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 Aug. 9, 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:
“Memento” (2001; Netflix)
Haunting tale about a former insurance agent (Guy Pearce) suffering from short-term memory loss who vows to avenge the rape and murder of his wife. A remarkable yet flawed psychological puzzle, writer-director Christopher Nolan’s film tells its story in reverse, beginning at the end yet maintaining suspense, but the unstable lead character’s deadly revenge-seeking is disturbing. Some strong violence, brief drug content, fleeting rear nudity and much rough language with a few instances of 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 R — restricted. Under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian.
“The Wild Robot” (2024: Amazon Prime)
This animated adaptation of the children’s book by Peter Brown, written and directed by Chris Sanders, is solid and refreshing entertainment for the entire family. An orphaned gosling (voice of Kit Connor) bonds with a shipwrecked alien robot (voice of Lupita Nyong’o), who rises to the occasion, adapting her programming to serve as “mother,” teacher, and peacemaker. A sly fox (voice of Pedro Pascal) instructs her in the predatory ways of the natural world. By turns humorous and heartwarming, the film offers much-needed messages about the sanctity of life, kindness and reconciliation. Scenes of mild peril. 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.
Looking Ahead:
Sunday, Aug. 9, 6-8 p.m. EDT (TCM) “Heaven Can Wait” (1943). After a lifetime which he sums up as “one continuous misdemeanor,” a deceased but still dapper playboy (Don Ameche) seeks accommodations from the Devil (Laird Cregar) rather than applying “upstairs.” Director Ernst Lubitsch’s zesty comedy of family life in late 19th-century New York makes good use of a splendid cast (Gene Tierney, Charles Coburn, Eugene Pallette and Marjorie Main) and a witty script with a droll afterlife fantasy opening and close. Mild sexual innuendo. The OSV News classification of the theatrical version was A-II — adults and adolescents. Not rated by the Motion Picture Association.
Sunday, Aug. 9, 8:33-11 p.m. EDT (ABC) “While You Were Sleeping” (1995). Endearing screwball comedy in which the family of a comatose yuppie (Peter Gallagher) mistakenly believes he’s engaged to a Chicago “El” token attendant (Sandra Bullock) who’s actually attracted to the man’s gentle brother (Bill Pullman), though neither will admit they’re falling in love. Director Jon Turteltaub strengthens a predictable love story by fleshing it out with appealing characterizations of the brothers’ big-hearted Catholic family and their wise Jewish neighbor (Jack Warden). Mild sexual innuendo and minimal profanity. The OSV News classification of the theatrical version was A-III — adults. The Motion Picture Association rating was PG — parental guidance suggested. Some material may not be suitable for children.
Tuesday, Aug. 11, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. EDT (EWTN) “Father James E. Coyle Memorial Mass.” Bishop Steven J. Raica of Birmingham, Alabama, is scheduled to preside at this Eucharistic liturgy commemorating Father James E. Coyle, an Irish-born priest whose service to the Catholics of Alabama was cut short by his murder Aug. 11, 1921, when he was only 48 years old. Part of the series “Cathedrals Across America.” The liturgy will re-air 11:30 p.m.-1 a.m. EDT (TV-G – general audience).
Friday, Aug. 14, 9:45-11:45 p.m. EDT (TCM) “The Front Page” (1974). New edition of the Charles MacArthur-Ben Hecht play about tough Chicago newspapermen in the 1920s pits Jack Lemmon as the ace reporter against Walter Matthau as his wily editor. Directed by Billy Wilder, there is plenty of sharp, fast comedy straight out of the original, but nicely put over by a fine cast and a few neat touches of the director. Some, however, will be put off by the constant stream of pressroom profanity. The OSV News classification of the theatrical version was A-III — adults. The Motion Picture Association rating was PG — parental guidance suggested. Some material may not be suitable for children.
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