May 31 – June 6

TV film fare -- week of May 31

The following are capsule reviews of theatrical movies on network and cable television the week of May 31. Please note that televised versions may or may not be edited for language, nudity, violence and sexual situations.

Tuesday, June 2, 8-10:30 p.m. EDT (AMC) "Ghostbusters" (1984). Three parapsychologists (Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd and Harold Ramis), bounced from Columbia University because of the dubious nature of their research, go into private practice as ghost exterminators and find that all hell is about to break loose, quite literally. There are some very funny moments, largely due to Murray, but director Ivan Reitman lets the spectacular special effects begin to dominate midway and the humor fades. Some adult ribald jokes. The USCCB Office for Film & Broadcasting 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.

Thursday, June 4, 9-10:45 p.m. EDT (TCM) "The Seventh Seal" (1956). Intense medieval morality tale about a disillusioned knight (Max von Sydow) returning from the Crusades to a plague-ravaged land where he forestalls Death (Bengt Ekerot) by wagering his life on a game of chess during the course of which he saves a traveling player named Joseph (Nils Poppe), his wife, Mary (Bibi Andersson), and their infant son. Swedish director Ingmar Bergman convincingly re-creates the religious context of the Middle Ages but the knight's quest to find meaning in a world of physical suffering and spiritual emptiness has less to do with religious faith than with the contemporary search for the life's meaning in our own age of doubt and uncertainty. Subtitles. Recurring images of death, some stylized violence and instances of religious fanaticism. The USCCB Office for Film & Broadcasting classification of the theatrical version was A-III -- adults. Not rated by the Motion Picture Association of America.

Thursday, June 4, 10:45 p.m.-12:30 a.m. EDT (TCM) "Wild Strawberries" (1958). During the day on which he is to be awarded an honorary degree from a nearby university, a 78-year-old retired scholar (Victor Sjostrom in a masterful performance) is visited with dreams and reveries about his past life, especially his failures and disappointments in personal relationships. Swedish director Ingmar Bergman brilliantly develops the man's interior journey from pangs of regret and anxiety to a refreshing sense of peace and reconciliation summed up in blissful images of his happy youth. One of the great films about aging that touches universal chords in all viewers. English subtitles. The USCCB Office for Film & Broadcasting classification of the theatrical version was A-III -- adults. Not rated by the Motion Picture Association of America.

Saturday, June 6, 2-6 p.m. EDT (TCM) "Ben-Hur" (1959). Director William Wyler's classic Hollywood epic follows the Jewish prince of the title (Charlton Heston) after he's betrayed by his boyhood Roman friend (Stephen Boyd) and subjected to much misery until finally achieving retribution for all his suffering. The narrative's conventional melodrama is transformed by the grand scale of its spectacle, especially the chariot race, and by the stirring performances of its principals who manage to overcome the story's cliches and stereotypes. The USCCB Office for Film & Broadcasting classification of the theatrical version was A-I -- general patronage. The Motion Picture Association of America rating was G -- general audiences. All ages admitted.

Saturday, June 6, 8-10 p.m. EDT (HBO) "The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants 2" (2008). Overcrowded but mostly enjoyable romance sequel updating the lives of four friends (Amber Tamblyn, America Ferrera, Blake Lively and Alexis Bledel) as they pursue disparate adventures during the summer after their first year in college. While director Sanaa Hamri's lightweight adaptation of Ann Brashares' novels promotes youthful self-confidence, it also takes a somewhat permissive view of teen sexuality. Implied nonmarital sexual activity, condom use, suicide theme, a couple of profanities, and one crude and a few crass words; acceptable for older adolescents. 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 May 31

Here are some television program notes for the week of May 31 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, May 31, 3:30-5 a.m. EDT (EWTN) "Solemn Mass of Pentecost With Pope Benedict XVI." Pope Benedict XVI celebrates the Mass on Pentecost live from St. Peter's Basilica in Rome (repeated noon-1:30 p.m. EDT).

Sunday, May 31, 9-10:40 p.m. EDT (HBO) "Into the Storm." British Prime Minister Winston Churchill guides his nation through the crucible of the war years in this sequel to the Emmy-winning "The Gathering Storm." Brendan Gleeson and Janet McTeer star.

Wednesday, June 3, 7-8:30 p.m. EDT (check local listings) (PBS) "Josh Groban, An Evening in New York City." Groban performs favorites from his best-selling albums in an intimate theater setting in this "Soundstage" special event. Taped at Rose Hall at "Jazz at Lincoln Center" in New York City, the performance includes "Alla Luce del Sole," "You Are Loved (Don't Give Up)" and "February Song." The show features special guest appearances by jazz pianist Herbie Hancock and trumpeter Chris Botti (TV-G -- general audience).

Wednesday, June 3, 8:30-10:30 p.m. EDT (check local listings) (PBS) "Stevie Wonder: Live at Last." In celebration of the 50th anniversary of Motown Records, "Great Performances" presents superstar Stevie Wonder in concert at London's O2 arena (TV-G -- general audience).

Thursday, June 4, 8-9:30 p.m. EDT (check local listings) (PBS) "Freedom Songs: The Music of the Civil Rights Movement." This program shows how important music was to the success of the civil rights movement and how well it captured the vitality and idealism necessary to fuel dangerous marches, sit-ins, picket lines and freedom rides.

From Billie Holiday to Mahalia Jackson and Aretha Franklin, from Curtis Mayfield and Sly Stone to Gil Scott-Heron, the music was inspired by a broad range of styles -- from gospel standards and spirituals to blues, jazz, folk and pop (TV-G -- general audience).

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