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USCCB Movie Reviews

The above link will connect you to the United States Conference of Catholic Bishop's movie and video reviews. They contain a brief overview of many movies with the USCCB's classification and the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA) rating. They may have a comment on any inappropriate language or violence in the film. You may also want to check out the Catholic News Service capsule movie reviews.

Media/Arts Briefs

September: Theater Bus trips

MADISON -- Theater Bus for those 55 and over has the following trips planned for August. For more information call 608-257-0003, e-mail This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or visit www.theaterbus.org

• Thursday, Sept. 9 -- Eddie Cash Show and lunch at the Cotton Exchange in Waterford. Cost is $56.
• Wednesday, Sept. 15 -- Lake Winnebago cruise on the Lakeside Spirit and a luncheon buffet served on board. Also visit the Villa Loretto, a ranch run by nuns, for a hayride and tour. Cost is $69.
• Sunday, Sept. 19 -- Theater Bus will be heading to Waukesha to see the musical Two by Two, a story based on good fun from the Good Book. Brunch will be served at the Pine Knoll Supper Club in Lake Mills. Cost is $62.

Sinsinawa events in September

SINSINAWA -- Several upcoming events will be held at the Sinsinawa Mound.

• A free organ concert will be held at Sinsinawa Mound at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 1, featuring William Tinker of Grinnell, Iowa. Tinker has received critical acclaim for his artistry as organist and harpsichordist in Europe and the United States. Tinker has held major organist-choirmaster positions. He holds degrees from the Juilliard School, the New England Conservatory of Music, Indiana University, and the Amsterdamisch Conservatorium. For more information, contact Sr. Marie Juan Maney at 608-748-4411, ext. 807, or visit www.sinsinawa.org
• A mother-daughter duo from Brno in the Czech Republic will perform a free organ and piano concert at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 8. Hana Bartosova, mother, and Iva Bartosova, daughter, are on a tour of the United States, where Iva will perform on the Millenium Stage at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., prior to their concert at Sinsinawa Mound. For more information, contact Sr. Marie Juan Maney at 608-748-4411, ext. 807, or visit www.sinsinawa.org
• "A Circle of Drums: The Rhythms of Life," at which participants can explore the rhythms they feel within and around themselves will be held. Bill Kehl will offer this drumming workshop 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 11. Kehl, a former member of the popular eclectic folk/acoustic group Northern Light, will provide a variety of drums on which participants will delve into the background of the human rhythmic experience and explore uses of drumming in various cultures. The workshop will provide an interactive and hands-on opportunity to learn firsthand about the power and joy of group rhythmic dynamics and help encourage strong confidence when participating in rhythmic activities. The registration deadline is September 3, and the fee is $50. To register or for more information, contact Guest Services at 608-748-4411 or visit www.sinsinawa.org

Sinsinawa Mound, the Motherhouse for the Sinsinawa Dominican Sisters, is located in southwest Wisconsin on Cty. Rd. Z, off Hwy. 11, about five miles northeast of Dubuque.

Sept. 10-12: Dells Polish Fest

WISCONSIN DELLS -- The 24th annual Wisconsin Dells Polish Fest takes place September 10, 11, and 12 at Mount Olympus Theme Park and Water Park, 1887 Wisconsin Dells Pkwy., here.

The Polish Folk Ensemble Polanie will present many traditional dances from Poland.

Over 10 different polka bands will be playing over the course of the weekend.

The Wisconsin Dells Polka Dance Championship coordinated by the Wisconsin Polka Boosters takes place Saturday at 6:30 p.m.

Polish food, beer and wine, Sobieski Vodka, and Polish cultural exhibits will be available in the new pavilion.

A Polish-English language Catholic Mass will be celebrated on Sunday morning at 10:30 a.m. (There is no admission charge for Mass.)

Daily admission is $15; a pass good for all three days is $35. Age two and under are free with adult ticket. Prices include Polish Fest admission and all of the outdoor rides, indoor rides, and indoor water attractions.

For tickets or more information, call 1-800-659-6811 or visit www.dellspolishfest.com

Olbrich Garden September classes

MADISON -- Olbrich Botanical Gardens, 3330 Atwood Ave., has a number of classes planned for September. For more information or to register, call 608-246-4550 or visit www.olbrich.org

• Remnants of the Rainforest-Live Tropical Animals -- Saturday, Sept. 11, 1:30 to 3 p.m. Registration deadline: September 7. $9 Olbrich members/$11 public.
• Moving Meditation -- Mondays, Sept. 13 to Nov. 22, 6 to 7:30 p.m. Registration deadline: September 7. $110 per person.
• Naturopathic Approaches to Managing Headaches/Migraines -- Tuesday, Sept. 14, 6:30 to 8 p.m. Registration deadline: September 7. $12 Olbrich members/$15 public.
• Design Ideas to Shrink Your Lawn -- Tuesday, Sept. 14, 7 to 8:30 p.m. Registration deadline: September 7. $20 Olbrich members/$25 public.
• Design Ideas for Eco-friendly Gardens -- Thursday, Sept. 16, 7 to 8:30 p.m. Registration deadline: September 9. $20 Olbrich members/$25 public.
• Painting the Autumn Gardens in Soft Pastel -- Sunday, Sept. 19, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Registration deadline: September 13. $73 Olbrich members/$91 public.
• Perennial Grasses -- Tuesday, Sept. 21, 6:30 to 8 p.m. Registration deadline: September 14. $12 Olbrich members/$15 public.
• Writing the Seasons of Our Lives -- Wednesdays, Sept. 22 to Oct. 27, 6:30 to 8 p.m. Registration deadline: September 15. $102 Olbrich members/$128 public.
• Permaculture Water Solutions -- Thursday, Sept. 23, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Registration deadline: September 16. $12 Olbrich members/$15 public.
• Spring Bulbs -- Tuesday, Sept. 28, 6:30 to 8 p.m. Registration deadline: September 21. $12 Olbrich members/$15 public.
• Putting Your Garden to Bed -- Thursday, Sept. 30, 5 to 6:30 p.m. Registration deadline: September 23. $13 Olbrich members/$16 public.

Relevant Radio broadcasting for 10 years

GREEN BAY -- The Relevant Radio network is celebrating 10 years of broadcasting the Catholic faith over the airwaves: "Proclaiming the Truth One Decade at a Time."

Since the year 2000, Relevant Radio has been serving many communities 24 hours per day, seven days per week with talk radio for Catholic life.

Relevant Radio will be holding various celebrations this year, beginning with a 10th Anniversary Summer Celebration on Tuesday, Aug. 31.

The day begins at St. Francis Xavier Cathedral, 140 S. Monroe St., in Green Bay, with a Meet and Greet at 10 a.m., the Rosary at 10:30 a.m., followed by Mass at 11 a.m. with Bishop David Ricken. The blessing of the Relevant Radio headquarters, located at 1496 Bellevue St. in Green Bay, will take place at 12:30 p.m. with tours and Meet and Greet immediately after.

All are invited to take part in the day's activities. Register for the celebration at www.relevantradio.com (keyword: "decade") or call 1-877-291-0123. Read more >>>

TV/Radio Programs of Note

Sept. 1-9, 2010

This information is being provided to assist people in making informed viewing and listening choices. Television shows may not have been reviewed by Catholic News Service and therefore are not necessarily recommended. Televised versions of theatrical releases may or may not be edited for language, nudity, violence, and sexual situations. New series reviews are included on the dates they premiere.

Wednesday | Thursday | Friday | Saturday | Sunday | Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday

WEDNESDAY Sept. 1

TV 3:30 a.m., EWTN (cable) -- Papal Audience (Live). Pope Benedict XVI's weekly audience from Rome.

TV MASS 7 a.m., EWTN (cable) -- Mass (Live).

TV MASS 11 a.m., EWTN (cable) -- Mass (Encore).

TV 12 noon, EWTN (cable) -- Lourdes. The second half of a two-part program exploring the life of St. Bernadette Soubirous (1844-79), the visionary of Lourdes, France, and the vast impact she has had in the lives of others. (First half aired Saturday, Aug. 28)

TV MASS 2:30 p.m. Inspiration Channel (cable) -- Mass.

RADIO 6 p.m., Relevant Radio (1240 AM) -- Diocese of Madison This Week. Local show on Relevant Radio in which host Tim Hein highlights the news and events of the week with interviews and clips from talks from Bishop Robert C. Morlino and other newsmakers.

TV MASS 6 p.m., EWTN (cable) -- Mass (Encore).

TV 8 p.m., WHA (PBS) -- Great Performances: "Renee Fleming & Dmitri Hvorostovsky: A Musical Odyssey in St. Petersburg." Fleming, a celebrated American soprano, travels to St. Petersburg, Russia, for a visit with Hvorostovsky, a Russian baritone, who is her friend and frequent co-star. (TV-G)

RADIO MASS 8:30 p.m. Relevant Radio (1240 AM) -- Mass.

TV 9:30 p.m., WHA (PBS) -- A Surprise in Texas: The 13th Van Cliburn International Piano Competition. Documentary providing a behind-the-scenes look at the 2009 Van Cliburn International Piano Competition in Fort Worth.

TV 9 p.m., History (cable) -- Chasing Mummies: "Bats." Archaeologist Zahi Hawass journeys to the mysterious caves below the Giza Plateau, site of the Great Pyramids, and discovers they are home to thousands of bats.

TV MASS 11 p.m., EWTN (cable) -- Mass (Encore).

THURSDAY Sept. 2

TV MASS 7 a.m., EWTN (cable) -- Mass (Live).

TV MASS 11 a.m., EWTN (cable) -- Mass (Encore).

TV MASS 2:30 p.m. Inspiration Channel (cable) -- Mass.

TV MASS 6 p.m., EWTN (cable) -- Mass (Encore).

TV 7 p.m., WHA (PBS) -- In Wisconsin.

TV 8 p.m., History (cable) -- The Universe: "Asteroid Attack." This episode examines the latest discoveries about asteroids and the potentially disastrous effects of an asteroid colliding with earth.

RADIO MASS 8:30 p.m. Relevant Radio (1240 AM) -- Mass.

TV MASS 11 p.m., EWTN (cable) -- Mass (Encore).

FRIDAY Sept. 3

TV MASS 7 a.m., EWTN (cable) -- Mass (Live).

RADIO 9 a.m., Relevant Radio (1240 AM) -- Diocese of Madison This Week (Encore). Local show on Relevant Radio in which host Tim Hein highlights the news and events of the week with interviews and clips from talks from Bishop Robert C. Morlino and other newsmakers.

TV MASS 11 a.m., EWTN (cable) -- Mass (Encore).

TV MASS 2:30 p.m. Inspiration Channel (cable) -- Mass.

TV MASS 6 p.m., EWTN (cable) -- Mass (Encore).

RADIO MASS 8:30 p.m. Relevant Radio (1240 AM) -- Mass.

TV 9 p.m., EWTN (cable) -- Defending Life.

TV 9 p.m., WHA (PBS) -- P.O.V. Adoption Stories: "Wo Ai Ni (I Love You) Mommy." Filmmaker Stephanie Wang-Breal's documentary -- the first of three in a series -- charts the transformation of a Chinese orphan adopted by an American family. The program also includes an animated short about an infantryman's experience in World War II's Battle of the Bulge. (TV-G)

TV MASS 11 p.m., EWTN (cable) -- Mass (Encore).

SATURDAY Sept. 4

TV MASS 7 a.m., EWTN (cable) -- Mass (Live).

RADIO 9 a.m., Relevant Radio (1240 AM) -- Diocese of Madison This Week (Encore). Local show on Relevant Radio in which host Tim Hine highlights the news and events of the week with interviews and clips from talks from Bishop Robert C. Morlino and other newsmakers.

TV MASS 11 a.m., EWTN (cable) -- Mass (Encore).

TV 1 p.m., TCM (cable) -- Birdman of Alcatraz (1962). Fact-based prison saga of Robert Stroud (Burt Lancaster), whose death sentence for killing a guard in Leavenworth prison in Kansas was commuted in 1916 to life in solitary confinement. He spent his days becoming an eminent authority on birds before being transferred in 1942 to Alcatraz, where he was deprived of anything to do with birds until transferred out in 1959 to a Missouri hospital for prisoners. In showing Stroud's transformation from a vicious criminal to a dedicated ornithologist over 43 years in solitary, director John Frankenheimer probes the man's rehabilitation in relation to his mother (Thelma Ritter), wife (Betty Field), a sympathetic guard (Neville Brand), and a punitive prison warden (Karl Malden). Stylized violence and justice questions. (A-II)(Not rated)

RADIO 1:30 p.m., Relevant Radio (1240 AM) -- USA Young Catholic. Local 30-minute radio program produced by and for teens and pre-teens. Current and past episodes are available on www.relevantradio1240.com

TV MASS 6 p.m., EWTN (cable) -- Mass (Encore).

TV 7 p.m., HBO (cable) -- A Perfect Getaway (2009). Newlyweds (Steve Zahn and Milla Jovovich) on a hiking honeymoon in a remote area of Hawaii fear that an unwed couple they've befriended (Timothy Olyphant and Kiele Sanchez) might be serial killers on the lam. After a reasonably intriguing central twist, though one that fails to jibe entirely with what has gone on before, director David Twohy's thriller becomes overwrought and excessively violent. Considerable action violence, some of it gory, cohabitation, drug use, rear and partial nudity, a half-dozen uses of profanity, and much rough and crude language. (L)(R)

TV 7 p.m., AMC (cable) -- Maverick (1994). Spirited Western in which a high-stakes, winner-takes-all card game on board a paddle-wheeler attracts a gun-toting gambler (Mel Gibson), the light-fingered lady (Jodie Foster) who has lifted his wallet, and a veteran lawman (James Garner) hired to keep the assorted disreputable players from cheating their way to claiming the half-million-dollar pot. Richard Donner directs an appealing cast of double-crossing critters in a featherweight but crowd-pleasing near-spoof of Western conventions in which substance is gleefully tossed aside in favor of style and escapist fun. Some stylized violence, a brief, discreet bedroom scene and a few coarse expressions. (A-III)(PG)

RADIO 8:30 p.m., Relevant Radio (1240 AM) -- Spirit and Life. New show hosted by the brother-sister team of Franciscan Father Albert Haase and Ursuline Sister Bridget Haase. During this unique half-hour weekly show, Father Albert and Sister Bridget examine traditional aspects of Catholic spirituality and how they are lived out and experienced by 21st-century Catholics. (Encore SUN 2:30 p.m.)

TV 9 p.m., Cinemax (cable) -- Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (2009). At the behest of his mentor (Michael Gambon), the now-teenage wizard (Daniel Radcliffe) ingratiates himself with a returning Hogwarts instructor (Jim Broadbent) who once taught his archenemy, Lord Voldemort, and whose memories may hold the key to defeating the villain. Meanwhile, adolescent romantic tensions complicate the lad's relationship with his two closest friends (Rupert Grint and Emma Watson). As directed by David Yates, this sixth adaptation of J.K. Rowling's hugely popular fantasy novel series is a richly textured, though at times overcrowded, adventure narrative in which good and evil are clearly delineated, but characters present a range of moral shading. Moderate action violence, occasional peril, a couple of crass expressions, and a few vaguely sexual references. (A-II)(PG)

TV MASS 11 p.m., EWTN (cable) -- Mass (Encore).

SUNDAY Sept. 5

TV MASS 7 a.m., EWTN (cable) -- Mass (Live).

TV MASS 7 a.m. WISC (CBS) -- Apostolate to the Handicapped Mass.

RADIO MASS 9 a.m. Relevant Radio (1240 AM) -- Mass at the Cathedral in Green Bay.

TV MASS 9 a.m. CatholicTV (www.catholictv.com) -- Mass from Notre Dame, Basilica of the Sacred Heart.

TV MASS 11 a.m., EWTN (cable) -- Mass (Encore).

TV MASS 11 a.m., EWTN (cable) -- Solemn Mass of the Assumption. U.S. Cardinal John Foley, grand master of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulcher of Jerusalem, will be the celebrant and homilist at this liturgy celebrating the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, broadcast live from Washington's Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception.

RADIO 12 noon, Relevant Radio (1240 AM) -- Diocese of Madison This Week (Encore). Local show on Relevant Radio in which host Tim Hine highlights the news and events of the week with interviews and clips from talks from Bishop Robert C. Morlino and other newsmakers.

RADIO 2 p.m., Relevant Radio (1240AM) -- The Dynamic Catholic Show. This new 30-minute show with host Matthew Kelly features inspiring and motivational talks. Kelly's core message, regardless of whether he is speaking in a business, school, or at a parish, is to invite listeners to become the best version of themselves.

RADIO 2:30 p.m., Relevant Radio (1240 AM) -- Spirit and Life (Encore). New show hosted by the brother-sister team of Franciscan Father Albert Haase and Ursuline Sister Bridget Haase. During this unique half-hour weekly show, Father Albert and Sister Bridget examine traditional aspects of Catholic spirituality and how they are lived out and experienced by 21st-century Catholics.

TV 5 p.m., AMC (cable) -- The Sum of All Fears (2002). Espionage thriller loosely based on the Tom Clancy novel in which rookie CIA analyst Jack Ryan (Ben Affleck) races to prove a nuclear attack on the United States was not ordered by Russia while both the American and Russia presidents prepare to initiate a nuclear response. Sleekly directed by Phil Alden Robinson, the frightening visuals of nuclear devastation add up to more than escapist entertainment yet the narrative glosses over a morally questionable course of action to deliver a pat, romanticized ending. Some catastrophic and recurring violence, the issue of vigilante justice, an implied affair, intermittent profanity, and an instance of rough language. (L)(PG-13)

TV 5:30 p.m., WHA (PBS) -- In Wisconsin (Encore)

RADIO 9 p.m., Relevant Radio (1240AM) -- The Dynamic Catholic Show (Encore). This new 30-minute show with host Matthew Kelly features inspiring and motivational talks. Kelly's core message, regardless of whether he is speaking in a business, school, or at a parish, is to invite listeners to become the best version of themselves.

TV MASS 11 p.m., EWTN (cable) -- Mass (Encore).

MONDAY Sept. 6

TV MASS 7 a.m., EWTN (cable) -- Mass (Live).

TV MASS 11 a.m., EWTN (cable) -- Mass (Encore).

TV MASS 2:30 p.m. Inspiration Channel (cable) -- Mass.

TV 5:30 p.m., EWTN (cable) -- Christ the Servant: The Vocation of Deacons. In this first episode of a five-part series, Deacon Harold Burke-Sivers examines the true nature and character of the diaconate, which is not defined by what a deacon does but by who the deacon is: a sacramental sign of the church in the world and a consecrated, visible witness to the kingdom of God manifested in Christ the servant. The series continues nightly at 5:30 p.m. through Sept. 10.

TV MASS 6 p.m., EWTN (cable) -- Mass (Encore).

RADIO MASS 8:30 p.m. Relevant Radio (1240 AM) -- Mass.

TV 9 p.m., TCM (cable) -- Tender Mercies (1983). Down-on-his-luck country-western singer (Robert Duvall), whose drinking broke up his first marriage, meets and weds a young widow (Tess Harper) who runs a ramshackle motel with her young son (Allan Hubbard). Director Bruce Beresford gets feeling performances from his cast, most especially Duvall in one of his best roles, and treats in a refreshingly uncynical, matter-of-fact manner the widow's strong religious convictions and her quiet pride when she sees her son and husband baptized. A rare movie, tough and gentle, inspiring and immensely entertaining, but the serious nature of the story is more appropriate for adults and older adolescents. (A-II)(PG)

TV MASS 11 p.m., EWTN (cable) -- Mass (Encore).

TUESDAY Sept. 7

TV MASS 7 a.m., EWTN (cable) -- Mass (Live).

TV MASS 11 a.m., EWTN (cable) -- Mass (Encore).

TV MASS 2:30 p.m. Inspiration Channel (cable) -- Mass.

TV MASS 6 p.m., EWTN (cable) -- Mass (Encore).

RADIO MASS 8:30 p.m. Relevant Radio (1240 AM) -- Mass.

TV MASS 11 p.m., EWTN (cable) -- Mass (Encore).

WEDNESDAY Sept. 8

TV 3:30 a.m., EWTN (cable) -- Papal Audience (Live). Pope Benedict XVI's weekly audience from Rome.

TV MASS 7 a.m., EWTN (cable) -- Mass (Live).

TV MASS 11 a.m., EWTN (cable) -- Mass (Encore).

TV MASS 2:30 p.m. Inspiration Channel (cable) -- Mass.

RADIO 6 p.m., Relevant Radio (1240 AM) -- Diocese of Madison This Week. Local show on Relevant Radio in which host Tim Hine highlights the news and events of the week with interviews and clips from talks from Bishop Robert C. Morlino and other newsmakers.

TV MASS 6 p.m., EWTN (cable) -- Mass (Encore).

RADIO MASS 8:30 p.m. Relevant Radio (1240 AM) -- Mass.

TV 9 p.m., Animal Planet (cable) -- Cat Ladies. A look at four unique women whose lives and self-worth have become inextricably linked to their cats. (TV-PG)

TV MASS 11 p.m., EWTN (cable) -- Mass (Encore).

THURSDAY Sept. 9

TV MASS 7 a.m., EWTN (cable) -- Mass (Live).

TV MASS 11 a.m., EWTN (cable) -- Mass (Encore).

TV MASS 2:30 p.m. Inspiration Channel (cable) -- Mass.

TV MASS 6 p.m., EWTN (cable) -- Mass (Encore).

TV 7 p.m., WHA (PBS) -- In Wisconsin.

TV 8 p.m., EWTN (cable) -- Live From Wyoming Catholic College. Presented as part of the youth-oriented series "Life on the Rock," this special features interviews with students and faculty from Wyoming Catholic College in Lander, Wyo., which opened its doors in 2007.

TV 8 p.m., History (cable) -- 9/11 State of Emergency. This special recounts the difficult split-second decisions a wide spectrum of people -- ranging from senior political leaders to ordinary men and women -- were forced to make on one of the most fateful days in American history. Among those interviewed (listed with their titles at the time of the attacks) are National Security Adviser Condoleezza Rice, Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld, acting chair of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Richard Myers, and White House chief of staff Andrew Card.

RADIO MASS 8:30 p.m. Relevant Radio (1240 AM) -- Mass.

TV MASS 11 p.m., EWTN (cable) -- Mass (Encore).