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 Feb. 4, 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
“Cry Freedom” (1987; Amazon Prime)
The story of Steve Biko (Denzel Washington), a black South African leader who died in 1977 from police mistreatment, is told by Donald Woods (Kevin Kline), a white editor who had to escape from his native land to reveal the truth of what had occurred. Director Richard Attenborough’s large-scale dramatization re-creates an authentic picture of the enormity of South Africa’s racist policy of apartheid and effectively conveys the need for racial harmony in effecting social and political changes in that then-tragic land. 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.
“Dune” (2021; Netflix)
Gripping sci-fi epic, adapted by director and co-writer Denis Villeneuve from the 1965 novel by Frank Herbert, centers on the heir (Timothée Chalamet) to a powerful dynasty of intergalactic warriors who may also be the messiah figure foretold in various prophecies. As his clan gets caught up in the battle for control of the titular world, a desert planet rich in a highly-prized spice, he seeks to emulate his sage and enlightened father (Oscar Isaac). But his priestess mother (Rebecca Ferguson) steers him toward a more mysterious destiny. Combining elements of a costume drama, an against-the-odds quest and a parable about imperialism, the film features a complex religious mythos requiring careful reflection on the part of viewers. Parents will probably find it acceptable for those older teens capable of sorting through such material. Nonscriptural beliefs, much stylized but sometimes intense violence, cohabitation, partial nudity, brief sexual references, a few mild oaths, at least one crude term. The OSV News classification is A-III — adults. The Motion Picture Association rating is PG-13 — parents strongly cautioned. Some material may be inappropriate for children under 13.
“Little Manhattan” (2005; Hulu)
Warm and wonderful romantic comedy set in New York City about a 10-year-old (Josh Hutcherson) who thinks that girls are “gross” until he falls for an apple-cheeked cutie (Charlie Ray) and finds himself adrift in a befuddling sea of newfound emotions. Tenderly directed by Mark Levin, with endearing performances by its young leads, the sweet story conveys both the agony and ecstasy of first love, as well as its accompanying confusion, anxiety, awkwardness and, ultimately, its magic. Some minor thematic elements, schoolyard fisticuffs, mild rude language and an instance of vomit humor. 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
Sunday, Feb. 4, 10-11 p.m. EST (EWTN) “The Catholic Church and Slavery.” A panel discussion about the nature of slavery, the Bible’s attitude toward it and the church’s stance on the institution. Part of the series “Franciscan University Presents” (TV-G – general audience).
Monday, Feb. 5, 10-11 p.m. EST (PBS) “Sister Úna Lived a Good Death.” Filmmaker Par Parekh’s documentary profiles a wisecracking nun with stage IV cancer as she teaches others to live fully until death. An “Independent Lens” presentation (TV-14 – parents strongly cautioned).
Wednesday, Feb. 7, 8-9 p.m. EST (PBS) “Flyways.” This episode of the series “Nature” chronicles how scientists are racing against the clock to understand and save the world’s migratory shorebirds (TV-PG – parental guidance suggested).
Saturday, Feb. 10, 1-2:30 p.m. EST (EWTN) “World Day of the Sick Healing Mass in Honor of Our Lady of Lourdes.” Live broadcast from St. Bernadette Church in Scottsdale, Ariz. Part of the series “Cathedrals Across America” (TV-G — general audience).
Saturday, Feb. 10, 5:51-8 p.m. EST (Cinemax) “Body of Lies” (2008). Taut and engrossing Mideast thriller about a conscientious U.S. intelligence agent (Leonardo DiCaprio) who — in an environment of deception and betrayals — seeks out a terrorist leader while taking orders from his longtime colleague, a hard-nosed CIA chief (Russell Crowe) back in Virginia. Director Ridley Scott maintains a good pace, and there are intelligent performances by all, including Mark Strong as the agent’s Jordanian liaison, while the culturally enlightened script encourages humane understanding of the politically and socially volatile region. Relatively brief but graphic images of violence, torture, and medical procedures, pervasive rough language and profanity, some blunt sexual expressions. The OSV News classification of the theatrical version was L — limited adult audience, films whose problematic content many adults would find troubling. The Motion Picture Association rating was R — restricted. Under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian.
Saturday, Feb. 10, 8-10:05 p.m. EST (HBO) “Everest” (2015). Formidable fact-based drama about the disastrous 1996 ascent of Mount Everest by two mountaineering teams: one led by the New Zealand climber (Jason Clarke) who pioneered commercial expeditions in the Himalayas, the other by a freewheeling American guide (Jake Gyllenhaal). Aided by a terrific ensemble and first-rate production team, Icelandic director Baltasar Kormakur does an excellent job of conveying the human saga as well as the natural spectacle. The result is a sensitive and powerful movie that declines to apportion blame or pass judgment on anyone. Additionally, the absence of any genuinely objectionable material makes this meditation on humanity’s struggle against the elements suitable for a broad range of age groups. The sacrifices of the local Sherpa guides and the perspective of the Nepalese people as a whole, however, should have warranted greater recognition. Frequent scenes of peril, some gruesome images. The OSV News classification of the theatrical version was A-II — adults and adolescents. The Motion Picture Association rating was PG-13 — parents strongly cautioned. Some material may be inappropriate for children under 13.
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