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vol, 9
no. 58

     In commemoration of the Academy Awards tonight, and mostly because only hermits are immune from the movie scene in America today, we bring you the National Conference of Catholic Bishops Film and Broadcasting Page which is simple but helpful in reviewing both first-run movies and those recent ones released on Video Tape at your local Blockbuster. These reviews are much more lenient than the since-abandoned stricter Catholic League of Decency which rated movies either A, B, C or F which was X-rated and objectionable to all. Of course the rating system has changed over the years and the next best thing we have are the categories and reviews compiled by NCCB. They are succinct in giving you the basic plot and highlighting whatever is objectionable so this is very helpful when planning on spending hard-earned dollars to take the family or a friend to the local theater or rent a movie for the evening. The site loads super fast and you just scroll down the alphabetical list for the review of the movie of your choice. There is a comprehensive list of first run movies and a separate list of video releases. In addition, they keep you up-to-date with a weekly review of the latest films so you can stay on top of what to see and what to skip. It is helpful for all parents and kids should take a look-see as well...if they know what's good for them...because the NCCB has determined what is good, and what is bad, including the really bad and why!      Therefore, because of the timeliness and uniqueness of this site and the need for it, we award the "Golden Chalice Award" and confer FOUR Hail Mary's to this site, and, in keeping with the traditions of the Oscars, bring you the reviews below of the top five movies up for best picture. With these reviews you can decide which one is really the best, though everyone of them the board found something objectionable, so beware.

• As Good As It Gets

        Because of stylized violence, sexual situations, recurring rough language and occasional profanity, the U.S. Catholic Conference classification is A-IV -- adults, with reservations. The Motion Picture Association of America rating is PG-13 -- parents are strongly cautioned that some material may be inappropriate for children under 13. As Good As It Gets is an abrasive comedy in which nasty writer Jack Nicholson mellows after falling in love with friendly waitress Helen Hunt and befriending homosexual artist Greg Kinnear. The thin plot offers little but mean-spirited humor which turns mushy as the writer attempts to reform, but the proceedings are overlong and seldom amusing. (released: December 1997

• The Full Monty

        Because of its comic treatment of sexuality, brief rear nudity, fleeting homosexual innuendo, some rough language and occasional profanity, the U.S. Catholic Conference classification is A-IV -- adults, with reservations. The Motion Picture Association of America rating is R -- restricted. The Full Monty is a droll British comedy in which an unemployed steelworker convinces five jobless buddies they can make some easy money performing in a one-night male strip show. The result downplays the story’s sleazy aspects by focusing on the characters’ financial plight and ridiculous ineptitudes as would-be performers. released: September 1997

• Good Will Hunting

        Because of stylized violence, sexual situations, recurring rough language and occasional profanity, the U.S. Catholic Conference classification is A-IV -- adults, with reservations. The Motion Picture Association of America rating is R -- restricted. Good Will Hunting features Matt Damon as a South Boston tough with the mind of a genius but no future unless psychologist Robin Williams can cure his deep-seated emotional problems. The story of a bright youth overcoming a troubled past is helped greatly by credible performances from a talented cast but the story is highly manipulative and needlessly vulgarized. (released: January 1998)

• L.A. Confidential

        Because of recurring violence, fleeting nudity, recurring sexual innuendo, some profanity and intermittent rough language, the U.S. Catholic Conference classification is A-IV -- adults, with reservations. The Motion Picture Association of America rating is R -- restricted. L.A. Confidential offers a stylish cop drama set in 1950’s Los Angeles where a trio of police detectives begin to link a series of murders to corrupt city officials. The darkly cynical story is densely plotted with murders most foul and gobs of chicanery and deceit. (released: September 1997)

• Titanic

        Because of agonizing death scenes on a massive scale, sexual situations and sporadic rough language and profanity, the U.S. Catholic Conference classification is A-III -- adults. The Motion Picture Association of America rating is PG-13 -- parents are strongly cautioned that some material may be inappropriate for children under 13. Titanic lavishly re-creates the 1912 sea disaster after focusing on the improbable shipboard romance between first-class passenger Kate Winslet and steerage traveler Leonardo DiCaprio. Unfortunately the human dimension of the tragedy gets lost in a paltry soap opera about two love-struck youths, though the special effects of the sinking luxury liner are truly spectacular. (released: December 1997)

     One will notice that when the reviews begin with the words "Because of..." it means there is something objectionable that prevents a total endorsement of the film and the Bishops' film review board will point out the objections. When you read all the reviews you will probably come to the conclusion that very few are worth seeing. But if you disagree, at least read the review before you go. The subliminal influence of Hollywood can be dangerous.