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Dr. Dolittle does little for promoting respect for humans or animals!

   &bnsp; Continuing with our summer replacement to keep everyone abreast of the proper entertainment to take in, we present this week's top ten movies from a Catholic perspective including our take and the official review by the National Conference of Catholic Bishops. Last week's champ - "The X-Files" was knocked from the top perch and by a bevy of four-legged critters in the comedy "Dr. Dolittle" which does little to enhance the reason for preserving these furry, feathered creatures from Noah's Ark. The animals are cute, but precocious. Eddie Murphy is both precocious and obnoxious. Enough said. Click on TOP TEN MOVIES

     The Lizard's dead and "Deep Impact" is in deep, having dropped out of the top ten along with "Godzilla". Replacing these two were two mediocre films that shouldn't sustain once the Fourth of July movies make their debut this weekend. Topping the list was Eddie Murphy's newest vehicle for exhibiting his crass, toilet humor called "Dr. Dolittle" which does little to uphold family fare. The animals are cute, but a little too precosious. Something that reaches beyond the scope of family fare was the number four movie this week "Out of Sight" which hopefully this time next week will be just that - out of sight for it is the time-warped recipe of steamy sex, violence and immoral values. As you'll see with each review there is almost always something objectionable about each movie so go in with an open mind and keep in mind the best advice before you plunk down your hard-earned money at the box-office: Would Jesus and His Mother Mary watch it with you? If not, think twice about seeing it. Below are the top ten for this last week with the Bishops' reviews. Reviews are categorized by A-I -- general patronage; A-II -- adults and adolescents; A-III -- adults; A-IV -- adults, with reservations (an A-IV classification designates problematic films that, while not morally offensive in themselves, require caution and some analysis and explanation as a safeguard against wrong interpretations and false conclusions); and finally, ones no one should see: O -- morally offensive.

1. DR. DOLITTLE 29 million in one week 20th Century Fox
     What could have been another "Babe" or "Pauli" vehicle, fell short in quality but scored big in quantity - dollar wise this past week as "Dr. Dolittle" wrested the top spot, riding the crest of Eddie Murphy's star billing. The problem is that if foul-mouthed Murphy is in it, you know it's going to be crass in some way. Exhibit A - his blatantly offensive "The Nutty Professor" a few years ago. The animals are cute, but like another critter caper that debuted late last year "Mouse Hunt", humor is at the expense of others and when that's the case it isn't funny. This gross-out movie will gross big at the box office until it meets it "Armageddon" this weekend! In short, a Noah's ark it is not. It's the only movie we can think of where the animals need therapy!

Dr. Doolittle -- Because of much bathroom humor, coarse language and several instances of 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. Dr. Dolittle is a comic misfire with Eddie Murphy as a San Francisco physician whose life becomes complicated when he starts talking to animals but no one else can hear what they say to him. The result is a dull sentimental comedy paced by crude gags and verbal insults.

2. MULAN 17 million last week, 54.2 million over two weeks Disney
     Disney's newest animation has one thing going for it: consistency. Coming in last week at number two, it stayed at number two, proving Avis has nothing on "Mulan" which, we suspect, is also benefiting from the coincidental media coverage of Clinton's China visit. That, and the hype from McDonald's helped it stay popular with the kiddies. Since there is nothing offensive about this film, that can't be all bad! Below is the review of the number two movie this past week:

Mulan -- The U.S. Catholic Conference classification is A-I -- general patronage. The Motion Picture Association of America rating is G -- general audiences. "Mulan" offers a boisterous animated tale of ancient China where a rebellious daughter disguises herself as a man to fight invading Huns in place of her sickly father. Blending sumptuous visuals with catchy songs and some contrived humor, the picture's theme of female empowerment downplays romance to focus on issues of self-identity, honor and patriotism.

3. THE X-FILES 13.3 million last week, 54.9 million over two weeks 20th Century Fox
     Slipping from the top spot this week was this FOX thriller which indicates that possibly all X-philers have seen it and, with a marathon begun last week on television of airing each of the 100 episodes in succession, prospects for this film sustaining numbers are bleak. If they are out there, they are not making themselves visible at the box office. Another disastrous week and the "X-Files" may have to be relegated to the X-Files. Below is the bishops' review of this film:

The X Files -- Because of brief violence, menacing situations, occasional profanity and an instance of rough language, 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. "The X Files" tells a meandering story of stubborn FBI agents Gillian Anderson and David Duchovny on the trail of frozen aliens, a mutating virus and the possible colonization of Earth by extraterrestrials. In what amounts to a two-hour episode of the TV series on which it is based, the result is a murky mix of dimly seen menacing aliens amidst elaborate theories of global conspiracies.

4. OUT OF SIGHT 12 million in one week Universal
     Maybe the producers figured if they cast George Clooney they could sell anything. Clooney should be ashamed. This is typical Elmore Leonard fare which translates to immoral trash. Can you say "sleaze?" Our only hope is that "Out of Sight" will drop out of sight soon so audiences won't be subjected to any more of Leonard's fables. The trailors promote it as "the sexiest movie of the summer" and "steam heat." The closest we can assimilate to "steam heat" is that inferno where the fire burns forever! Below is the bishops' review of this film:

Out of Sight -- Because of some nasty violence, jokey treatment of criminal activity, an implied sexual encounter, occasional profanity and much rough language, the U.S. Catholic Conference classification is A-IV -- adults, with reservations. The Motion Picture Association of America rating is R -- restricted. Out of Sight is a giddy crime caper in which federal marshal Jennifer Lopez is torn between arresting or romancing charming con man George Clooney who's about to pull off a diamond heist with traitorous partners. The movie's stylish direction isn't enough to compensate for shallow characterizations and a highly contrived plot.

5. THE TRUMAN SHOW 8.5 million last week, 99.5 million over four weeks Paramount
     After two weeks as the number one box office draw, "The Truman Show" dropped to number three last week and to number 5 this week, meaning look for it at number seven next week. Even Jim Carrey may not be able to offset the barrage of new movies that debut within the next few weeks that could catapult Truman Burbank off the Nielsen charts with the fabricated audience in the movie and with real audiences who may long for Carrey's comedy antics over his superb dramatic presentation. Below is the Bishops' review:

The Truman Show-- Because of mature themes, marital discord and a few instances of profanity, the U.S. Catholic Conference classification is A-III -- adults. The Motion Picture Association of America rating is PG -- parental guidance suggested. "The Truman Show" is a beguiling fantasy in which 30-year-old Jim Carrey suddenly discovers his life from day one has been secretly televised 24 hours a day and all the people in his tranquil island community are paid actors. The emotionally involving tale gingerly scratches the surface of moral issues concerning media manipulation and the right to privacy.

6. SIX DAYS, SEVEN NIGHTS 7.6 million last week, 47.1 million over three weeks Disney
     Number six for "Six Days, Seven Nights". Like "The Truman Show" it also dropped two spots and threatens to drop faster in the next few weeks. Even the box-office draw of Harrison Ford can't save this one. The script is witty, the cinematography outstanding, so blame it on whoever cast Anne Heche who, because of her abnormal sexual behavior, is the albatross of this film. You can bet Ford, who has always carefully selected his projects is mighty embarrassed over his association with the whole Heche-Ellen fiasco. Below is the Bishops' review:

Six Days, Seven Nights-- Because of brief violence, some sexual innuendo, recurring profanity and an instance of rough language, 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. "Six Days, Seven Nights" is a mildly comic adventure in which Harrison Ford and Anne Heche crash land on an uninhabited tropical island where they must fend off pirates from the sea and an unwanted mutual attraction. The tired formula is made palatable by the airy banter between appealing performers in an otherwise completely predictable movie.

7. A PERFECT MURDER 5.3 million last week, 55.2 million over four weeks Warner Brothers
     This "R" rated rip-off of Alfred Hitchcock's masterful "Dial M for Murder" has also dropped two spots and should fall out of the top ten after this week. It is a far cry from the original and should be put to death in the most humane way possible. Is it just us or has Michael Douglas, who once showed so much promise in the footsteps of the heroic roles of his dad, fallen into the "sex thug" stereotype role rut with another cliche-ridden vehicle that permeates sex, profanity and violence? Below is the Bishops' review:

A Perfect Murder-- Because of a fleeting sexual encounter, brief but intense violence, some rough language and profanity, the U.S. Catholic Conference classification is A-III -- adults. The Motion Picture Association of America rating is R -- restricted. "A Perfect Murder" is a glossy thriller in which heartless husband Michael Douglas plots to have rich wife Gwyneth Paltrow killed by her ex-con lover, but all goes murderously awry. Loosely based on Alfred Hitchcock's 1954 "Dial M for Murder," the twisty plot is weakened by adding scenes of adultery and hard-edged violence as melodramatic padding.

8. HOPE FLOATS 2.4 million last week, 48.9 million over five weeks 20th Century Fox
      Executives at 20th Century may not be holding out too much hope for "Hope Floats", especially now that they are focusing all their attention on "Dr. Dolittle". Though the movie only slipped one spot, it dropped down another million. Like other one-time wonders, even name stars can't sustain. Since "Titanic" the standard has been set higher and most fall far, far short including this one. Look for it soon on video Below is the Bishops' review:

Hope Floats-- Because of fleeting violence and marital infidelity, 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. "Hope Floats" is the syrupy tale of jilted wife Sandra Bullock taking her young daughter back to rural Texas where her mom and a childhood admirer help restore her self-confidence. The consequences of adultery are treated earnestly but tend to get lost in an episodic story filled with gauzy sentimentality.

9. CAN'T HARDLY WAIT 2.1 million last week, 21.2 million over three weeks Sony
     This teen flick dropped farther than any others in the top ten, falling from sixth to ninth. After all teens have got more to do in summer than sit through this nonsensical patter, especially with so many other things to do at the beach. In fact, many are simply living out the fantasies of this movie in real life. Not that that's a good thing, but how do you tell your teen that? Below is the Bishops' review:

Can't Hardly Wait-- Because of an implied sexual encounter, some underage drinking, crass expressions and minimal profanity and rough language, 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. In "Can't Hardly Wait" -- an unsupervised high school graduation party becomes the occasion for couples to make up, break up or generally act wild and crazy. All the characters in this derivative party movie are reduced to predictable stereotypes whose lame shenanigans fail to amuse.

10. THE HORSE WHISPERER 1.9 million last week, 66.5 million over seven weeks Disney
      Clinging to the bottom spot once again in this ten-horse race is this tear-jerker pitting an aging Robert Redford with his newest young protege starlet. Actually the most spectacular aspect of this movie are the horses. Squeezed out of theaters by newer entries, it's being shouted, not whispered that this will be its last week in the top ten as others gallop in and put "The Horse Whisperer" one out to pasture. Below is the Bishops' review:

The Horse Whisperer-- Because of a gory accident, mild sexual innuendo and a few instances of profanity, The U.S. Catholic Conference classification is A-II -- adults and adolescents. The Motion Picture Association of America rating is PG-13 -- parents are strongly cautioned that some material may be inappropriate for children under 13. In The Horse Whisperer, a gruesome riding accident injures a 14-year-old girl and traumatizes her horse, prompting her mother to seek out Montana horse healer Robert Redford with whom the mother falls in love during the healing process. The visually stunning and sensitively observed drama makes a moral point while exploring troubled parent-child and adult relationships.

     In this weekend's issue the Hidden Flower of the Immaculate Heart speaks from her heart on the responsibilities of all in evangelizing and helping ministries to evangelize. It is all part of what the Holy Father has asked and what God asks of each of us for we are all asked to suffer in some way or another and by saying "yes" to that suffering we blend our melody to the overall Symphony of Suffering. Click on SYMPHONY OF SUFFERING

All must be in tune in order to effectively perform God's proper concerto

      During these eight years of this ministry some people have been shocked to discover we are human, and will be fully human until we die. They were shocked because they discovered that we are not the "perfect" family. We are not without sin, not without distraction, not without the problems that beset most people today. Moreover, those who were shocked turned against us, persecuted us, and never realized that it was God they were striking out against, and themselves. We were just the handy-dandy instruments in the way of their own argument with God over His Will vs. their own will.

      I sometimes think that that same struggle of God's Will vs. man's will is at the heart of why there is so much apathy within the Marian movement today. I know that is the reason for this crisis at MIR-A-CALL Center. Is it that we, as God's Children are, no longer like to think of Him as a Loving, Caring, and Just Father? Are we, therefore, callused to His Will, and are we, like so many youth today, locked in a battle of wills, contending for the place of total control?

      Ah, control! Think about that. We like to think we're in control of the situations of our life, when in reality we control nothing. God's Will is manifest, and perfect and we, His children, have only to obey. But instead we rebel, and when we rebel, not only is the symphony off-key and painful to the ears, but the result is that we wind up hurting our own relationship with God, and then we hurt others by taking them away from God as well.

      What would happen to the Symphony of Suffering if, instead of being divided, we were all of one mind and heart through the grace of the Holy Spirit? Now, I'm not saying that there wouldn't be problems, wouldn't be illness, disease, suffering or sorrow. There would most assuredly be those things, because we are not in Heaven. However, in this unity of mind and heart through the grace of the Holy Spirit, we would feel the power of God's Love ever so vibrantly in our lives, and we would have so much more love to give to our neighbors. If we cannot share the joys and the sorrows, then what good is the symphony?

      What music reaches God's ears is ours to choose, and while that may seem a bit far-fetched, I ask you if it really is? Are we not, by our very being, contributing to the Symphony of Suffering, for no man is exempt from suffering. Are we not, by our very existence, contributing to the Symphony that glorifies God at every moment?

      Yet, we have free will. We can choose, and often times we do choose, to be disobedient children of God. We go our own way, and tell God to tend to His own business but not to bother us.

      When we behave this way, we're telling the entire population of the earth that we don't care about them, either. You see, only when we're in perfect harmony with God's Will, striving to do His Will in loving, simple, humble obedience, are we then able to reach out and listen to, help and love our neighbors, wherever they may be. We were meant to help one another.

      Now, as Michael and I continue to take life just one second, one minute at a time, our Hope and Trust is in God, for He has the answers. We know that we do not. Our job is obedience to Him in all things. That obedience means accepting, even if we do not understand the why, that our son is now "damaged" goods as far as society is concerned. We accept, although we do not understand, that the ministry He entrusted to us in 1990 may very well disappear because so few cared enough to give of themselves to help it.

      Both Mike and I do want to acknowledge those who have responded and contributed from their heart. Every little bit keeps us going another day, able to reach more souls throughout this world now called cyberspace. Over the years our ministry has changed in function, but never has it changed in focus or direction. But with the growing costs, I am very serious that we are in dire straits without the financial help of those who care. No matter what ministry it might be, if it is for advancing God's Will through His Holy Church, than it is a ministry which comes under the responsibility of all. Ministries that come from God, ministries that are given back to God, never cease but exist within His Infinite Plan. But to those to whom He gave the ministry---not just those to whom He instructed, but those He wished to be instructed - will have to explain to Him why they chose to lose such a gift, such a treasure, such a grace that He wished to give.

      Last week I spoke of Father's Day. The greatest gifts that we had to give to 'Dad' were, first and foremost, the Love of God, and secondly, our love for him as father, as husband, as provider, protector, problem-solver, the man of many hats with the face that still takes my breath away.

      We did not have 'presents' with pretty wrapping, nor cards with lovely messages tucked into scented envelopes. There was no Sunday brunch to take him to, no "outing" for him that day. For us, it was a day given to God, for it is the Sabbath above all else, and in caring, as best we were able, for our sons, particularly our oldest in his fragile condition, and simply loving one another with our deeds of charity, more than anything else.

      What, I wonder, did you find out about yourself, your dad, your relationship with God the Father on this past Father's Day. Did you add to the Symphony in a chord or melody that blended perfectly? I pray that was so. I pray that our own Symphony was found pleasing before the Throne of the Triune Divinity.

      For all of us, may we all work a bit harder in the weeks to come to make sure that our Symphony of Suffering is not off-key, but rather one octave closer to the Supreme Concert that we will hear when we, one day, meet our Heavenly Father, and the suffering will be joy forever!

Cyndi Cain

TIME CAPSULES

     For time capsule events in Church History for July 3, 4 and 5, click on ALL ROADS LEAD TO ROME

Historical Events in Church Annals for July 3:

683 A.D.


Death of Pope Saint Leo II, 80th successor of Peter, who served less than a year but during that short time was able to raise the awareness level of majesty of God through the celebrations of sacred functions such as the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass and Benediction. It was Leo who introduced the sprinkling of people with Holy Water during religious ceremonies.

1616 A.D.


Death of Saint Bernardine Realino, Italian Jesuit priest who, just before his death, had blood extracted from an open wound on his leg. After his death the blood did not clot or dry up, but has stayed in liquid form to this day. Pope Pius XII canonized him in 1947.

1957 A.D.


Pope Pius XII issues a warning against materialism in preparation for the 100th anniversary of the Lourdes apparitions, Le pelerinage de Lourdes.

Historical Events in Church Annals for July 3:

683 A.D.


Death of Pope Saint Leo II, 80th successor of Peter, who served less than a year but during that short time was able to raise the awareness level of majesty of God through the celebrations of sacred functions such as the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass and Benediction. It was Leo who introduced the sprinkling of people with Holy Water during religious ceremonies.

1616 A.D.


Death of Saint Bernardine Realino, Italian Jesuit priest who, just before his death, had blood extracted from an open wound on his leg. After his death the blood did not clot or dry up, but has stayed in liquid form to this day. Pope Pius XII canonized him in 1947.

Historical Events in Church Annals for July 4:

740 A.D.


Death of Saint Andrew of Crete, archbishop and preacher who fostered the Byzantine liturgy and played a forceful role in the Council of Constaninople in 685.

959 A.D.


Death of Saint Odo of Canterbury, a monk who supported Saint Dunstan's monastic reforms at Clastonbury, England. Also known as Odo the Good, he is reputed to have performed several miracles.

973 A.D.


Death of Saint Ulric , bishop of Augsburg. Canonized by Pope John XV in 993, his elevation to sainthood is considered the first official canonization by a pontiff.

1190 A.D.


The Kings of France and England - Philip II and Richard I - the Lionheart set out from Marseilles, France on the Third Crusade.

1336 A.D.


Death of Saint Elizabeth of Portugal, queen of Portugal and daughter of King Peter III of Aragon. She was named after her great-aunt Saint Elizabeth of Hungary. After her husband King Denis' death in 1325, she became a Franciscan Tertiary.

Historical Events in Church Annals for July 5:

1539 A.D.


Death of Saint Anthony Zaccaria, founder of the Congregation of Clerks Regular of St. Paul, whose intended purpose was the reform of the clergy and laity, which was approved by Pope Clement VII in 1533 who changed the name of the Congregation to the Barnabites because their headquarters were in the church of Saint Barnabas After Anthony's death at the early age of 37, the Constitutions were finalized by Saint Charles Borromeo in 1579. St. Anthony also founded a congregation for women with the help of the Countess Torelli.

Click here to go to SECTION TWO or SECTION THREE or click here to return to the graphics front page of this issue.

July 3, 1998 volume 9, no. 129   DAILY CATHOLIC