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Characters are shown in a scene from the 2016 animated movie "Moana." OSV News photo/CNS file, Disney)

Home viewing roundup: What’s available to stream and what’s on horizon


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OSV News Filed Under: Movie & Television Reviews

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 Nov. 24, 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

“Christmas With the Kranks” (2004; Amazon Prime)

Delightful yuletide comedy about a Chicago couple (Tim Allen and Jamie Lee Curtis) who boycott Christmas after their daughter leaves home to join the Peace Corps, sparking unforeseen reactions from their militantly merry neighbors (led by Dan Aykroyd). The film is based on the novella “Skipping Christmas” by John Grisham. Director Joe Roth delivers a dose of holly-jolly fun that is, by turns, extremely funny and poignantly tender, and its warmhearted message of selflessness, family and coming together as a community clearly embodies the truest spirit of the season. Some suggestive humor, comic violence and mildly crude language. 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.

“Maid in Manhattan” (2002; Netflix)

Agreeable if formulaic romantic comedy in which a charming politician (Ralph Fiennes) mistakes a hotel maid (Jennifer Lopez) for a wealthy guest. Appealing performances from the main and supporting cast help director Wayne Wang’s familiar comedy of errors go down easily enough despite an autopilot resolution, along the way touching on issues of class and opportunity. An implied sexual encounter, occasional profanity and crude expressions, some sexual references. 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.

“Waitress” (2007; Hulu)

A young woman (Keri Russell) with a talent for baking delicious pies finds the strength to deal with her unhappy marriage in this sweet-and-savory independent comedy. Writer, director and co-star Adrienne Shelly — who died under tragic circumstances months prior to the movie’s premiere at the 2007 Sundance Film Festival — balances tart humor and mature themes with likable characters and an affirmation of the joy of motherhood. Brief glimpse of partially nude pregnant women, groping, sexual innuendo including a condom reference, an instance of spousal abuse, some crass talk and one use of 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.

Looking Ahead

Sunday, Nov. 24, 3:30-5 a.m. EST (EWTN) “Holy Mass on the Solemnity of Christ the King.” Broadcast from Rome’s St. Peter’s Basilica as Pope Francis celebrates the Eucharistic liturgy for the Feast of Christ the King. The Mass will re-air noon-1:30 p.m. EST (TV-G — general audience).

Sunday, Nov. 24, 8:33-11 p.m. EST (ABC) “Moana” (2016). The eponymous heroine of Disney’s 56th animated film is a spunky Polynesian princess (voice of Auli’i Cravalho) who seeks not a boyfriend but a grand adventure on the high seas. Racing against time, she must join forces with a demigod (voice of Dwayne Johnson) to vanquish evil and restore the natural order. As directed by Ron Clements and John Musker, the film is an entertaining romp with a delightful array of characters and toe-tapping songs co-written by Lin-Manuel Miranda. There are also good lessons about family, friendship and the need to be responsible. But Christian parents may be concerned upon finding the story line steeped in indigenous mythology, and presenting a view of creation at odds with the biblical account. While well-catechized teens will likely slough these elements off as mere fantasy, their impressionable juniors could be confused. Nonscriptural religious ideas, mildly scary action sequences, occasional bathroom humor. 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.

Thursday, Nov. 28, 8-10 p.m. EST (PBS) “Concert for George.” This 2002 musical salute to ex-Beatle George Harrison at London’s Royal Albert Hall featured, among others, Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, Tom Petty and Billy Preston.

Thursday, Nov. 28, 8-11 p.m. EST (ABC) “Mary Poppins” (1964). Walt Disney’s musical adaptation of P.L. Travers’ children’s classic about the primly perfect nanny (Julie Andrews) who uses her magical powers and common sense to straighten out the disorderly children and preoccupied parents of a household in 1910 London. Director Robert Stevenson fancifully integrates songs, dance numbers, animated characters and marvelous special effects into the live-action story which features a bright performance by Dick Van Dyke as a Cockney worker who also does a comic turn as a bank president. Entertaining family fantasy. 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.

Friday, Nov. 29, 10 p.m.-midnight EST (AMC) “The Princess Bride” (1987). Affectionate, lighthearted parody of medieval romance as a young beauty (Robin Wright) is saved from a forced marriage to a nasty prince (Chris Sarandon) by a farm boy turned pirate (Cary Elwes). Directed by Rob Reiner from William Goldman’s script, the comic proceedings are marked with verbal wit and some silly turns by Mandy Patinkin, Wallace Shawn and Billy Crystal. Some comic-book violence. 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.

Saturday, Nov. 30, 8-10:25 p.m. EST (HBO) “Man of Steel” (2013). Action adventure recounting the life of iconic comic book hero Superman (Henry Cavill). Born on distant Krypton, as an infant his parents (Russell Crowe and Ayelet Zurer) send him to Earth so that he can escape his doomed home planet’s imminent destruction. His adoptive human parents (Kevin Costner and Diane Lane) instill positive values and try to protect his secret. But, once grown, an investigative reporter (Amy Adams) is on the verge of disclosing his true identity when an old enemy (Michael Shannon) of his father’s arrives from space and threatens humanity with annihilation unless Superman surrenders. Director Zack Snyder’s take on the familiar narrative has the makings of an engaging drama and includes Christian themes and an anti-eugenics message that viewers of faith in particular can appreciate. But this positive potential is squandered in favor of endless scenes of high-powered brawling and the pyrotechnics of innumerable explosions. Much intense but bloodless violence, a fleeting sexual advance, occasional crude and crass 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.

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