Home viewing roundup: What's available to stream and what's on the horizon

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 May 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

“Domestic Disturbance” (2001; Netflix)

Tautly paced thriller in which a divorced father (John Travolta) must protect his 12-year-old son (Matt O’Leary) from his dangerous new stepfather (Vince Vaughn) whom the son saw commit murder. Though the run-of-the-mill narrative has its flaws, director Harold Becker’s campy film keeps the action moving by relying on the endangered-child angle and a chilling music score. Some violence, a fleeting sexual reference and intermittent profanity with brief 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.

“Get Shorty” (1995; Amazon Prime)

Black comedy finds parallels between moviemaking and racketeering when a gangster (John Travolta) tries to collect a debt owed by an inept movie producer (Gene Hackman), then decides to produce movies with him instead. Directed by Barry Sonnenfeld from Elmore Leonard’s novel, the fast-paced, wickedly funny satire lampoons the Hollywood world of unabashedly greedy, would-be movers and shakers. Brief violence, restrained bedroom scenes and recurring rough language. The OSV News classification is A-III — adults. The Motion Picture Association rating is R — restricted. Under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian.

“War of the Worlds” (2005; Hulu)

Impressive but distressingly violent updating of H.G. Wells’ classic sci-fi story, about (in this version) a deadbeat dad (Tom Cruise) who is jolted into responsible parenthood when he must struggle to survive and keep his two children (Justin Chatwin and Dakota Fanning) safe amid a hostile invasion by space aliens bent on exterminating humanity. Directed by Steven Spielberg, the decidedly dark and scary thrill ride delivers edge-of-your-seat excitement and knockout action sequences, which though visually stunning never drown out the human drama at its core about a father trying to reconnect with his children. Intense sci-fi violence, including mass destruction and slaughter, disintegrated bodies, a murder with extenuating circumstances, child peril, as well as scattered crude language and profanity. The OSV News classification is L — limited adult audience, films whose problematic content many adults would find troubling. The Motion Picture Association rating is PG-13 — parents strongly cautioned. Some material may be inappropriate for children under 13.

Looking Ahead

Sunday, May 31, 11:45 a.m.-1:30 p.m. EDT (TCM) “Watership Down” (1978). British animated adaptation of Richard Adams’ popular novel about a band of brave rabbits making a dangerous journey in search of a new home has been done with taste and intelligence under Martin Rosen’s direction. Some of the voices belong to John Hurt, Ralph Richardson, Denholm Elliott and Harry Andrews, with Zero Mostel providing comic relief as a zany German seagull. Some scenes may be too intense for younger children. 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, May 31, 8:33-11 p.m. EDT (ABC) “Who Framed Roger Rabbit” (1988). Down-and-out 1940s Hollywood gumshoe (Bob Hoskins) attempts to clear the name of murder suspect Roger Rabbit, a cartoon stunt clown. Director Robert Zemeckis and animator Richard Williams achieve a seamless interaction of animated and human characters in this touching, hilarious movie. Some scary threats of violence and humorous sexual references. 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.

Thursday, June 4, 10-11:30 p.m. EDT (PBS) “250 Years of Americana.” In observance of the approaching semiquincentennial of U.S. independence, this episode of the weekly series “Antiques Roadshow” explores 250 years of American art, artifacts, crafts and collectibles.

Saturday, June 6, 9:30 a.m.-noon EDT (EWTN) “Eucharistic Procession Through Washington.” Coverage of this portion of the National Eucharistic Pilgrimage will be broadcast from the capital’s Catholic Information Center (TV-G — general audience).

Saturday, June 6, 6-8:45 p.m. EDT (AMC) “Captain America: The First Avenger” (2011). A complete absence of cynicism, a crackling undercurrent of dry wit and the classical purity of its golden-age Hollywood references distinguish this comic book adaptation relating the origins story of the titular superhero (Chris Evans). Director Joe Johnston displays a warm affinity for America in the 1940s as he chronicles the muscular warrior’s battle against a rogue Nazi (Hugo Weaving) and his restrained romance with a fetching scientist (Hayley Atwell). Despite some scenes of destruction, the result is, for the most part, full-on family entertainment of the old school. Much action violence, including gunplay. The OSV News classification of the theatrical version was A-II — adults and adolescents. The Motion Picture Association rating was PG-13 — parents strongly cautioned. Some material may be inappropriate for children under 13. (Followed by the sequel “Captain America: The Winter Soldier” (2014), 8:45-11:45 p.m. EDT.)

Home viewing roundup: What’s available to stream and what’s on the horizon

Streaming Now

Looking Ahead

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