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 Oct. 18, 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:

“Casino Royale” (2006; Amazon Prime)

Adrenaline-charged adaptation of Ian Fleming’s first James Bond novel (spoofed in a 1967 film of the same title) in which the iconic British superspy (Daniel Craig in his 007 debut) must infiltrate a high-stakes card game organized by a banker (Mads Mikkelsen) to international terrorists. Director Martin Campbell’s addition to the franchise (the 21st overall) jettisons the campy elements of past films for a grittier, more serious return to the harder-edged tone of the books — especially in regard to the violence — blending virtuoso action sequences and substantial character development to show the origins of the Bond mythology. Virile yet vulnerable, Craig’s secret agent is less the sophisticated playboy — though there is the usual womanizing — and more a brash and brooding assassin. Recurring strong action violence, including an intense torture scene, adultery, partial nudity, sexual situations, and some mildly crude 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.

“Dr. Seuss’ Horton Hears a Who!” (2008; Netflix)

Enchanting animated adaptation of the classic children’s book about a warmhearted elephant (voice of Jim Carrey) who discovers that a speck of dust is home to the microscopic town of Who-ville, led by a slightly eccentric mayor (Steve Carell), and who must find the particle a safe resting place despite the opposition of a closed-minded kangaroo (Carol Burnett) and a wicked but dim eagle (Will Arnett). The film, co-directed by Jimmy Hayward and Steve Martino, promotes excellent values and the script, performances and animation all match the high quality of the original source material. The OSV News classification is A-I — general patronage. The Motion Picture Association rating is G — general audiences. All ages admitted.

“Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian” (2009; Hulu)

Enjoyable sequel, again directed by Shawn Levy, has the ex-Museum of Natural History night guard (Ben Stiller) traveling to Washington to rescue his formerly inanimate friends — the museum’s display figures (Owen Wilson, Robin Williams, Steve Coogan) — from being archived in the Smithsonian. With the help of Amelia Earhart (Amy Adams) and General Custer (Bill Hader), they must ward off Egyptian pharaoh Kahmunrah (funny Hank Azaria), Ivan the Terrible (Christopher Guest), Napoleon Bonaparte (Alain Chabat) and Al Capone (Jon Bernthal). Kids will love the gags (the humor stays clean) and excellent special effects while adults will appreciate the wit of some of the D.C. museum’s most iconic paintings and sculptures springing to life. 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. (“Night at the Museum” (2006) and “Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb” (2014) are also streaming.)

Looking Ahead:

Sunday, Oct. 18, 9-11 p.m. EDT (ABC) “Hocus Pocus” (1993). Three witches (Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker and Kathy Najimy), brought back to life in a Halloween prank by teenagers, scour a New England village for children whose life force they need to survive beyond the break of day. Directed by Kenny Ortega, the spooky comedy misfires by lavishing its attention on ghoulish special effects rather than the contrived predicaments of silly youngsters and dopey adults. Multiple vivid frights and some sexual innuendo. 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.

Tuesday, Oct. 20, 10-11 p.m. EDT (PBS) “Haiti Deportation Crisis.” This episode of the series “Frontline” examines the U.S. government’s changing policy toward Haitian migrants.

Wednesday, Oct. 21, 8-9 p.m. EDT (EWTN) “EWTN Live.” On this edition of the weekly program, series host Jesuit Father Mitch Pacwa is joined by Bishop Stephen D. Parkes of Savannah, Georgia, and his diocese’s vicar for mission advancement, Father Pablo Migone (TV-G — general audience).

Wednesday, Oct. 21, 8-9:30 p.m. EDT (TCM) “The Jackie Robinson Story” (1950). Robinson stars as himself in a dramatized account of his life from college athlete and World War II service to being hired in 1946 by Brooklyn Dodgers president Branch Rickey (Minor Watson) as the first black player in modern-era major league baseball. Directed by Alfred E. Green, the low-budget production emphasizes Robinson’s prowess on the field and his resolve to be, in the then-current phrase, a credit to his race, despite insults and threats by white bigots. Halting but sincere treatment of its era’s struggle for racial equality. The OSV News classification of the theatrical version was A-I — general patronage. Not rated by the Motion Picture Association.

Friday, Oct. 23, 5:15-7 p.m. EDT (TCM) “Annie Oakley” (1935). Robust story of an Ohio country girl (Barbara Stanwyck) whose prowess with a hunting rifle starts her on the way to fame as the star sharpshooter of Buffalo Bill’s Wild West Show. Director George Stevens provides a lively picture of late 19th-century America as well as a gentle story of Annie’s love for a boastful trick shooter (Preston Foster). Enjoyable both for its colorful Western action and appealing success story. The OSV News classification of the theatrical version was A-I — general patronage. 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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