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 15, 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
“Chef” (2014; Netflix)
A mouthwatering comedy-drama about one man’s obsession with food and family written and directed by Jon Favreau, who also plays the title role. Though a successful chef at a trendy California restaurant, Favreau’s character is frustrated by having to prepare the same dishes, over and over, as demanded by his boss (Dustin Hoffman). After an ill-advised confrontation with an influential critic and blogger (Oliver Platt) costs him his job, his ex-wife (Sofia Vergara) invites him to tag along on a trip to Miami where he got his start in the kitchen. There he’s offered the opportunity to take charge of a rundown food truck as a way to reinvent himself and reignite his passion for cooking. His altered lifestyle also gives him the chance to reconnect with his young son (Emjay Anthony). An implied nonmarital relationship, drug use, occasional profane and crude language, some mildly adult humor. The OSV News classification is A-III — adults. The Motion Picture Association rating is R — restricted. Under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian.
“The Horse Soldiers” (1959; Amazon Prime)
Sprawling Civil War tale of a Union colonel (John Wayne) leading an 1863 cavalry raid to cut Vicksburg’s railroad lines but running into plenty of trouble from Southern civilians, Confederate regulars and a boys’ military academy. Director John Ford stages the action scenes with his usual gusto but places them in an unusually somber context through the comments of the troop’s surgeon (William Holden) who opposes the colonel’s scorched-earth tactics and their heavy casualties. Wartime violence. The OSV News classification is A-I — general patronage. Not rated by the Motion Picture Association.
“Ratatouille” (2007; Hulu)
Delectable animated tale of a cute rat (voiced by Patton Oswalt) who, inspired by the spirit of a famous late chef (Brad Garrett), develops his improbable passion for cooking by becoming the secret adviser to an esteemed Paris restaurant’s hapless garbage boy (Lou Romano), turning the latter into a star chef, while the eatery’s jealous head chef (Ian Holm) contrives to uncover the secret of the boy’s success. Writer-director Brad Bird’s gorgeously animated production has a rare sophistication that should entertain adults as much as their children, while the messages of teamwork, honesty and following one’s dreams are strongly conveyed. Subtle implication of a character born out of wedlock. The OSV News classification is A-I — general patronage. The Motion Picture Association rating is G — general audiences. All ages admitted.
Looking Ahead
Sunday, March 15, 3:30-5:30 p.m. EDT (TCM) “Sunset Boulevard” (1950). A deluded former silent movie star (Gloria Swanson) hires an unemployed writer (William Holden) to work with her on a return to the big screen, and becomes romantically obsessed with him, leading to tragic results. Director and co-writer Billy Wilder’s dark comedy is an acknowledged classic, and Swanson gave an indelible performance. Sensuality, violence. The OSV News classification of the theatrical version was A-II — adults and adolescents. Not rated by the Motion Picture Association.
Sunday, March 15, 7-10:32 p.m. EDT (ABC) “The Oscars.” Live broadcast of the 98th Academy Awards ceremony, hosted by Conan O’Brien at the Dolby Theatre at Ovation Hollywood (TV-14/D/L/V – parents strongly cautioned; intensely suggestive dialogue, strong coarse language, intense violence).
Tuesday, March 17, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. EDT (EWTN) “St. Patrick’s Day Mass From Knock.” This liturgy for the Feast of St. Patrick is broadcast live from Ireland’s International Eucharistic and Marian Shrine in Knock, County Mayo.
Tuesday, March 17, 7-10 p.m. EDT (AMC) “Goodfellas” (1990). The heady rise and eventual downfall of three Brooklyn hoods (Ray Liotta, Robert De Niro and Joe Pesci) are shown from one gangster’s warped point of view in this fact-based story spanning 30 years. Director Martin Scorsese synthesizes flowing cinematography, an eye for details and commanding performances into a chilling re-creation of the empty glamor, endless greed and sick violence that characterize mob life. Much graphic violence and 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 R — restricted. Under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian.
Wednesday, March 18, 8-9 p.m. EDT (PBS) “Portugal: Wild Land on the Edge.” A look at the landscapes and wildlife of Portugal and the impact on them of that nation’s history as a global trading hub. Part of the series “Nature.”
Wednesday, March 18, 8-10:15 p.m. EDT (TCM) “National Velvet” (1944). Warmly sentimental story of an English country girl (Elizabeth Taylor) who sets her heart on entering her spirited horse, Pie, in the Grand National Steeplechase, England’s most challenging race, and with the help of an ex-jockey (Mickey Rooney) and supportive parents (Anne Revere and Donald Crisp), her great expectations are finally realized. Directed by Clarence Brown, it is a fine picture of youthful ambition and determination fostered within a caring, loving home. A family classic with special appeal for youngsters. The OSV News classification of the theatrical version was A-I — general patronage. Not rated by the Motion Picture Association.
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