Here is a list of some of the programming Catholic News Service has compiled for the rest of February (plus one sneak peek in March). You’ll find a few family flicks plus a discussion about the four “last things,” love and and the emotional and spiritual effects of abortion:
- “Our Lady of Lourdes” — The story of Mary’s appearances to St. Bernadette Sourbirous at the Grotto of Massabielle in France in 1858 (TV-G, general audience).
Airs 3-4 p.m. Feb. 15 on EWTN and online.
Related article about a Phoenix-area “World Day of the Sick” Mass including interviews from local pilgrims who have traveled to Lourdes.
- “Up” — (2009). Off we go into the wild blue yonder — literally — with this instant classic, the story of a grumpy septuagenarian (voice of Ed Asner) who decides to get away from it all by relocating his home to South America with the help of thousands of colorful balloons. Joined by an earnest 8-year-old stowaway (voiced by Jordan Nagai), a gigantic squawking bird, and a “talking” dog, he finds the adventure of a lifetime as the ragtag group battles evil in the Venezuelan jungle.
This touching fable from director and co-writer Pete Docter offers lessons for young and old on love and loss, marriage, friendship and perseverance in a gorgeously rendered, very amusing and highly entertaining film. Some serious thematic material and a few scenes of intense peril may disturb small children.
The Catholic News Service classification of the theatrical version was A-I, general patronage. The Motion Picture Association of America rating was PG, parental guidance suggested. Some material may not be suitable for children.
Full review from Catholic News Service and the Decent Films Guide.
Airs 6-8 p.m. Feb. 16 on ABC.
- “EWTN Theology Roundtable — Eschatology: The Last Things” — Colin Donovan, Franciscan Father John Paul and others discuss the four “last things”: death, judgment, heaven and hell (TV-G, general audience).
Airs 8-9 p.m. Feb. 16 on EWTN and online.
- “Invincible” — Inspirational 2006 sports drama based on the true-life story of unlikely football star Vince Papale (Mark Wahlberg), a bartender who, falling on hard luck, tries out for his hometown Philadelphia Eagles and makes the team, winning over the coach (Greg Kinnear) and eventually the entire city. Director Ericson Core follows a generic underdog formula but you’ll find it hard not to cheer for this feel-good film about overcoming obstacles and having the courage to follow one’s dreams. Some mildly crude language, intense football violence, and a presumed off-screen premarital situation limit its appropriateness to older adolescents and up.
The Catholic News Service classification of the theatrical version was A-II, adults and adolescents. The Motion Picture Association of America rating was PG, parental guidance suggested. Some material may not be suitable for children.
Full review from Catholic News Service.
Airs 6-8:31 p.m. Feb. 17 on AMC.
- “Shrek the Third” — The saga of the lovable ogre continues in the same high-quality vein of the first two films, as Shrek (voiced by Mike Myers) — aided by a potential heir to Far Far Away’s throne (Justin Timberlake) — must rescue his wife, Fiona (Cameron Diaz), and the kingdom’s other residents who have been captured by the evil Prince Charming (Rupert Everett) and an assortment of fairy-tale villains.
Writer and co-director (with Raman Hui) Chris Miller’s latest installment has a somewhat darker edge, though still plenty of laughs with Shrek’s sidekicks, Donkey (Eddie Murphy) and Puss in Boots (Antonio Banderas) in fine form, while the script’s careful emphasis on good values such as believing in yourself, sacrificing for others, eschewing violence, and trusting in mankind’s innate goodness override the occasional crude and mildly suggestive gags. Implied ogre nudity, some mildly off-color humor and innuendo, and the death of the king.
The Catholic News Service classification of the theatrical version was A-II, adults and adolescents. The Motion Picture Association of America rating was PG, parental guidance suggested. Some material may not be suitable for children.
Full review from Catholic News Service and Decent Films Guide
Airs 6-8 p.m. Feb. 22 on ABC.
- “Door to Hope” — This special examines how women can come to terms with the emotional and spiritual effects of having had an abortion (TV-PG, parental guidance suggested).
Airs 3-4 p.m. Feb. 22 on EWTN and online.
- “Men, Women and the Mystery of Love” — First episode of a five-part series in which professor Edward Sri explores the nature of romantic love. In this installment, titled “The Foundation of Friendship,” he looks at how modern society’s views on love and marriage have been the source of much heartache and woe. The series continues nightly through Friday, Feb. 28, 4:30-5 p.m. each night (TV-G, general audience).
Airs 4:30-5 p.m. Feb. 24 on EWTN and online.
- “What Every Catholic Needs to Know About the Bible” — Matthew Arnold hosts this presentation on the history, nature, structure and purpose of the Bible. The program also features professors Brant Pitre, Michael Barber and Scott Hahn (TV-G, general audience).
Airs 5-6 p.m. EST March 1 on EWTN and online.
Times listed are Mountain Standard Time as a courtesy for readers in the Diocese of Phoenix
