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Natalie Portman stars in a scene from the movie "V for Vendetta." (CNS photo/Warner Bros.)

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 Aug. 3, 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

“V for Vendetta” (2006; Netflix)

Provocative futuristic thriller based in London about a masked antihero (Hugo Weaving) who enlists the aid of a young office worker (Natalie Portman) to undermine a totalitarian government headed by an Orwellian dictator (John Hurt) and his cowering advisers (Stephen Rea, Rupert Graves, Tim Pigott-Smith). Director James McTeigue, working from the Wachowskis’ adaptation of Alan Moore (uncredited by choice) and illustrator David Lloyd’s graphic novel, has crafted a reasonably intelligent political allegory, with emphasis on character development, ideas and even a bit of romance, rather than simple mindless violence. The performances are first rate, and the film’s theme of the individual’s responsibility in standing up to tyranny — while questioning the moral limits of opposition — is worthy, and stops short of imparting a universal anti-authoritarian message. Some discreetly handled violence with bloodshed, a hanging, attempted rape, scattered profanity, rough and crude language and expressions, minor lesbian-themed flashback and implied gay male character, corrupt Anglican clergyman, sexual innuendo, drug use. The OSV News classification is L — limited adult audience, films whose problematic content many adults would find troubling. The Motion Picture Association rating is R — restricted. Under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian.

“Witness for the Prosecution” (1957; Amazon Prime)

Twisty Agatha Christie courtroom puzzler in which British barrister Charles Laughton defends accused lady killer Tyrone Power in a murder trial complicated by mystery woman Marlene Dietrich and a double surprise ending. Director Billy Wilder plays the case’s red herrings for all they’re worth, helped by solid comic relief from the running feud between ailing lawyer Laughton and dictatorial nurse Elsa Lanchester. Implications of marital infidelity and brief stylized violence. The OSV News classification is A-II — adults and adolescents. Not rated by the Motion Picture Association.

Looking Ahead

Sunday, Aug. 3, 7-9:30 p.m. EDT (EWTN) “Holy Mass for the Jubilee of Youth.” Pope Leo XIV is scheduled to preside at this Eucharisitic liturgy for the Jubilee of Youth on the campus of Rome’s Tor Vergata University (TV-G — general audience).

Sunday, Aug. 3, 8:33-11 p.m. EDT (ABC) “Freaky Friday” (2003). Breezy fantasy comedy about a straight-laced, widowed psychiatrist (Jamie Lee Curtis) and her rebellious teenage daughter (Lindsay Lohan) who both wake up days before the mother is to be remarried only to find out that they have mysteriously swapped bodies thanks to magical fortune cookies. Well-crafted by director Mark S. Waters and buttressed by believable performances, this third retelling of Mary Rodgers’ popular children’s book navigates a minefield of cliches, while imparting a positive message about family values and generational respect. Complicated thematic elements and some 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.

Tuesday, Aug. 5, 9-11 p.m. EDT (PBS) “Victory in the Pacific.” This episode of the series “American Experience” examines the escalation of bloodletting that marked the final days of World War II.

Saturday, Aug. 9, 5-7:30 p.m. EDT (AMC) “The Bourne Identity” (2002). Satisfying thriller in which a highly trained CIA agent (Matt Damon) suffering from amnesia after a botched secret operation must figure out who he is and why fierce assassins are after him as he is aided by a German woman (Franka Potente) whom he has taken into his confidence. Based on the novel by Robert Ludlum, director Doug Liman’s film is both an engaging character study and a fast-paced espionage yarn as the ongoing chase scenes and chilling close calls provide suspense and deflect attention from the story’s predictable spots. Recurring harsh violence and some profanity with an instance of rough language. 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-13 — parents strongly cautioned. Some material may be inappropriate for children under 13. (Followed by the sequels “The Bourne Supremacy” (2004), 7:30-10 p.m. EDT, and “The Bourne Ultimatum” (2007), 10 p.m.-12:30 a.m. EDT.)

Saturday, Aug. 9, 9:50-11:35 p.m. EDT (HBO) “Barbershop” (2002). Set in Chicago’s South Side, the enjoyable ensemble comedy has the owner (Ice Cube) of a local barbershop selling it to a sinister loan shark (Keith David), but then trying to buy it back once he realizes the shop’s worth as a gathering place for the community. As directed by Tim Story, the film is flawed by silly stereotypes and predictability, but manages to be endearing as it touches on racism, the black man’s place in society and the importance of fellowship. Some sexual innuendo, fleeting drug content and sporadic crass expressions and profanity with an instance of rough 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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