NEW YORK (CNS) -- The following are capsule reviews of theatrical movies on network and cable television the week of Dec. 2. Please note that televised versions may or may not be edited for language, nudity, violence and sexual situations.

Sunday, Dec. 2, 5:30-8 p.m. EST (A&E) "Ocean's Thirteen" (2007). After a convoluted European sojourn in "Ocean's Twelve," the third film in the stylish caper franchise returns to its entertaining if morally questionable Las Vegas roots as Danny Ocean (George Clooney) and company -- motivated by loyalty to their cohort Reuben (Elliott Gould) -- target an egotistical hotel mogul (Al Pacino). The buildup is more exciting than the payoff, but director Steven Soderbergh makes it easy to watch all the moving parts in this elaborate and of course improbable job. Some glorification of crime, crude language and profanity, sexual innuendo, one extended if nongraphic scene of sensuality. The Catholic News Service 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.

Monday, Dec. 3, 8-9:30 p.m. EST (TCM) "The Kennel Murder Case" (1933). Twisty murder mystery in which S.S. Van Dine's gentleman sleuth, Philo Vance (William Powell), proves that a dead man in a room locked from the inside is no suicide, then uses a dog to trick the killer into making a confession. Directed by Michael Curtiz, the mystery is intelligently plotted and unfolds in witty fashion, with Eugene Pallette's bungling cop especially amusing. Stylized violence and menacing situations. The Catholic News Service classification of the theatrical version was A-II -- adults and adolescents. Not rated by the Motion Picture Association of America. (First of a six-movie marathon of Philo Vance films, concluding 4:30 a.m. EST)

Tuesday, Dec. 4, 10:15 p.m.-midnight EST (TCM) "Boys Town" (1938). Sentimental but emotionally honest story of how Father Flanagan (Spencer Tracy) built his school for homeless and delinquent youths during the Depression. Directed by Norman Taurog, the Hollywood version centers on the conflict between the priest's charismatic powers of persuasion and a street tough (Mickey Rooney) who only thinks he's hard-boiled. Tracy's Oscar-winning performance as a role model for those in need of one was a credible blend of the idealistic and the pragmatic. The Catholic News Service classification of the theatrical version was A-I -- general patronage. Not rated by the Motion Picture Association of America.

Wednesday, Dec. 5, 6-8 p.m. EST (Showtime) "The Untouchables" (1987). Brian De Palma, not known for directorial subtleties, provides an almost camp parody of the TV original as federal agent Eliot Ness (Kevin Costner), portrayed as an inept family man, gets the goods on infamous Chicago gang boss Al Capone (Robert De Niro). The violence is dreamlike and distanced in a highly stylized crime-stopper movie that has some harsh language and brutal intensity. The Catholic News Service classification of the theatrical version was A-III -- adults. The Motion Picture Association of America rating was R -- restricted. Under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian.

Saturday, Dec. 8, 9-11:30 a.m. EST (AMC) "Christmas in Connecticut" (1945). Breezy romantic comedy in which the unmarried writer (Barbara Stanwyck) of a popular homemaker column has to invent a husband, baby and country home after her unsuspecting publisher (Sydney Greenstreet) invites a war hero (Dennis Morgan) to celebrate Christmas with her "family." Directed by Peter Godfrey, the slickly contrived proceedings benefit from a capable cast, but the slapdash humor is uneven and the romance less than convincing. Romantic situations, sexual innuendo and much comic duplicity. The Catholic News Service classification of the theatrical version was A-III -- adults. Not rated by the Motion Picture Association of America.

Saturday, Dec. 8, 8-10:20 p.m. EST (HBO) "Ready Player One" (2018). Director Steven Spielberg's adaptation of the 2011 novel by Ernest Cline (who co-wrote the screenplay with Zak Penn) offers a dizzying immersion into virtual reality via an alternative universe called the Oasis. In the dystopian world of the year 2045, everyone straps on a pair of goggles and uses this device to escape their miserable existence and embrace narcissism. Before he died, its creator, an eccentric scientist (Mark Rylance), designed a contest for his gamers, the winner of which would not only inherit his fortune but gain control of the Oasis. Motivated by greed, a wicked CEO (Ben Mendelsohn) harnesses the resources of his corporation to solve this puzzle. Out to thwart the powerful villain's scheme are an intrepid teenager (Tye Sheridan), the lad's love interest (Olivia Cooke) and a gaggle of his friends. Spielberg's sci-fi fantasy initially offers relatively wholesome escapist fun. But it becomes suitable for mature viewers only once key scenes from the inventor's favorite movie, 1980's "The Shining," are re-created. Intense violence with gore, much stylized mayhem, brief sensuality and partial nudity, one use of profanity, occasional crude language. The Catholic News Service 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.

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Mulderig is on the staff of Catholic News Service.