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. 31, 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:
“Asteroid City” (2023; Amazon Prime)
Writer-director Wes Anderson’s highly creative, characteristically quirky blend of comedy and drama is doubly framed as a play showcased within a television show (the former’s author played by Edward Norton, the latter’s host by Bryan Cranston). Set in 1955 in the tiny desert town of the tile, the action centers on a group of visiting parents and children, most prominently a war photographer (Jason Schwartzman), his nerdy son (Jake Ryan) and an actress and mother (Scarlett Johanson) with whom the lensman bonds. The families have gathered for an awards ceremony, presided over by an Army general (Jeffrey Wright), at which the kids will be honored for their prowess in science. But the celebration is suddenly interrupted by a history-altering event. Filmed in the washed-out hues of a cheap mid-20th-century postcard, Anderson’s mannered exploration of familiar tropes in Eisenhower-era American life touches on fundamental themes, including the meaning (if any) of life and death as well as the nature of love, loss and grief. There’s a lazy irreverence in his incidental treatment of faith, which the script seems to imply is both a symptom of unthinking social conformity and a means of falsely masking unpleasant truths. Inappropriate for those lacking mature discernment, the film may leave even those possessing it baffled. A glimpse of full female nudity, a same-sex kiss, at least one sexual reference, a couple of 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.
“Minari” (2020; Netflix)
Set in the 1980s, and loosely based on the childhood experiences of writer-director Lee Isaac Chung, this gentle mix of drama and comedy explores the immigrant experience from a Korean-American perspective while also charting the struggles and triumphs of family life. An aspiring produce farmer (Steven Yeun), his wife (Han Ye-ri) and their two children (Alan Kim and Noel Kate Cho) move from California to rural Arkansas where the tedious nature of the couple’s work in a chicken hatchery, together with the outlay of money Dad dedicates to his dream, inspires constant bickering. Another source of friction is introduced when the children’s maternal grandmother (Youn Yuh-jung) relocates from Korea and joins the household to help look after them. The film’s strength lies in its understated presentation of universal themes concerning marriage, parenting, and familial bonds in general. Probably acceptable for mature adolescents. Fleeting crude and crass language, a suicide reference. 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.
“Sommersby” (1993; Hulu)
An abusive husband (Richard Gere) is so changed for the better after years in a Civil War prisoner of war camp that his wife (Jodie Foster) is sure he is an imposter but plays along until their happiness is shattered when he is tried for murder. Director Jon Amiel’s mystery-laden period romance is an engrossing tale of a man’s struggle for personal integrity and the positive effects this has on all around him. Mature themes with brief violence and very discreet marital encounters. The OSV News classification is A-III — adults. The Motion Picture Association rating is PG-13 — parents are strongly cautioned. Some material may be inappropriate for children under 13.
Looking Ahead
Sunday, Dec. 31, 10-11:30 p.m. EST (EWTN) “The Catholic University of America’s Christmas Concert.” This annual event features the sounds of the Christmas Season (TV-G – general audience).
Monday, Jan. 1, 4-5:30 a.m. EST (EWTN) “Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God.” Pope Francis celebrates the Mass for the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God and marks the World Day of Peace. Live broadcast from Rome’s St. Peter’s Basilica. The liturgy will re-air 6:30-8 p.m. EST (TV-G – general audience).
Monday, Jan. 1, 8-9:30 p.m. EST (TCM) “Monkey Business” (1931). The four Marx Brothers (Groucho, Chico, Harpo and Zeppo) cause all manner of havoc as stowaways aboard an ocean liner and even more among some gangsters ashore. Directed by Norman Z. McLeod, the manic absurdity of the wacky sight gags and verbal mayhem keep the nonsensical situation from growing tiresome. Slapstick comedy and zany dialogue, including absurd double entendres. The OSV News classification of the theatrical version was A-I — general patronage. Not rated by the Motion Picture Association. (First film in a marathon of six Marx Brothers movies, concluding with “At the Circus” (1939) 4-6 a.m. EST, Tuesday, Jan. 2.)
Tuesday, Jan. 2, 9-10 p.m. EST (PBS) “Hopper: An American Love Story.” This episode of the series “American Masters” explores the secrets behind the often enigmatic works of artist Edward Hopper, who died in 1967, aged 84 (TV-PG – parental guidance suggested).
Saturday, Jan. 6, 6-8 p.m. EST (Showtime) “Michael Clayton” (2007). Potent legal drama focusing on a few days in the complicated life of the title character (George Clooney), a “fixer” for a high-powered law firm whose managing partner (Sydney Pollack) dispatches him to deal with the apparent nervous breakdown of the firm’s top litigator (Tom Wilkinson) and with its effects on a multimillion-dollar class-action lawsuit against an agrochemical corporation whose chief counsel (Tilda Swinton) is prepared to protect her company’s interests by whatever means necessary. Writer-director Tony Gilroy’s masterfully absorbing film begins at a gallop and the pace — driven forward by uniformly intense performances — never slackens. Much rough and crude and some crass language, frequent use of profanity and one scene of a female character in clinging underwear. The OSV News classification of the theatrical version was A-III — adults. The Motion Picture Association rating was R — restricted. Under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian.
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