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. 7, 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
“Bordertown” (2008; Hulu)
Worthy but bleak investigative drama in which, at the behest of her editor (Martin Sheen), a Chicago reporter (Jennifer Lopez) travels to Juarez, Mexico, to uncover the truth about a series of rapes and murders committed against female factory workers and, uniting with a former colleague and old flame (Antonio Banderas) as well as a wealthy local humanitarian (Sonia Braga), tries to protect the young survivor (Maya Zapata) of one such attack. Writer-director Gregory Nava’s film, inspired by true events, is absorbing, despite some melodramatic elements and an oversimplified indictment of globalization. Brutal rape and attempted rape, nonmarital sexual activity, rear and upper female nudity, graphic images of blood and corpses, some rough, crude and profane language and occasional crass talk. 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.
“Drop” (2025; Amazon Prime)
Intriguing thriller in which a survivor of spousal abuse (Meghann Fahy) tries to reclaim romance after a long hiatus by joining a new acquaintance (Brandon Sklenar) for a first date at a luxurious restaurant. But the promising rendezvous is upended when she receives a series of anonymous messages on her cellphone threatening the life of her young son (Jacob Robinson) and her babysitting sister (Violett Beane) unless she cooperates in an evil scheme. As she tries to determine which of her fellow diners is her tormentor, she also scrambles to avoid carrying out the sinister instructions she’s been given. The mayhem in director Christopher Landon’s mostly satisfying mind game is relatively restrained as, too, is its vocabulary, making his film possibly acceptable for mature adolescents. Mostly stylized but occasionally harsh violence with some gore, a couple of uses of profanity, several milder oaths, about a half-dozen crude expressions. 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.
“King Richard” (2021; Netflix)
A vivid performance from Will Smith as the father of future tennis greats Venus (Saniyya Sidney) and Serena (Demi Singleton) Williams energizes this engaging fact-based sports drama. By turns determined and, as the nickname of the title suggests, domineering, with the help of his dedicated wife (Aunjanue Ellis), he overcomes long odds to fulfill his dream of making his daughters world-renowned champions. Yet the obstacles barring his way include not only the meagerness of his economic resources, the dangers of life in the gang-ridden Los Angeles neighborhood his family inhabits and the racism, both institutional and personal, he frequently encounters but the downsides of his own personality, negative traits that bring him into conflict with a duo of highly regarded coaches (Tony Goldwyn and Jon Bernthal). Though overlong, director Reinaldo Marcus Green’s film highlights the value of persistence, humility, self-discipline and good parenting. Some vulgar dialogue aside, moreover, there’s not much to prevent the sharing of those life lessons with older adolescents. Brief gun and physical violence, at least one instance each of profanity, milder swearing and rough language, a few crude and several crass expressions. 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.
Looking Ahead
Sunday, Dec. 7, 1:30-4 p.m. EST (AMC) “The Wizard of Oz” (1939). Dorothy rides her tornado to the magic land over the rainbow in director Victor Fleming’s classic that skyrocketed Judy Garland’s career and has given generations of families prime entertainment again and again. 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.
Sunday, Dec. 7, 9-11 p.m. EST (ABC) “The Santa Clause” (1994). Magically transformed into Santa Claus when he dons a Santa costume, a divorced dad (Tim Allen) takes a sleigh ride to the North Pole and back with his awed young son (Eric Lloyd), whose boisterous account of the experience moves his mom and stepdad (Wendy Crewson and Judge Reinhold) to seek to protect the child from a man they suspect has gone bonkers. Director John Pasquin’s cutesy comic fantasy is blandly amusing without reaching any discernible level of wit or adding anything new to the enduring Santa Claus legend. A vituperative relationship between divorced parents and occasional toilet humor. 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.
Monday, Dec. 8, 3-4:30 p.m. EST (EWTN) “Solemn Mass of the Immaculate Conception.” Cardinal Christophe Pierre, Apostolic Nuncio to the United States, is scheduled to serve as celebrant and homilist at this eucharistic liturgy broadcast from Washington’s Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception (TV-G — general audience).
Tuesday, Dec. 9, 8-9:45 p.m. EST (TCM) “These Three” (1936). Pooling their meager resources after college, two friends (Miriam Hopkins and Merle Oberon) open a school in a small town but face ruin because of lies about their relations with the local doctor (Joel McCrea) spread by a malicious student (Bonita Granville). Adapted from Lillian Hellman’s play and directed by William Wyler, the result offers an absorbing tale of people’s willingness to believe the worst about others. Menacing situations. The OSV News classification of the theatrical version was A-II — adults and adolescents. Not rated by the Motion Picture Association.
Wednesday, Dec. 10, 9-10:45 p.m. EST (TCM) “Charlotte’s Web” (1973). Charming animated musical version of E.B. White’s classic fable about a piglet who develops from the runt of the litter into the county fair champ with a little help from his friends, most notably the spider of the title. Directed by Charles A. Nichols, the Hanna-Barbera production is a gentle introduction to the natural cycle of life that will entertain youngsters and most others in the family. 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.
Friday, Dec. 12, 9-11 p.m. EST (PBS) “Starring Dick Van Dyke.” On the eve of his 100th birthday, this “American Masters” presentation celebrates the eight-decade long career of actor and comedian Dick Van Dyke.
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