Web site TV for Feb. 7 – Feb 13, 2010

TV film fare -- week of Feb.7

The following are capsule reviews of theatrical movies on network and cable television the week of Feb. 7. Please note that televised versions may or may not be edited for language, nudity, violence, and sexual situations.

Tuesday, Feb. 9, 5:30-8 p.m. EST (AMC) "Antwone Fisher" (2002). Inspirational true-life story of a troubled naval recruit (Derek Luke) who with the help of a Navy psychiatrist (Denzel Washington) learns to cope with the emotional devastation wreaked by childhood rejection and physical abuse. Despite a sometimes predictable narrative, Washington's directorial debut is a moving account of strength and survival, as well as a testament to the nobility of spirit inherent in every person. Some violence including depictions of child abuse, an implied sexual encounter and minimal rough language and profanity. The USCCB Office for Film & Broadcasting classification of the theatrical version was A-III -- adults. The Motion Picture Association of America rating was PG-13 -- parents strongly cautioned. Some material may be inappropriate for children under 13.

Thursday, Feb. 11, 8-9:45 p.m. EST (Showtime) "The Longshots" (2008). Fact-based sports drama in which an unemployed former high school football star (Ice Cube) living in a depressed factory town is hired by his hardworking sister-in-law (Tasha Smith) to mind his shy, bookish niece (Keke Palmer) and, discovering that the girl shares his gift for the game, becomes her trainer and gets her a tryout with a local, previously all-boys team. Director Fred Durst's upbeat, mostly unobjectionable film is a celebration of each individual's power to bring about both personal and civic renewal. Brief sexual humor, a couple of profanities, a few crass words and mild oaths. The USCCB Office for Film & Broadcasting classification of the theatrical version was A-II -- adults and adolescents. The Motion Picture Association of America rating was PG -- parental guidance suggested. Some material may not be suitable for children.

Friday, Feb. 12, 8-11 p.m. EST (ABC) "Spiderman 2" (2004). Satisfying sequel which finds the masked web-slinger (Tobey Maguire) struggling to choose between his lifelong love (Kirsten Dunst) and his superpowered destiny, while battling a new menace -- Dr. Octopus (Alfred Molina), a mad genius whose indestructible titanium tentacles give new meaning to the term armed and dangerous. Director Sam Raimi once again spins popcorn magic, buttressing a more emotionally layered story with thrill-ride effects, making it twice as much fun as the original. Much comic-book violence and a few scary scenes. The USCCB Office for Film & Broadcasting classification of the theatrical version was A-III -- adults. The Motion Picture Association of America rating was PG-13 -- parents strongly cautioned. Some material may be inappropriate for children under 13.

Saturday, Feb. 13, 2:15-5:45 p.m. EST (TCM) "War and Peace" (1956). Episodic Hollywood version of Leo Tolstoy's epic novel centers on Russian aristocrats (Mel Ferrer, Audrey Hepburn and Henry Fonda) caught up in the Napoleonic Wars. Directed by King Vidor, the U.S.-Italian co-production muddles through the human dimension of events but excels in its re-enactment of military movements and historic battles, especially Napoleon's retreat from Moscow through the devastations of a Russian winter. Stylized violence and muted romance. The USCCB Office for Film & Broadcasting classification of the theatrical version was A-I -- general patronage. Not rated by the Motion Picture Association of America.

Saturday, Feb. 13, 8-10 p.m. EST (HBO) "17 Again" (2009). Pleasant, though unremarkable romantic comedy about a dissatisfied middle-aged man (Matthew Perry) who gets his wish to be a high-school student (Zac Efron) again and, with the help of his lifelong best friend (Thomas Lennon), uses the opportunity to guide his teenage son (Sterling Knight) and daughter (Michelle Trachtenberg) and to revive his failing relationship with his wife (Leslie Mann). Director Burr Steers' formulaic star vehicle sees its protagonist standing up for the underdog and promoting sexual restraint but thematic elements make it best for mature teens and up. Premarital sexual situations, some sexual humor and references, about a dozen crass terms and at least one use of profanity. The USCCB Office for Film & Broadcasting classification of the theatrical version was A-III -- adults. The Motion Picture Association of America rating was PG-13 -- parents strongly cautioned. Some material may be inappropriate for children under 13.

Saturday, Feb. 13, 8-11 p.m. EST (ABC) "Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets" (2002). Less-involving sequel in which the young wizard (Daniel Radcliffe), suspected of being behind a nefarious plot that has been turning his fellow students into stone, must identify the true evildoer and face down a monstrous serpent. It is adapted from the second J.K. Rowling novel in the "Harry Potter" series; director Chris Columbus turns in a darker, uneven fantasy that alternates plodding exposition with clever special effects, a few of which may be too frightening for young children. Some scary fantasy menace, fleeting violence and a crude expression. The USCCB Office for Film & Broadcasting classification of the theatrical version was A-II -- adults and adolescents. The Motion Picture Association of America rating was PG -- parental guidance suggested. Some material may not be suitable for children.

Saturday, Feb. 13, 9-11 p.m. EST (Showtime) "Tyler Perry's The Family That Preys" (2008). Sudsy African-American domestic saga, set in Atlanta, charting the unlikely friendship between a white real-estate tycoon (Kathy Bates) and a hardworking and devout diner owner (Alfre Woodard) whose ambitious married daughter (Sanaa Lathan) is having an affair with the tycoon's son (Cole Hauser), who connives to take over his mother's business. As written and directed by Tyler Perry, the drama unfolds at a leisurely pace, often telegraphing the mostly shallow characters' schemes long before they are revealed and, though the restaurateur's Christian faith is overt throughout, the morally problematic climax is treated neutrally. Adultery theme, a suicide, brief domestic violence, tacit acceptability of divorce, some sexual references and occasional crass language. The USCCB Office for Film & Broadcasting classification of the theatrical version was A-III - adults. The Motion Picture Association of America rating was PG-13 -- parents strongly cautioned. Some material may be inappropriate for children under 13.

TV program notes -- week of Feb. 7

 Here are some television program notes for the week of Feb. 7 with their TV Parental Guidelines ratings if available. They have not been reviewed and therefore are not necessarily recommended by the Office for Film & Broadcasting.

Sunday, Feb. 7, 10-11 p.m. EST (EWTN) "The Knights of St. John." This special offers an overview of the 1,000-year history of the Knights of St. John, exploring the order's evolution from hospital service to militaristic defense of the faith, and back again to the care of the sick and needy.

Monday, Feb. 8, 9-10 p.m. EST (PBS) "The Bombing of Germany." Filmmaker Zvi Dor-Ner's documentary, presented as part of the series "American Experience," examines the British and American bombing campaign over Germany during World War II that claimed the lives of nearly half a million civilians (TV-14 -- parents strongly cautioned).
 
Tuesday, Feb. 9, 8-9 p.m. EST (PBS) "Extreme Cave Diving." In this episode of the series "Nova," scientist Kenny Broad dives into blue holes, underwater caves that formed during the last ice age when sea level was nearly 400 feet below what it is today (TV-G - general audience).

Tuesday, Feb. 9, 9-10 p.m. EST (History) "Earth's Deadliest Eruption." A look at one of the greatest catastrophes that the earth has endured. Two hundred and fifty million years ago, huge volumes of lava spewed out onto the planet's surface. The massive global warming that eventually resulted wreaked havoc, and 95 percent of the species on earth became extinct. Yet in time this disaster paved the way for the next great phase of life on earth -- the age of the dinosaurs. Presented as part of the series "How the Earth Was Made."

Wednesday, Feb. 10, 8-9 p.m. EST (PBS) "Faces of America With Henry Louis Gates Jr." Premiere of a four-part series in which, by using DNA testing and genealogical research, Harvard University professor Henry Louis Gates Jr. investigates the family stories and ancestry of 11 renowned Americans. This episode, "The Promise of America," explores the dynamic and shifting relationship America had with her new immigrants in the 20th century. Continues Wednesdays, 8-9 p.m. EST through March 3 (TV-PG -- parental guidance suggested).

Saturday, Feb. 13, 2-3:30 p.m. EST (EWTN) "Healing and Miracles at Lourdes." Beginning with a summary of events leading to the establishment of the shrine at Lourdes, France, this program focuses on the miraculous cures the Catholic Church says have occurred there, and moves on to an explanation of the process by which such cures are endorsed as credible by church authorities.