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 25, 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 Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey” (2012; Amazon Prime)
Epic adaptation of the opening part of Catholic author J.R.R. Tolkien’s 1937 children’s novel “The Hobbit, or There and Back Again,” directed by Peter Jackson. In this first installment of a trio of prequels to Jackson’s “The Lord of the Rings” trilogy, also based on Tolkien’s fiction, a homebody hobbit (Martin Freeman) is reluctantly convinced by a wizard (Ian McKellen) to accompany and aid a group of dwarves (led by Richard Armitage) in their quest to recapture their ancient stronghold, a storehouse of fabulous wealth long ago conquered by a rampaging dragon. The heroism of ordinary people and the potential for everyday goodness to subdue evil are the primary themes of the long, combat-heavy adventure that follows. As the titular character proves his mettle, the corrupting effects of power are also showcased through his encounter with a cave dweller (Andy Serkis) who is obsessed with — and spiritually enslaved by — a magical ring. Not for the easily frightened or those with short attention spans, Jackson’s sweeping journey across Tolkien’s imaginary world of Middle-earth is an upbeat outing suitable for all others. Much bloodless action violence, some mild gross-out humor. The OSV News classification is A-II — adults and adolescents. The Motion Picture Association rating is PG-13 — parents strongly cautioned. Some material may be inappropriate for children under 13. (The sequels “The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug” (2013) and “The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies” (2014) are also streaming)
“The Insider” (1999; Hulu)
Fact-based, largely riveting account of how a CBS news producer (Al Pacino) is prevented from airing a “60 Minutes” interview with a tobacco company whistleblower (Russell Crowe) because the CBS corporate parent fears a costly lawsuit. As directed by Michael Mann, the lengthy, superbly acted, documentary-like drama explores corporate manipulation of journalism as well as the human cost to those involved in complex ethical issues. Frequent rough language and mature subject matter. 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 Sugarland Express” (1974; Netflix)
Young wife (Goldie Hawn) breaks her small-time criminal hubby (William Atherton) out of a Texas jail, helps him steal a state trooper’s car and, with its cop (Michael Saks) as hostage, the unlikely trio pick up a mass following of local lawmen. With the news media reporting the caravan’s every turn, public sentiment builds up enough to make the edgy wife-husband team into the stuff of legend, inevitably ending in tragedy. Director Steven Spielberg’s fact-based story has the feel of real people with very real needs and flaws, achieved by unusually fine performances from the principals. Much tension and some heavy violence. The OSV News classification is A-III — adults. The Motion Picture Association rating is PG — parental guidance suggested. Some material may not be suitable for children.
Looking Ahead
Sunday, May 25, 8-9:30 p.m. EDT (PBS) “National Memorial Day Concert 2025.” From the U.S. Capitol, the 36th annual live broadcast of America’s national night of remembrance.
Monday, May 26, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. EDT (EWTN) “Archdiocese for the Military Services Memorial Mass.” From Washington’s Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, this Eucharistic liturgy honors those who have died while serving in the United States Armed Forces (TV-G — general audience).
Monday, May 26, 8-11 p.m. EDT (TCM) “The Great Escape” (1963). Thrilling rendition of a fact-based story about an elaborate escape of Allied prisoners from a German POW camp during World War II. Steve McQueen is the most ambitious of a crew that includes James Garner, Charles Bronson, James Coburn and Richard Attenborough as they plot a mass escape which becomes an intriguing, highly entertaining suspense gripper. With John Sturges directing, it all builds to a stunning, sobering climax that both tugs at the heart and keeps it racing. The OSV News classification of the theatrical version was A-I — general patronage. Not rated by the Motion Picture Association.
Wednesday, May 28, 8-10 p.m. EDT (TCM) “The Big Clock” (1948). Intriguing suspense thriller embroils a crime magazine editor (Ray Milland) as the chief suspect in a murder committed by his megalomaniacal publisher (Charles Laughton). Directed by John Farrow, the tense narrative is nicely keyed to a collection of quirky characters (including Elsa Lanchester, George Macready and Henry Morgan). Mounting menace and some stylized violence. The OSV News classification of the theatrical version was A-II — adults and adolescents. Not rated by the Motion Picture Association.
Saturday, May 31, 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. EDT (AMC) “Three Amigos” (1986). Steve Martin stars in and produces but doesn’t dominate this pictorially grand but sometimes brutal Western parody about three silent screen actors playing silly caballeros in a Mexican village that mistakes them for hired gunmen. Chevy Chase and Martin Short supply the slapstick and wit for director John Landis, whose interest seems rooted in the physical comedy and dangerous stunts. Stylized violence and some rough language. 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.
Saturday, May 31, 8-9:39 p.m. EDT (Cinemax) “Unstoppable” (2010). This gripping suspense tale charts the efforts of a veteran rail engineer (Denzel Washington) and a novice conductor (Chris Pine) to stop a runaway train before it derails on a twisting stretch of track running through a densely populated Pennsylvania town. Though opposed by a scheming railroad executive (Kevin Dunn), the pair are assisted by a competent but overwhelmed yardmaster (Rosario Dawson) and by a savvy federal official (Kevin Corrigan). Bolstered by adept performances and by the amusing asides in Mark Bomback’s script, director Tony Scott crafts a diverting entertainment solidly founded on its main characters’ heroic selflessness and incorporating themes supportive of marriage and family life. A few scenes of graphic injury, about a dozen uses of profanity, at least one instance of the F-word, frequent crude or crass language. The OSV News classification of the theatrical version was A-III — adults. The Motion Picture Association rating was PG-13 — parents strongly cautioned. Some material may be inappropriate for children under 13.
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