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 Jan. 19, 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
“Benny & Joon” (1993; Amazon Prime)
Offbeat love story with a mentally ill, homebound young woman (Mary Stuart Masterson) falling for a would-be mime (Johnny Depp) who encourages her independence despite the objections of her fiercely overprotective brother (Aidan Quinn). While director Jeremiah Chechik clearly romanticizes the two social outcasts, the movie’s charm lies in its intermingling of sweet pathos, whimsical humor and strong sense of family and caring. An implied sexual encounter and an instance of rough language. 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.
“Inception” (2010; Netflix)
Ingenious sci-fi brainteaser in which, at the behest of a powerful CEO (Ken Watanabe), a corporate spy (Leonardo DiCaprio) who uses “shared dreaming” to extract secrets from the minds of sleeping executives leads a team of skilled collaborators (Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Ellen Page, Tom Hardy and Dileep Rao) on a raid into the subconscious of the heir (Cillian Murphy) to a rival business. Writer-director Christopher Nolan achieves a tour de force of spectacle and suspense that eventually involves four adventures unfolding simultaneously at different levels of consciousness, though his crafty action tale is rife with explosions and gunplay and engages the imagination more than the heart. Much violence, some of it bloody, several uses of profanity, a few crude and crass terms. 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.
“The Walk” (2015; Hulu)
Charming dramatization of events surrounding the signature achievement of high-wire artist Philippe Petit (Joseph Gordon-Levitt) who in 1974 astounded New Yorkers — and the world at large — by walking across an improvised tightrope strung between the twin towers of the World Trade Center. Director and co-writer Robert Zemeckis’ adaptation of Petit’s 2002 memoir, “To Reach the Clouds,” shows how the aerialist was inspired by his mentor (Ben Kingsley), a veteran circus performer, and aided in his secretive preparations by an unlikely crew of co-conspirators that included his live-in girlfriend (Charlotte Le Bon), a photographer (Clement Sibony) intent on documenting his artistic coup and a laidback hippie (Cesar Domboy) whose enthusiasm for Petit’s project was somewhat undercut by his fear of heights. As both narrator and protagonist, Gordon-Levitt draws viewers in with his charismatic combination of Gallic verve and Gotham-style gumption. And the dazzling special effects of his journey across the void will thrill many grown-ups while leaving others unsettled, if not downright queasy. Recommendation for younger moviegoers is hindered, however, by Petit’s un-vowed amour as well as by the script’s comic treatment of pot smoking. Cohabitation, benignly viewed drug use, fleeting rear nudity, about a half-dozen profanities, occasional crude and crass language. 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.
Looking Ahead
Sunday, Jan. 19, 8:31-11 p.m. EST (ABC) “Beauty and the Beast” (2017). Disney’s live-action adaptation of its beloved 1991 animated film is an imaginative if problematic work, an old-fashioned Hollywood musical with an arresting visual style. The eponymous lovely (Emma Watson) exchanges places with her kidnapped father (Kevin Kline) in a haunted castle inhabited by a furry monster (Dan Stevens), who is in fact a prince transformed by a wicked spell. The same curse turned his staff into household objects, including a candelabra (Ewan McGregor), mantel clock (Ian McKellen) and teapot (Emma Thompson). Only if the odd couple finds true love can the hex be broken, but a vengeful hunter (Luke Evans) stands in the way. The decision of the studio, director Bill Condon and screenwriters Stephen Chbosky and Evan Spiliotopoulos to reimagine the hunter’s sidekick (Josh Gad) as Disney’s so-called “first gay character” is a regrettable one and firmly at odds with Christian values. Given the clear intent to make a statement with this character in a film directed at children, the restrictive classification is a caution for viewers of faith, especially parents. A few scenes of peril and action violence, a benign view of homosexual activity, some sexual innuendo. 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 PG — parental guidance suggested. Some material may not be suitable for children.
Tuesday, Jan. 21, 9:30-11 p.m. EST (TCM) “Johnny Angel” (1945). The mystery of a deserted freighter adrift on the high seas is solved by the thin-lipped merchant ship captain of the title (George Raft) in this tale of smuggled gold, double-crossers, a two-timing wife (Claire Trevor) and a fearful witness (Signe Hasso). Director Edwin L. Marin keeps the mystery afloat with shady characters and taut action until the final showdown. Stylized violence. The OSV News classification of the theatrical version was A-II — adults and adolescents. Not rated by the Motion Picture Association.
Wednesday, Jan. 22, 5:15-8 p.m. EST (AMC) “The Replacements” (2000). Surprisingly winsome comedy about a football team of assorted alternate players (including Keanu Reeves) put together during an NFL players’ strike by a veteran coach (Gene Hackman) plucked from retirement. As formulaic as it is funny, director Howard Deutch’s briskly paced film remains appealing despite a predictable storyline, timeworn cliches and stereotypical characters. Some sexually suggestive gestures, brief violence and an instance of rough language with recurring crass terms and profanity. 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.
Wednesday, Jan. 22, 9-10 p.m. EST (PBS) “What Are UFOs?” This episode of the series “Nova” follows scientists as they try to unravel the mystery surrounding strange objects in our skies.
Thursday, Jan. 23, 9:30-11:45 p.m. EST (TCM) “A Foreign Affair” (1948). Romantic intrigue in postwar Berlin with a visiting Iowa congresswoman (Jean Arthur) falling for a U.S. Army officer (John Lund) who’s involved with the wife (Marlene Dietrich) of a hunted Nazi criminal. Directed by Billy Wilder, the comedy is sharply barbed and often cynical, scoring best in the rivalry between homespun Arthur and sultry Dietrich. Much sexual innuendo. The OSV News classification of the theatrical version was A-III — adults. Not rated by the Motion Picture Association.
Friday, Jan. 24, 9:30 a.m-4:30 p.m. EST (EWTN) “March for Life.” Live and complete coverage of the most important pro-life event of the year, the annual March For Life. in Washington DC.
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