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 Dec. 17, 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 Batman” (2022; Netflix)
When The Riddler (Paul Dano) targets a series of Gotham’s corrupt politicians for assassination, the iconic crimefighter of the title (Robert Pattinson) enters into an uneasy alliance with a police lieutenant (Jeffrey Wright) and an equally volatile partnership with the Catwoman (Zoë Kravitz) to stop the killing spree. He’s backed up by his protective butler (Andy Serkis) but must tangle with the Penguin (Colin Farrell) as well as the city’s leading gangster (John Turturro) to track the elusive murderer. Director and co-writer Matt Reeves’ darkly powerful reboot of the DC Comics-based franchise is rich in moral complexity and striking performances. Yet, while neither the creativity nor the script’s commitment to humane values flags, the dialogue is marred by unusually frequent violations of the Second Commandment and an excessive running time just shy of three hours makes the proceedings feel overstuffed. Much harsh violence with some gore, gruesome images, drug use, pervasive profanity, a few milder oaths, at least one rough term, considerable 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.
“The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe” (2005; Hulu)
Captivating live-action fantasy adventure based on C.S. Lewis’ beloved children’s classic set in World War II-era England about four siblings (Georgie Henley, Skandar Keynes, William Moseley and Anna Popplewell), who, having been evacuated from London to the home of an eccentric professor (Jim Broadbent), stumble through a magical wardrobe into the enchanted realm of Narnia, where they help the wise and noble lion Aslan (voiced by Liam Neeson) defeat the evil White Witch (Tilda Swinton), who holds the land under an icy spell of eternal winter. Seeded with Christian symbolism and subtext, director Andrew Adamson’s faithful adaptation balances spectacle with storytelling while exploring themes of good and evil to capture the childlike wonder that underscores Lewis’ tale. Some battlefield violence, intense scenes of child peril and menace, and several frightening sequences. The OSV News classification is A-II — adults and adolescents. The Motion Picture Association rating is PG — parental guidance suggested. (The sequels “The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian” (2008) and “The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader” (2010) are also streaming)
“The Man Who Invented Christmas” (2017; Amazon Prime)
This charming fact-based historical drama tells the origin story of Victorian author Charles Dickens’ (Dan Stevens) beloved novella, “A Christmas Carol.” With his last three titles having failed to sell, Dickens fears falling into debt if his next production is equally unpopular. As he struggles with writer’s block and the endless distractions of his burgeoning family’s domestic life — a visit from his feckless father (Jonathan Pryce), whom Dickens blames for the sufferings of his childhood, is a particular source of worry and conflict — the writer fancifully summons up and interacts with his own characters, most prominently dour miser Ebenezer Scrooge (Christopher Plummer). His patient wife (Morfydd Clark) and unpaid literary agent (Justin Edwards) offer him encouragement, and the conversion story he eventually pens finds a real-life counterpart in the amendment of Dickens’ own behavior. Director Bharat Nalluri’s adaptation of Les Standiford’s 2008 book is family-friendly in most respects and will likely prove a winner with a broad range of age groups. A very vague sexual joke, a single mild oath. The Catholic News Service 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, Dec. 17, 6-8 p.m. EST (AMC) “Christmas With the Kranks” (2004). 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 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.
Sunday, Dec. 17, 7-8:30 p.m. EST (EWTN) “Carols by Candlelight From Knock Shrine.” A concert of Christmas carols at the Marian Shrine in Knock, Ireland (TV-G – general audience).
Sunday, Dec. 17, 7-11 p.m. EST (ABC) “The Sound of Music” (1965). Particularly fine screen version of the Rodgers and Hammerstein musical about the formative years of the Trapp Family Singers in Austria between the two world wars. Its interesting story, solid cast (headed by Julie Andrews and Christopher Plummer), lovely music and intelligent lyrics, colorful scenery and pleasant fantasy will entertain the mind and enliven the spirit. Directed by Robert Wise, the movie has held up over the years as thoroughly refreshing family entertainment. 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.
Monday, Dec. 18, 8-9 p.m. EST (PBS) “25 Years With Lidia: A Culinary Jubilee.” Celebrity chef and restaurateur Lidia Bastianich celebrates 25 years on television with family and friends (TV-PG – parental guidance suggested).
Tuesday, Dec. 19, 10-11 p.m. EST (PBS) “Netanyahu, America & The Road to War in Gaza.” This episode of the series “Frontline” recounts the long struggle between Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu and multiple U.S. presidents over Middle East peace.
Friday, Dec. 22, 4-5 a.m. EST (EWTN) “Christmas Wishes to the Members of the Roman Curia.” From the Vatican’s Clementine Hall, Pope Francis gives Christmas greetings to members of the Roman Curia. The event will re-air 3-4 p.m. EST (TV-G – general audience).
Saturday, Dec. 23, 9 p.m.-midnight EST (Showtime) “Beau Is Afraid” (2023). Nightmarish dark comedy traps viewers in the disturbed mind of a timid loner (Joaquin Phoenix) whose tortured relationship with his mother (Patti LuPone) inspires and overshadows a series of what are presented as bizarre adventures for him but some of which, at least, are really hallucinations. After being hit by a van, he recuperates in the home of a surgeon (Nathan Lane) and his wife (Amy Ryan). But the latter turns against him and tells a mentally ill veteran (Denis Ménochet) who lives on the couple’s property to kill him. He flees into a nearby wood where a play staged by a group of wandering actors and an animated sequence in which he’s the protagonist explore possible alternative lives he might have pursued. Writer-director Ari Aster’s deep dive into paranoia is undoubtedly original, though what it ultimately means is anyone’s guess. Erotic inhibition is one of the script’s major themes. Yet the treatment of an eventual barrier-breaking encounter, while certainly explicit, is more pathetic than exploitative. Graphic sexual activity, full nudity, gory violence, gruesome images, drug use, frequent mild oaths, pervasive rough language, much crude and crass talk. 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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