Web site TV for June 20 – June 26, 2010

TV film fare -- week of June 20

The following are capsule reviews of theatrical movies on network and cable television the week of June 20. Please note that televised versions may or may not be edited for language, nudity, violence and sexual situations.

Sunday, June 20, 10 a.m.-noon EDT (TCM) "I Never Sang for My Father" (1970). Gilbert Cates directs a solid adaptation of the Robert Anderson play about a grown son (Gene Hackman) forced to come to some decision about how to care for his aging father (Melvyn Douglas). Both give remarkable performances filled with compassion and understanding and their scenes together are charged with the love and hate that simultaneously bind them together and make them strangers. It would be fine for adolescents save for a rather frank bedroom scene. The Catholic News Service classification of the theatrical version was A-III -- adults. The Motion Picture Association of America rating was PG -- parental guidance suggested. Some material may not be suitable for children.

Friday, June 25, 8-10 p.m. EDT (TCM) "Beneath the 12-Mile Reef" (1953). Colorful, unpretentious melodrama set in the Florida Keys where the son (Robert Wagner) of a Greek-American sponge fisherman (Gilbert Roland) falls in love with the daughter (Terry Moore) of a redneck rival fisherman (Richard Boone). Director Robert D. Webb depicts the dangers awaiting sponge divers in the deep, then focuses on the problems of the young couple in winning over the girl's family. Brief violence and menacing situations. The Catholic News Service classification of the theatrical version was A-I -- general patronage. Not rated by the Motion Picture Association of America.

Saturday, June 26, 10 a.m.-noon EDT (AMC) "Buffalo Bill" (1944). Fanciful story of the frontiersman (Joel McCrea) whose exploits were celebrated in dime novels and led to his success touring the world with his own Wild West show. Directed by William Wellman, the Western action is colorful but hokey, with Maureen O'Hara and Linda Darnell as romantic interests. Frontier violence and Indian stereotypes. The Catholic News Service classification of the theatrical version was A-I -- general patronage. Not rated by the Motion Picture Association of America.

Saturday, June 26, 8-10:30 p.m. EDT (HBO) "Funny People" (2009). Told he has only a short time to live, a successful but isolated Hollywood comedian (a pitch-perfect Adam Sandler) hires a struggling comedy novice (Seth Rogen) as his assistant and sidekick, but their budding friendship is threatened by the protege's disapproval of his mentor's potentially destructive reunion with a now-married ex-girlfriend (Leslie Mann). Under a thick crust of raunchy humor and ostensibly misguided sexual attitudes, mature viewers willing to endure a barrage of vulgarity may discern a moving affirmation of moral courage, marital fidelity and the pursuit, however halting, of a meaningful, committed life in writer-director Judd Apatow's overlong but generally effective seriocomic tale. Brief graphic nonmarital sexual activity, adultery, upper female nudity, pervasive rough and crude language, and a half-dozen uses of profanity. The Catholic News Service classification of the theatrical version was L -- limited adult audience, films whose problematic content many adults would find troubling. The Motion Picture Association of America rating was R -- restricted. Under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian.

Saturday, June 26, 10-11:45 p.m. EDT (Cinemax) "A Perfect Getaway" (2009). Newlyweds (Steve Zahn and Milla Jovovich) on a hiking honeymoon in a remote area of Hawaii fear that an unwed couple they've befriended (Timothy Olyphant and Kiele Sanchez) may be serial killers on the lam. After a reasonably intriguing central twist, though one that fails to jibe entirely with what has gone before, director David Twohy's thriller becomes overwrought and excessively violent. Considerable action violence, some of it gory; cohabitation; drug use; rear and partial nudity; a half-dozen uses of profanity; and much rough and crude language. The Catholic News Service classification of the theatrical version was L -- limited adult audience, films whose problematic content many adults would find troubling. The Motion Picture Association of America rating was R -- restricted. Under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian.

TV program notes -- week of June 20

Here are some television program notes for the week of June 20 with their TV Parental Guidelines ratings if available. They have not been reviewed and therefore are not necessarily recommended by Catholic News Service.

Sunday, June 20, 10-11 p.m. EDT (EWTN) "That I May See." Featuring actress Ruth Hussey and actor Raymond Burr, among others, this classic program highlights both the Sermon on the Mount and the miracles of Jesus, including bringing sight to the blind.
Monday, June 21, 10-11 p.m. EDT (PBS) "Unforgettable: The Korean War." Korean War veterans recount their memories of the conflict which began on June 25, 1950, and which killed tens of thousands of U.S. soldiers while affecting many more lives at home (TV-PG -- parental guidance suggested).

Tuesday, June 22, 8-10 p.m. EDT (History) "Who Really Discovered America?" This special explores the possibility that the Chinese, Japanese, Polynesians, Norse, Welsh, Irish and ancient Hebrews all made it to the Americas earlier than Columbus.

Wednesday, June 23, 2-3 p.m. EDT (EWTN) "St. Ethelreda: Abbess of Ely." This program offers an encounter with the inspiring Saxon saint (c. 636-679) who lived a radical life that will touch and encourage Catholics of today.

Wednesday, June 23, 8-9 p.m. EDT (PBS) "America's Orchestra: Celebrating 125 Years of the Boston Pops." An anniversary tribute featuring some of the greatest moments from the Boston Pops' 125-year history, outlining the orchestra's transformation from summertime entertainment for Bostonians to the national icon and beloved institution of today. Craig Ferguson hosts (TV-G - general audience).