The following are capsule reviews of movies recently reviewed by the Office for Film & Broadcasting of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. See Film Ratings for USCCB and MPAA ratings.
Leatherheads
Director-star George Clooney evokes the tangy wit of the best screwball pairings of 1930s Hollywood and, despite a few inconsistencies in the plot and some objectionable language, creates an enjoyable period piece. Some profanity, occasional crude and crass language, mild fist fighting, light sexual banter, innuendo.
My Blueberry Nights
Though poetically shot, generally well acted, and with characters all drawn with an underlying moral decency, the artsy film frequently drags. Some profanity and a few expletives, a couple of brief violent episodes, smoking, drinking.
Nim's Island
Directors Mark Levin and Jennifer Flackett deftly combine the adventurous, humorous, sentimental and fantastical aspects of Wendy Orr's novel in this winning yarn, recommendable family fare. Mild action violence.
Persepolis
This absorbing animated film for adults gives a valuable historical overview of the social and political situation in Iraq, but what stays with the viewer is the powerful sense of familySome rough and crude language and profanity, some brief violent imagery including torture and executions, sexual references, a couple of nonmarital relationships, the acceptability of divorce and brief drug use; acceptable for mature teens.
Shine A Light
Director Martin Scorsese deploys 19 camera operators to create a fluid, consistently on-target visual record of the age-defying Rolling Stones in this high-energy documentary. Occasional rough and crude language, drug references, irreverent and suggestive lyrics.
Smart People
A well-acted, edgy, but only so-so comedy-drama is perceptive of human nature in many ways, but strong language and unconventional plot elements may bother viewers despite the morally sound wrap-up. Nongraphic premarital sex, condom use, frank sexual remarks, rough language, brief rear nudity, brief teenage drinking and drug use.
Street Kings
A bleak, gritty police drama, with a convoluted plot and conflicted morals, at times seems to justify its hero's brutal shortcuts, at others offering him as a candidate for redemption. Gory murders, torture and beatings, brief rear nudity, relentless rough and crude and some crass language, seven uses of profanity, and rape and prostitution references.
21
This flashy but shallow fact-based psychological drama shows the perils of greed and hubris, but also celebrates revenge and the value of indiscriminate "life experiences." Nongraphic, nonmarital sexual activity, brief rear nudity, a same-sex kiss, some crude and crass language, and sexual humor.
The Visitor
Writer-director Tom McCarthy's sensitive, intimate, affecting drama makes its political point with intelligence, subtle humor and a deep sense of compassion. Implied cohabitation and a few expletives uttered under extreme duress.
Young@Heart
An often funny and ultimately moving documentary about a Northampton, Mass., senior citizens' chorus quickly engages viewers by introducing a winning array of real-life characters and charting their struggles to master the music and carry on with the show. ---CNS |