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 June 2, 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
“Creed” (2015; Amazon Prime)
This imaginative, and surprisingly gentle, reboot of the “Rocky” franchise takes viewers back to the series’ Philadelphia roots as the legendary former heavyweight champ (Sylvester Stallone) coaches the illegitimate son (Michael B. Jordan) of his long-deceased adversary-turned-ally, Apollo Creed. Director Ryan Coogler, who co-wrote the screenplay with Aaron Covington, is wise enough to touch lightly on all the familiar notes of the 1976 original, thus reminding his audience that he respects the past even as he reinvents for the future. The script’s underlying message is that, no matter what the circumstances, the cherished old values of self-sacrifice and discipline can prevail. That outlook may, in the judgment of many parents, extend the movie’s appropriate appeal, making it acceptable fare for mature adolescents. Bloody physical violence, fleeting rough language. 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.
“Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa” (2008; Netflix)
Four animal friends (voices of Ben Stiller, Chris Rock, David Schwimmer and Jada Pinkett Smith), stranded on the titular island, try to fly home to their New York City zoo, but land instead on an African savanna where they must continue to adapt to life in the wild. Though occasionally marred by slightly crass humor, this generally amiable animated comedy, co-written and directed by Eric Darnell and Tom McGrath, is visually lush and offers lessons about the need for self-confidence and the true nature of love. Mild innuendo, a few slightly crude gags and some thematic elements that might frighten very young children. 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.
“Paddington” (2015; Hulu)
Written and directed by Paul King, this delightful, warmhearted comedy for the entire family — which mixes animation with live action — is based on the celebrated series of children’s books by Michael Bond. After an earthquake destroys his home, a talking bear (voice of Ben Whishaw) from “darkest Peru” travels to Britain in search of a fresh start. There he’s adopted by a London family (Hugh Bonneville, Sally Hawkins, Madeleine Harris and Samuel Joslin) and initiated into the rituals of townhouse living. But danger lurks around the corner in the guise of a sadistic museum taxidermist (Nicole Kidman) who thinks the newcomer would make a fine addition to her collection. Some mildly scary action sequences, brief innuendo, a few instances of bathroom 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, June 2, 2-4 p.m. EDT (EWTN) “Solemn Mass of Corpus Christi.” Archbishop Timothy P. Broglio of the U.S. Archdiocese for the Military Services is scheduled to serve as the celebrant and homilist for this Corpus Christi Mass, broadcast from the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington (TV-G — general audience).
Sunday, June 2, 8-10 p.m. EDT (ABC) “Inside Out” (2015). Splendid animated comedy, founded on strong values, in which an 11-year-old girl’s (voice of Kaitlyn Dias) personified emotions — principally Joy (voice of Amy Poehler) and Sadness (voiced by Phyllis Smith) — struggle to help her cope with the crisis brought on by her family’s move from Minnesota to San Francisco. Aided by top-notch supporting performances from, among others, comedian Lewis Black as the lass’ Anger and Richard Kind as her big-hearted imaginary friend, co-directors Pete Docter and Ronaldo Del Carmen prove equally deft at tickling and touching the wide-ranging audience for which their Pixar production is suitable. A few potentially upsetting incidents, a single mature reference. The OSV News classification of the theatrical version was A-II — adults and adolescents. The Motion Picture Association rating was PG — parental guidance suggested. Some material may not be suitable for children.
Wednesday, June 5, 10 p.m.-12:15 a.m. EDT (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 OSV News classification of the theatrical version was A-II — adults and adolescents. Not rated by the Motion Picture Association.
Thursday, June 6, noon-1 p.m. EDT (EWTN) “National Eucharistic Pilgrimage Mass.” Archbishop Willliam E. Lori of Baltimore is slated to serve as the main celebrant at this Eucharistic liturgy, broadcast from the National Shrine of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton in Emmitsburg, Maryland (TV-G — general audience).
Thursday, June 6, 11 p.m.-2:15 a.m. EDT (TCM) “The Longest Day” (1962). The Allied invasion of Normandy on June 6, 1944, is re-created on an epic scale in this dramatization of the operational preparations, behind-the-line activities and mostly the ferocious battle itself, with particular attention to the American landings at Omaha Beach. Directed by Ken Annakin, Andrew Marton and Bernhard Wicki, the result is an absorbing account of D-Day from both sides of the battlefield, with convincing portrayals of men in combat from an international cast headed by John Wayne, Robert Mitchum and Henry Fonda. Wartime violence seen in the context of a righteous cause. The OSV News classification of the theatrical version was A-I — general patronage. Not rated by the Motion Picture Association.
Friday, June 7, 8-10:30 p.m. EDT (AMC) “Signs” (2002). Struggling with loss of faith after the sudden death of his wife, an Episcopal priest (Mel Gibson) fears for the life of his children (Rory Culkin and Abigail Breslin) after he and his brother (Joaquin Phoenix) discover huge circular patterns in his cornfield that suggest an invasion by hostile aliens. Writer-director M. Night Shyamalan masterfully builds dread and tension while touching upon issues of faith. But the lightweight narrative doesn’t provide a powerful punch to match the unnerving apprehension that shapes the film. Some intensely frightening moments and occasional crass expressions. 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. (Presented as a double feature with another Shyamalan film, “The Sixth Sense” (1999), 10:30 p.m.-1 a.m. EDT)
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