Egan) in tow, determined to find her long-lost Italian beau. An implied premarital relationship, a brief obscene gesture. The OSV News classification is A-II — adults and adolescents. The Motion Picture Association rating is PG — parental guidance suggested. Some material may not be suitable for children.
Looking Ahead
Monday, April 29, 5:30-8 p.m. EDT (TCM) “That’s Entertainment!” (1974). Singing, dancing historical survey of the best of the MGM musicals charms the eye and ear with romantic fantasy. Written, produced and directed by Jack Haley Jr., the selection of excerpts from these musicals demonstrates effortlessly why their appeal endures from generation to generation. The OSV News classification of the theatrical version was A-I — general patronage. The Motion Picture Association rating was G — general audiences. All ages admitted.
Tuesday, April 30, 10:15 p.m.-1:15 a.m. EDT (AMC) “The Perfect Storm” (2000). When three fierce weather systems collide off the coast of Newfoundland in October 1991, a fishing trawler’s six-man crew (including George Clooney and Mark Wahlberg) is caught in its grip as monster waves hamper Coast Guard and Air Force rescue efforts. Director Wolfgang Petersen adapts Sebastian Junger’s fact-based bestseller as entertainment, emphasizing special-effects thrills over compelling characterizations, although the movie captures how precious each human life is in the face of the awesome power of nature. Discreet sexual innuendo, some profanity and an instance of rough language. The OSV News classification of the theatrical version was A-III — adults. The Motion Picture Association rating was PG-13 — parents strongly cautioned. Some material may be inappropriate for children under 13.
Saturday, May 4, 11:30 a.m.-12:50 p.m. EDT (EWTN) “Holy Mass on the Feast of the English Martyrs.” This Eucharistic liturgy, broadcast from Walsingham, England, honors the 284 canonized or beatified martyrs who died during the English Reformation (TV-G — general audience).
Saturday, May 4, 5:45-8 p.m. EDT (TCM) “Billy Budd” (1962). Engrossing version of Herman Melville’s story contrasting justice and the letter of the law when the seaman of the title (Terence Stamp) faces hanging aboard a British man-of-war in 1797 for striking an officer (Robert Ryan) who has falsely accused him of fomenting mutiny. Director Peter Ustinov (who also plays the vessel’s vacillating captain) effectively evokes the twisted malevolence of the bullying master-at-arms who cannot abide the simple innocence of the stammering seaman. Stylized violence and moral dilemmas. The OSV News classification of the theatrical version was A-II — adults and adolescents. Not rated by the Motion Picture Association.
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