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 March 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
“The Fault in Our Stars” (2014; Hulu)
Lush adaptation of John Green’s novel about two teen cancer patients (Shailene Woodley and Ansel Elgort) who meet at an Episcopal Church-sponsored support group in Indianapolis (led by Mike Birbiglia). They bond over a novel that also concerns the disease and, accompanied by her mother (Laura Dern), travel to Amsterdam to seek out its author (Willem Dafoe). But the scribe turns out to be an abusive drunk. The remainder of director Josh Boone’s drama — which, through Woodley’s performance, presents its audience with an appealingly literate and sensible teen heroine — is a rumination on the harsh reality of dying in which religious faith gets only oblique mentions. Though sexuality and language put this film on the adult side of the ledger, it may be acceptable for the most mature adolescents. Implied premarital sexual activity, fleeting crude and crass 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.
“Married to the Mob” (1988; Amazon Prime)
Director Jonathan Demme’s antic comedy focuses on a Long Island mob widow (Michelle Pfeiffer) who tries to start a clean new life with her son on New York’s Lower East Side in spite of a lusty mob boss (Dean Stockwell), his jealous wife (Mercedes Ruehl) and a nerdy FBI undercover agent (Matthew Modine). Fine performances make Demme’s oddball characters and offbeat subject shine. Some graphic rubouts handled with a humorous touch, much profanity and brief nudity within an implied illicit dalliance. The OSV News classification is A-III — adults. The Motion Picture Association rating is R — restricted. Under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian.
“Space Jam” (1996; Netflix)
Madcap mix of live action and animation as basketball star Michael Jordan joins Bugs Bunny, Tweety Bird and the rest of the Looney Tunes gang in a basketball match against animated aliens bent on winning the right to relocate the Looney Tuners back to their planet forever. As directed by Joe Pytka, the human and cartoon elements blend well together for a lighthearted wacky tale of hoop dreams come true. Some comic violence. 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, March 2, 7-10:30 p.m. EST (ABC) “The Oscars.” The 97th Academy Awards ceremony honoring the best films of 2024, broadcast live from the Dolby Theatre at Ovation Hollywood.
Sunday, March 2, 10-11 p.m. EST (EWTN) “St. Augustine’s Confessions and Us.” Theology professor Shane Owens explores St. Augustine’s Confessions, examining what the classic book teaches about the human heart and how it can provide readers with spiritual guidance. Part of the series “Franciscan University Presents” (TV-G — general audience).
Monday, March 3, 8-10:15 p.m. EST (TCM) “The Pride of the Yankees” (1942). Fine drama of New York Yankees first baseman Lou Gehrig (Gary Cooper), who never missed a game in 14 years of outstanding play until forced to retire in 1939 by an incurable disease which has since borne his name. Directed by Sam Wood, the result has interest beyond the story of a baseball hero because it captures the universal qualities of character and spirit underlying the career of a man who gave his unfailing best for team, fans and family. Memorable movie even for those who don’t like baseball. The OSV News classification of the theatrical version was A-I — general patronage. Not rated by the Motion Picture Association.
Tuesday, March 4, 6:15-8 p.m. EST (TCM) “The Breaking Point” (1950). Gritty melodrama about the captain of a California charter boat (John Garfield) whose need for money gets him involved with a crooked lawyer (Wallace Ford) and some illegal cargoes that cost the life of his shipmate (Juano Hernandez) and very nearly his own. Directed by Michael Curtiz from the Ernest Hemingway novel “To Have and Have Not,” the action is lean and convincing, with well-defined characters that add some emotional depth to the story’s desperate developments. Some nasty stylized violence, menacing situations and sexual innuendo. The OSV News classification is A-III — adults. Not rated by the Motion Picture Association.
Tuesday, March 4, 9-10:30 p.m. EST (PBS) “Museum Alive with David Attenborough.” On this episode of the series “Nature,” celebrated filmmaker Sir David Attenborough takes viewers on a tour of London’s Natural History Museum.
Wednesday, March 5, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. EST (EWTN) “Holy Mass With the Blessing of Ashes.” The pope marks the beginning of Lent with Ash Wednesday Mass at Rome’s Basilica of Santa Sabina (TV-G — general audience).
Saturday, March 8, 5:53-8 p.m. EST (Cinemax) “State of Play” (2009). Engrossing political thriller about a veteran reporter (Russell Crowe) and a rookie blogger (Rachel McAdams) on the same Washington paper who join forces to investigate a series of murders, one of which involves a crusading congressman (Ben Affleck) who’s trying to expose corruption involving a powerful military contractor. Kevin Macdonald directs this streamlined version of an acclaimed BBC miniseries which, though not always plausible, and with some of its revelations all too transparent, has an intriguing narrative, a solid cast and a script that eschews overt sex and violence, making this acceptable for older teens. Nongraphic violence, implied past adultery, some rough language and profanity, brief sexual remarks and innuendo, abortion and drug references. 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.
Saturday, March 8, 8-9:54 p.m. EST (HBO) “Heretic” (2024). Unusually intelligent horror film in which two Mormon missionaries (Sophie Thatcher and Chloe East) visit the remote home of a British-bred recluse (convincingly twitchy Hugh Grant) who has requested information about their church. Only belatedly does the duo discover that their host already has a very decided view of religion and is determined to make his point about it in a thoroughly unnerving way. Edgy and intellectually trenchant, co-writers and directors Scott Beck and Bryan Woods’ chiller initially favors the flow of dialogue over the spilling of blood. Yet, as the proceedings reach a climax, nasty mayhem comes to the fore, further restricting the appropriate audience for a film whose treatment of theology also requires well-catechized discernment. Relatively brief but intense gory violence, disturbing images, an ambiguous approach to faith, mature references, including to contraception and masturbation, a couple of mild oaths, at least one crass expression. 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.
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