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 Sept. 20, 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:

“The Flintstones” (1994; Netflix)

Jaunty live-action version of the caveman cartoon series in which guileless Fred Flintstone (John Goodman) is the patsy in an embezzlement scheme at the quarry, which nearly wrecks his marriage to Wilma (Elizabeth Perkins) and threatens his friendship with neighbors Barney and Betty (Rick Moranis and Rosie O’Donnell). Director Brian Levant’s colorful, big-budget comedy offers moderately enjoyable nostalgia for grown-up fans of the TV series and, despite some mild sexual innuendo, whimsical fun for children. The OSV News classification is A-I — general patronage. The Motion Picture Association rating is PG — parental guidance suggested. Some material may not be suitable for children.

“Frost/Nixon” (2008; Amazon Prime)

Successful expansion of the Broadway and London stage hit about the genesis of talk-show host David Frost’s (Michael Sheen) historic TV discussions with disgraced former U.S. President Richard Nixon (Frank Langella) in 1977. Director Ron Howard and writer Peter Morgan build a good deal of suspense into Frost landing the interview and then getting Nixon publicly to admit for the first time his wrongdoing in the Watergate break-in scandal, with the stars giving pitch perfect performances. Some conversational rough language, brief profanity, crude expressions, an implied nonmarital relationship, fleeting rear nudity. Probably acceptable for older teens. The OSV News classification is A-III — adults. The Motion Picture Association rating is R — restricted. Under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian.

“Lakeview Terrace” (2008; Hulu)

Tensely absorbing racial drama about mixed-race newlyweds (Patrick Wilson and Kerry Washington) who move into a Southern California house next to a slyly threatening Los Angeles police officer (Samuel L. Jackson in top form) who deeply resents their union and proceeds to menace them. Director Neil LaBute slowly builds the suspense, but what starts as a fairly subtle psychological drama — with some interesting observations on racism and stereotypes — eventually morphs into a standard thriller. Rough and crude language, some profanity, moderate violence, murder, nongraphic sexuality, vulgar sexual allusions, birth control and drug references. 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, Sept. 20, 8-10 p.m. EDT (TCM) “Easter Parade” (1948). Classic Irving Berlin musical about a vaudeville dancer (Fred Astaire) who loses one dancing partner (Ann Miller) but gains stardom with another (Judy Garland). Directed by Charles Walters, the story’s little more than adequate but the principals make it all seem to matter, and the songs and dance numbers are bright and cheery. The OSV News classification of the theatrical version was A-I — general patronage. Not rated by the Motion Picture Association.

Wednesday, Sept. 23, 9-10 p.m. EDT (PBS) “Knowledge Keepers.” This episode of the series “Nova” explores the cultural traditions of some of North America’s indigenous peoples.

Thursday, Sept. 24, 2:30-5:30 p.m. EDT (EWTN) “Mass of Beatification.” Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, a pro-prefect in the Dicastery for Evangelization, is scheduled to preside at this Eucharistic liturgy at which Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen, who died in 1979, aged 84, will be beatified. Live coverage from The Dome at America’s Center in St. Louis, Missouri (TV-G — general audience).

Thursday, Sept. 24, 6-8 p.m. EDT (TCM) “An American in Paris” (1951). Stylish musical romance set in elegant 1920s Paris where an expatriate American painter (Gene Kelly) pursues a vision of beauty (Leslie Caron) while eluding the clutches of a wealthy patron (Nina Foch). Despite the flimsy plot, director Vincente Minnelli has no trouble delighting the ear with George Gershwin’s music and brother Ira’s lyrics while charming the eye with stylized production numbers, evocative period sets and a fine cast. Romantic complications. The OSV News classification of the theatrical version was A-II — adults and adolescents. Not rated by the Motion Picture Association.

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

Streaming Now:

Looking Ahead:

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