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 30, 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
“La La Land” (2016; Netflix)
Inspired by the musicals of Hollywood’s golden age, this comedy-drama set in present-day Los Angeles chronicles the gooey romance of two star-crossed lovers: an aspiring actress (Emma Stone) and a jazz pianist (Ryan Gosling). She wants to be a movie star, while he hopes to open his own club. The path to success is rocky, and their relationship is put to the test. Writer-director Damien Chazelle dreams big in this over-the-top fantasy where drivers exit their cars on a freeway overpass and burst into song, and lovers dance on air amid the projected stars in a planetarium. Beautifully shot in widescreen CinemaScope, it’s a unique film, though also a self-indulgent one, and tends to lose its way when the song and dance take over. Fortunately, that’s largely made up for by Chazelle’s engaging script, a cast of first-rate actors and superb music. An implied premarital relationship, a few rough terms, some crude 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.
“Mean Girls” (2024; Amazon Prime)
The sharp humor of Tina Fey’s screenplay for this adaptation of the Broadway musical version of the eponymous 2004 film, both of which she also wrote, offsets the sometimes over-the-top production numbers by which the movie’s more serious themes are conveyed, with varying effectiveness, under the direction of Samantha Jayne and Arturo Perez Jr. Fresh from the African bush, where she was homeschooled by her scientist mother (Jenna Fischer), an aspiring mathematician (Angourie Rice) is thrust into the social maelstrom of a typical public high school. Initially befriended by a pair of outcasts (Auli’i Cravalho and Jaquel Spivey) she later finds herself torn between loyalty to them and the popularity that comes when the student body’s reigning — and fiercely intimidating — queen bee (Reneé Rapp) takes her up as a protege. The fact that the newcomer has instantly fallen for her patroness’ ex-boyfriend (Christopher Briney) presents a further complication. While the script’s anti-backstabbing and self-assertiveness messages might be valuable for teens, its dialogue is often unsuitable for them while the mostly extraneous but frequent presentation of the gay lifestyle as a perfectly valid alternative to heterosexuality requires mature discernment. Implicit approval of homosexual activity, a same-sex kiss, more than a dozen mild oaths, at least one rough term, several crude expressions, frequent crass talk, obscene gestures. 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.
“Over the Hedge” (2006; Hulu)
Computer-animated comedy about a rascally raccoon (voiced by Bruce Willis) who offers to “help” a group of woodland creatures (humorously voiced by Steve Carell, Wanda Sykes, Garry Shandling, William Shatner and Eugene Levy, among others) stockpile food for the coming winter by raiding the suburban housing development that has sprung up on their forest doorstep, but not telling them that he intends to use the purloined provisions to save his own fur. Based on a comic strip, directors Tim Johnson and Karey Kirkpatrick’s good-naturedly entertaining and visually cheery fable relies on nutty sight gags over story, but imparts a commendable message about family and acting unselfishly, while offering some funny commentary on our consumer society. Some mildly crude humor, a few rude expressions and innuendo, recurring comic action violence. The OSV News classification is A-I — general patronage. The Motion Picture Association rating is PG — parental guidance suggested. Some material may not be suitable for children.
Looking Ahead
Sunday, June 30, 9-11 p.m. EDT (ABC) “The Princess and the Frog” (2009). Enchanting animated musical, set in 1920s New Orleans, in which a voodoo sorcerer (voice of Keith David) casts a spell that complicates the lives of a visiting prince (voice of Bruno Campos), the headstrong heiress he hopes to marry (voice of Jennifer Cody) and her industrious working-class best friend (voice of Anika Noni Rose). As directed and co-written by John Musker and Ron Clements, the lavish hand-drawn romance, which also features delightful voice work by Michael-Leon Wooley as a jazz-loving alligator and Jim Cummings as a Cajun firefly, emphasizes the value of love over material wealth and provides quality entertainment for all ages, though images of fire-breathing masks and evil sprites may scare some tots. 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.
Wednesday, July 3, 6-8 p.m. EDT (TCM) “Seven Brides for Seven Brothers” (1954). Western musical about Oregon pioneers who, when their brother (Howard Keel) brings home a bride (Jane Powell), go out and kidnap some local belles. Directed by Stanley Donen, the zest of the music, dancing and story carry the movie in a highly enjoyable fashion. The OSV News classification of the theatrical version was A-II — adults and adolescents. Not rated by the Motion Picture Association.
Wednesday, July 3, 8-9 p.m. EDT (EWTN) “EWTN Live.” On this episode of the weekly program, series host Jesuit Father Mitch Pacwa talks with Dominican Father Andrew Hofer, professor of patristics and ancient languages at his order’s House of Studies in Washington (TV-G – general audience).
Thursday, July 4, 3-5:30 p.m. EDT (AMC) “Rocky” (1976). Underdog Philadelphia club fighter Rocky Balboa (Sylvester Stallone) has a shot at the heavyweight championship with the help of a tough old trainer (Burgess Meredith). Director John Avildsen concentrates on the gritty, backstreet quality of life in the old neighborhood and the relationship that grows between Rocky and the introverted sister (Talia Shire) of his best friend (Burt Young). The bloody brutality of the prizefight game is abundantly evident. The OSV News classification of the theatrical version was A-III — adults. The Motion Picture Association rating was PG — parental guidance suggested. Some material may not be suitable for children. (Start of a marathon of “Rocky” films that concludes with “Rocky V” (1990) 12:30-3 a.m. EDT Friday, July 5.)
Thursday, July 4, 8-9:30 p.m. EDT (PBS) “A Capitol Fourth.” The National Symphony Orchestra, under the direction of Jack Everly, as well as other musical performers will be showcased on this special celebrating the nation’s 248th birthday.
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