Jacob Tremblay and Brie Larson star in a scene from the movie "Room." The OSV News classification is A-III -- adults. The Motion Picture Association of America rating is R -- restricted. Under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian. (OSV News photo/courtesy A24, CNS archive)
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NEW YORK (OSV News) – 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. 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:
"Emma" (2020; Amazon Prime)
Delightful screen version of Jane Austen's classic novel in which the young British gentlewoman of the title (Anya Taylor-Joy) tries her hand at matchmaking on behalf of a fortuneless friend (Mia Goth) while flirting with a visitor (Callum Turner) to her small country town and repeatedly locking horns with an old friend (Johnny Flynn). Director Autumn de Wilde's feature debut captures perfectly Austen's droll insights into human nature, from the medical paranoia of Emma's father (Bill Nighy), with his perpetual fear of drafts, to the good-hearted dullness of a trivialities-spouting neighbor (Miranda Hart). Only the momentary introduction of a bit of visual earthiness, presumably meant to balance off the overall painterly elegance of the picture, need give parents pause. Possibly acceptable for older teens. Fleeting rear male and partial female nudity in a nonsexual context, an illegitimacy theme, one mild oath. 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.
"Marley & Me" (2008; Hulu)
Heartwarming, often rambling, but consistently likable true story about a journalist couple (Owen Wilson and Jennifer Aniston) in West Palm Beach, Florida, who adopt an unruly Labrador whose companionship sees them through the joys and vicissitudes of family life. Director David Frankel's adaptation of John Grogan's best-seller is deceptively plotless. But the leads are most engaging, the affirmation of marriage and parenthood strongly positive, actions always motivated by compassion and decency, and there's a bittersweet ending that will speak powerfully to anyone who's ever had a deep emotional connection to a pet. A few crass words and expressions, brief mild innuendo and sexual references. The OSV News classification is A-II -- adults and adolescents. The Motion Picture Association rating is PG -- parental guidance suggested. Some material may not be suitable for children.
"Room" (2015; Netflix)
Poignant study of the love between a mother (Brie Larson) and her 5-year-old son (Jacob Tremblay), both of whom are held captive in a backyard shed by a sexual predator (Sean Bridgers) who kidnapped the young woman and fathered the boy. Born and raised within this confined space, the lad is confused by tales of the outside world but must rally his courage when an opportunity for escape presents itself. In adapting her own 2010 novel, screenwriter Emma Donoghue successfully renders everyday life as an alien environment for her bewildered protagonist, who also narrates, while subtly examining human adaptability, the power of imagination and the ironies underlying what appears on the surface to be an all-too-straightforward situation. Viewers of faith will particularly appreciate the biblical overtones of director Lenny Abrahamson's somber but ultimately hopeful parable, the moral impact of which may make it acceptable for some mature adolescents. Brief abusive violence, mature themes including serial rape and suicide, an overheard but unseen sexual encounter, a couple of profanities, several rough terms. The OSV News classification is A-III -- adults. The Motion Picture Association rating is R -- restricted. Under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian.
Looking Ahead:
Sunday, Aug. 25, 8:30-11 p.m. EDT (ABC) "The Princess Diaries" (2001). Conventional comedy about a gawky 15-year-old girl (Anne Hathaway) who suddenly discovers she is the sole heir to a tiny European country and with the help of her newfound grandmother (Julie Andrews) must learn to act like a princess. Although mildly pleasant, director Garry Marshall's film has a prefab quality that even the classy Andrews cannot overcome. The OSV News classification of the theatrical version was A-I -- general patronage. The Motion Picture Association rating was G -- general audiences. All ages admitted.
Monday, Aug. 26, 10-11:30 p.m. EDT (PBS) "Almost American." A look at the impact of the debate over immigration on a Salvadoran family living in Washington. Part of the series "Voces."
Tuesday, Aug. 27, 8-9:30 p.m. EDT (PBS) "Blake Edwards: A Love Story in 24 Frames." This episode of the series "American Masters" focuses on the work of the celebrated Hollywood director, perhaps best remembered for the "Pink Panther" franchise, who died in 2010, aged 88.
Thursday, Aug. 29, 12:10-1:40 p.m. EDT (EWTN) "The Catholic University of America: Mass of the Holy Spirit." Broadcast live from Washington's Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, this Eucharistic liturgy marks the opening of the academic year at The Catholic University of America (TV-G – general audience).
Friday, Aug. 30, 6-8 p.m. EDT (TCM) "Top Hat" (1935). Stylish musical romance between a hoofer (Fred Astaire) and a socialite (Ginger Rogers) starts with comic misunderstandings in London, then goes on to ever more zany encounters in Venice. Director Mark Sandrich keeps the lightweight proceedings on the boil, with only the dance routines and Irving Berlin songs providing any substance. Sexual innuendo and frivolous treatment of marriage. The OSV News classification of the theatrical version was A-III -- adults. Not rated by the Motion Picture Association. (Part of a 24-hour marathon of films featuring Rogers, beginning with "Rafter Romance" (1933), 6-7:15 a.m. EDT and ending with "Storm Warning" (1951), 4-6 a.m. EDT, Saturday, Aug. 31.)
Saturday, Aug. 31, 2:55-5:05 p.m. EDT (HBO) "Sherlock Holmes" (2009). This vigorous but frequently violent addition to the chronicles of the iconic sleuth sees Holmes (entertainingly sly Robert Downey Jr.) and his perennial sidekick Dr. Watson (Jude Law) on the trail of a Satan-worshipping homicidal aristocrat (Mark Strong) who has inspired a wave of public panic by apparently rising from the dead after his execution. Watson's plans to abandon detective work to marry the young woman (Kelly Reilly) for whom he has fallen, as well as the appearance of a femme fatale (Rachel McAdams) who has bested and befuddled Holmes in the past, heighten the tension. As envisioned by director Guy Ritchie, this brawny Sherlock slugs his way through several bone-crunching square-offs across Victorian London while investigating the dark doings of the Masonic-style secret society to which the errant lord belonged and which may hold the key to his seemingly supernatural powers. Considerable action violence, occult themes, satanic activity, brief irreverence, a sexual situation, a few sexual references and jokes. 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.- - - John Mulderig is media reviewer for OSV News. Follow him on X (formerly Twitter) @JohnMulderig1.