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

July 4: Sinsinawa hosts annual Patriotic Concert

SINSINAWA -- Sinsinawa Mound will host the annual Patriotic Concert at 2 p.m. Saturday, July 4.

The theme of the concert is "America, In Remembrance." The Sinsinawa Strings Orchestra and Color Guard will honor the Vatican flag, which represents prayer, and the prisoners of war and those missing in action.

The orchestra will play patriotic selections and lead the audience in a sing-along. The concert is free, and everyone is welcome.

For more information, contact Sr. Dorothy Hughes at 608-748-4411, ext. 883, or visit www.sinsinawa.org

July 31-Aug. 1: Sugar Maple Festival

MADISON -- The 2009 Sugar Maple Traditional Music Festival will be held Friday, July 31, to Saturday, Aug. 1, at Lake Farm County Park.

Ticket prices are: Before June 26: Two-day pass $24, Friday pass $14, Saturday pass $18; After June 26 advance tickets: Two-day pass $30, Friday pass $14, Saturday pass $18; Day of Show: Two-day pass $36; Friday pass $18; Saturday pass $22. Camping is also available.

Advance tickets are available at: Whole Foods, 3313 University Ave.; Spruce Tree Music, 851 E. Johnson St.; and Williamson Street Grocery Co-op, 1221 Williamson St.

For tickets, or for more information, visit www.sugarmaplefest.org

Gallery showcases 'Sinsinawa Treasures'

SINSINAWA -- The Sinsinawa Book and Gift Gallery will feature the fourth annual Sinsinawa Mound Heritage Exhibit, Sinsinawa Treasures, now through August 9.

Sr. Priscilla Wood of the Sinsinawa Dominican Arts and Cultural Heritage Office has compiled an eclectic mix of pieces from the Sinsinawa Heritage Collection that have not been displayed in the gallery before.

Visitors may view the show from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. For more information about the exhibit, contact Sister Priscilla at 608-748-4411, ext. 473. For more information about the Sinsinawa Book and Gift Gallery, contact Michelle Till at 608-748-4411, ext. 849, 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.

Overture Galleries summer exhibition

MADISON -- Overture Galleries new summer cycle titled "Navigating Home." is now on exhibition.
The following shows will be featured through September 13:

• Driscoll Hixson and Tyanna Buie, Identity of Place in Gallery I.
• ARTworking, Place and Time in Gallery II
• Rhea Vedro and Graham Yeager, An Engagement, in Gallery III.

Overture Galleries, 201 State St., are free and open to the public with hours: Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Friday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., Saturday from 10:30 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Sunday from 12 noon to 5 p.m. 

For more information about these exhibits, contact the gallery coordinator at 608-258-4961, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or visit www.overturecenter.com/galleries.htm

Wednesdays: Sinsinawa Mound features summer concerts

SINSINAWA -- The Summer Organ Concert Recital series is held at Sinsinawa Mound every Wednesday at 7 p.m. from June through August. The free concerts feature a different guest musician every week performing on the newly refurbished Casavant pipe organ in Queen of the Rosary Chapel. This is the 18th year of the series.

The next concert of the series is July 8. Read more >>

Capitol City Band presents free summer concerts

MADISON — Capitol City Band’s free 2009 Concerts in the Park, conducted by Jim Latimer, will be held June through August in Rennebohm Park at 7 p.m. or as indicated, rain or shine. Bring a friend and a lawn chair for listening comfort. This is Capitol City Band’s 41st season. For more information, call 608-835-9861.

The next concert of the series is Thursday, July 2. Read more >>

Thursdays: 30-minute music hour on WPT

MADISON -- The second season of the 30-Minute Music Hour on Wisconsin Public Television (WPT) features a lineup of independent musicians from throughout Wisconsin and beyond. Each week this summer, music fans will be able to see a lineup of musicians performing in an intimate, free-flowing studio format and discussing their music. With broadcasts of new shows at 10 p.m. each Thursday, 30-Minute Music Hour's schedule for June and July includes... Read more >>

Theater Bus offers senior trips for July

MADISON -- Theater Bus, for people 55 and over, has upcoming trips planned. Call 608-257-0003 or e-mail This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it for more information or to register.

• July 8 -- The Wedding Singer at the Timber Lake Playhouse in Mt. Carrol, Ill. Lunch will be served at the Oakville Country Club prior to the show. Cost is $62.
• July 14 -- Mike Williamson and his group will be performing "show stopping" hits from Broadway and the country and pop charts at the Cliffbreakers in Rockford, Ill. Lunch will be served before the show. Cost is $69.
• July 23 -- Ride the Chief Waupaca Sternwheeler for a narrated tour of the Chain of Lakes in Waupaca. We'll stop at the historic Red Mill prior to brunch at the King's Table in King, Wis. Cost is $59.
• July 26 -- The Community Players of Southwest Wisconsin will be presenting the Man of La Mancha at the Richland Center High School Theater. Brunch will be served at Arthur's Supper Club in Spring Green. Cost is $56.

Sundays: Olbrich as Art exhibit

MADISON — Individuals are invited to see Olbrich Botanical Gardens, 3330 Atwood Ave., through the eyes of the artist during the fifth bi-annual Olbrich as Art invitational exhibit, now through July 5. Thirty fiber artists have created original pieces, all inspired by the gardens, ranging from origami to art quilts.

Regular exhibit hours are Sundays from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

For more information, call 608-246-4550 or visit www.olbrich.org

Summer at Overture

MADISON -- Minnesota's potluck princesses will return to Madison this summer, along with one very engaging nun.

Late Nite Catechism (July 14 to 26) is a funny play that takes the audience back to their youth. Sister  engages the audience in a whimsical question-and-answer session as her uproarious lesson explains Church doctrine. Catholics and non-Catholics alike become part of the most hilarious and enjoyable adult catechism class ever attended.

Church Basement Ladies (August 18 to 23), the musical starring William Christopher (of M*A*S*H* fame) and the first ladies of lefse, was a smash last summer, nearly filling historic Capitol Theater for three weeks.

Single tickets for both shows are now on sale. Late Night Catechism tickets are $24 to $28; Church Basement Ladies are $18 to $35. Groups of 12 or more will receive a 10 percent discount and deferred payment options. A $10 per group handling charge will apply.

Visit overturecenter.com for more information.

New programming

GREEN BAY -- As the Catholic Church embarks upon the Year of the Priest, Relevant Radio announces changes to its program lineup.

Beginning Monday, July 6, Relevant Radio will be offering a new and improved broadcast schedule, featuring the following programs and lineup changes:

• Go Ask Your Father (noon central) -- This open-line program will be hosted by a rotation of some of the regular contributing priests on Relevant Radio. 
• On Call (1 p.m. central) -- Relevant Radio host and news anchor Wendy Wiese will now be the fulltime host of On Call at its new time of 1 p.m. central. The new version of On Call will expand its focus to cover a wider range of topics that are central to today's Catholic families.
• The Drew Mariani Show (2 p.m. central) -- Beginning July 6th, Relevant Radio will treat listeners to an extra hour of one of its most popular programs, The Drew Mariani Show.
• The Inner Life (Monday-Friday 11 a.m. central) -- Same host, same guests, different time. Hosted by Chuck Neff, this popular program centered on spiritual direction will move to its new time slot at 11 a.m. central.
• The Catholic Café (Sunday 1 p.m.) with host Deacon Jeff Drzycimski and co-host Tom Dorian who will engage a variety of guests in conversation about the teachings of the Catholic Church.
• Christopher Closeup (Sunday 1:30 p.m.), a half-hour interview show with people who are making a difference in the world through Christian living.
• Making a Difference (Saturday 6 p.m. and Sunday 3 p.m.) hosted by world-renowned Catholic musician Steve Angrisano.
• Lino at Large (Saturday 6:30 p.m. and Sunday 3:30 p.m.) contemporary look at Catholic life.

To learn more about Relevant Radio programming, visit www.relevantradio.com See Radio for more radio programming of interest.

TV/Radio Programs of Note

July 1-9, 2009

This information is being provided to assist people in making informed viewing and listening choices. Television shows may not have been reviewed by the USCCB Office for Film and Broadcasting and therefore are not necessarily recommended. Televised versions of theatrical releases may or may not be edited for language, nudity, violence, and sexual situations.

Television

(See also TV/Radio Masses, below)
Wednesday | Thursday | Friday | Saturday | Sunday | Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday

WEDNESDAY July 1, 3:30 a.m., EWTN (cable) -- Papal Audience. Pope Benedict XVI's weekly audience, live from Rome.

WEDNESDAY July 1, 8 p.m., WHA (PBS) -- American Masters: "Garrison Keillor: The Man on the Radio in the Red Shoes." This presentation follows raconteur Garrison Keillor -- host, since 1974, of radio's A Prairie Home Companion -- and his crew of actors, musicians and technical staff over the course of a year as he crisscrosses the country, broadcasting, recording and opening up about himself. (TV-PG)

WEDNESDAY July 1, 9 p.m., EWTN (cable) -- Saint Oliver Plunkett: A Journey to Sainthood. This documentary explores the life of St. Oliver Plunkett, a Catholic archbishop and former primate of Ireland who was hanged, drawn and quartered at Tyburn in London on July 1, 1681, the last Catholic martyr to die in England.

WEDNESDAY July 1, 10 p.m., WHA (PBS) -- Wide Angle: "Crossing Heaven's Border." In this presentation -- hosted by Aaron Brown -- South Korean journalists use hidden cameras to follow the desperate journeys of three North Korean defectors as they risk their lives to settle in the South. (TV-PG)

THURSDAY July 2, 7 p.m., WHA (PBS) -- In Wisconsin. (Encore SUN 5:30 p.m.)

THURSDAY July 2, 7 p.m., TCM (cable) -- The Wizard of Oz (1939). Dorothy rides her tornado to the magic land over the rainbow in director Victor Fleming's classic that skyrocketed Judy Garland's career and has given generations of families prime entertainment again and again. (A-I)(G)

FRIDAY July 3, 6 p.m., Showtime (cable) -- Beowulf (2007). Generally impressive 3-D animated reworking of the Beowulf legend, dramatizing the warrior's (Ray Winstone) vanquishing of the tortured Grendel (Crispin Glover), his encounter with the demon's mother (Angelina Jolie), and his later troubled kingship. Director Robert Zemeckis has taken some dramatic license with the venerable but sketchy original narrative, but writers Neil Gaiman and Roger Avery's intelligent screenplay has remained faithful to the essentials, including its mix of Christian and pagan elements, while several of the action sequences, including the climactic battle with a flying dragon, are excitingly done. Nearly full male and female nudity, sexual references and innuendo, period bawdiness, adultery, implied nonmarital encounters, intense violence with gore, and a suicide. Possibly acceptable for older teens. (A-III)(PG-13)

FRIDAY July 3, 8 p.m., WHA-2 (Wis Channel/PBS) -- Florentine Opera Presents: "Pinocchio." Milwaukee's Florentine Opera Company performs the classic tale, set to the music of Mozart, Donizetti, Offenbach, Pergolesi, Sullivan, and Verdi.

FRIDAY July 3, 9 p.m., EWTN (cable) -- Defending Life.

FRIDAY July 3, 10:30 p.m., WHA (PBS) -- Fiddler on the Roof (1971). Fine screen adaptation of Joseph Stein's Broadway musical about Tevye (Topol), a milk seller in a Czarist Russian village whose life of Jewish Orthodoxy is filled with joy and sadness but always buoyed by the human spirit and eternal hope. Struggling in a time of cultural and political flux to find suitable husbands for his three dowryless daughters, Tevye's faith and hope and sheer love of life and humankind keep him and the family going. Norman Jewison's direction does full justice to a rich and appealing musical that the whole family can enjoy. (A-I)(G) (Encore SAT 2 p.m.)

SATURDAY July 4, 7 p.m., WHA (PBS) -- Capitol Fourth. Jimmy Smits hosts a celebration of America's 233rd birthday, featuring fireworks, Barry Manilow, Aretha Franklin, pop star Natasha Bedingfield, the "Jersey Boys" cast, vocalist Michael Feinstein, pianist Andrew von Oeyen and the "Sesame Street" Muppets, as well as Erich Kunzel and the National Symphony Orchestra. Included: Tchaikovsky's "1812 Overture" accompanied by cannon fire from the U.S. Army Presidential Salute Battery. From the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol. (Encore 10 p.m.; followed by 3, 2, 1, Fireworks at 11:30 p.m. and Nova: "Fireworks!" at 12 midnight)

SATURDAY July 4, 8 p.m., Showtime (cable) -- The Kite Runner (2007). Superb adaptation of Khaled Hosseini's best-seller about an Afghan writer (Khalid Abdalla) now living in the U.S. who recalls how as a boy (played by Zekiria Ebrahimi) in his native homeland, he failed to help and subsequently betrayed his best friend (Ahmad Khan Mahmoodzada), and now finds he has a chance to atone for that misdeed. Under Marc Forster's sensitive direction, the beautifully acted film provides a fascinating portrait of pre- and post-Taliban Afghanistan; its fine human values, strong affirmation of friendship and family, and redemptive ending should move even the most stone-hearted. In Dari and English. Partially subtitled. A single profanity and use of the F-word, a brief rape scene with no nudity involving a small boy and a bully, two discreetly worded sexual references, illegitimacy theme, a violent beating, and a woman's stoning. (A-III)(PG-13)

SATURDAY July 4, 9:15 p.m., TCM (cable) -- 1776 (1972). Entertaining screen version of the popular Broadway musical by Sherman Edwards and Peter Stone about the travails of the Continental Congress in forging the Declaration of Independence utilizes most of the original cast from William Daniels' John Adams to Howard Da Silva's Benjamin Franklin. Director Peter Hunt, who also directed the stage musical, relies on the original staging rather than trying for any big screen effects and it works well in mixing some light, diverting entertainment with some serious asides, such as slavery and marital loneliness. (A-II)(G)

SUNDAY July 5, 7 p.m., AMC (cable) -- Jumanji (1995). Eye-popping fantasy adventure about a jungle wildlife board game which springs to life, threatening to destroy a whole town unless its players (notably Robin Williams) successfully complete the game. Director Joe Johnston provides some frightening thrills as spectacular special effects put humans at the mercy of rampaging animals and a deadly hunter. Frequent life-threatening menace and intermittent gunfire. (A-II)(PG)

MONDAY July 6, 9:15 a.m., TCM (cable) -- Angels in the Outfield (1951). Sentimental baseball fantasy in which the lowly Pittsburgh Pirates begin winning games after the team's ill-tempered manager (Paul Douglas) starts listening to an orphan who sees angels on the playing field. Directed by Clarence Brown, the proceedings are mostly good-natured hokum, though some may find them overly sweetened. (A-I)(Not rated)

MONDAY July 6, 7 p.m., AMC (cable) -- My Girl (1991). Heartwarming drama in which an imaginative 11-year-old (Anna Chlumsky), whose widowed father (Dan Aykroyd) operates a funeral parlor out of their home, confronts some of her worst fears when her dad's attention is drawn to the new cosmetologist (Jamie Lee Curtis) and she loses her best friend (Macaulay Culkin). Director Howard Zieff handles childhood traumas with humor and sensitivity in an evocative story of memorable characters and life-affirming relationships. Brief but disturbing sequence of a juvenile's death, discreet scene about menstruation, and a drug reference. (A-II)(PG)

TUESDAY July 7, 9 p.m., History (cable) -- That's Impossible. Premiere of a new series that evaluates the evidence behind mysterious stories from history, and uncovers the technologies and theories that are making the seemingly impossible a reality. This episode, "Invisibility Cloaks," investigates classified reports that the British military recently tested an invisible battle tank; examines recent scientific breakthroughs; and features the demonstration of an invisibility cloak capable of making a man vanish.

TUESDAY July 7, 9 p.m., TCM (cable) -- King Solomon's Mines (1950). Rousing good version of the H. Rider Haggard adventure yarn about an Englishwoman (Deborah Kerr) who hires a guide (Stewart Granger) to search for her lost brother (Richard Carlson) in the African jungle where they also find fabulous diamond mines. Directed by Compton Bennett and Andrew Marton, the movie's picturesque sights and colorful action make this a first-rate family safari. (A-I)(Not rated)

WEDNESDAY July 8, 3:30 a.m., EWTN (cable) -- Papal Audience. Pope Benedict XVI's weekly audience, live from Rome.

WEDNESDAY July 8, 7 p.m., HBO2 (cable) -- The Conscience of Nhem En. This documentary from filmmaker Steven Okazaki tells the story of Nhem En who, as a 16-year-old soldier in Cambodia, was instructed to photograph thousands of men, women and children as they passed through a processing center on their way to certain death during the genocide there.

THURSDAY July 9, 7 p.m., WHA (PBS) -- In Wisconsin. (Encore SUN 5:30 p.m.)

THURSDAY July 9, 7 p.m., TCM (cable) -- Union Pacific (1939). Sprawling saga re-creating the epic construction of the transcontinental railroad after the Civil War, centering on the title line's troubleshooter (Joel McCrea) who battles the disruptions caused by a gambler (Brian Donlevy) paid to delay the track's progress, while vying with the gambler's partner (Robert Preston) for the love of the line's postmistress (Irish-brogued Barbara Stanwyck). Director Cecil B. DeMille paces the character's melodramatics with some grand visual spectacle, including train wrecks, Indian attacks, an elaborate payroll robbery and numerous brawls and shootouts. Frontier violence and romantic complications. (A-I)(Not rated)

THURSDAY July 9, 9 p.m., Science (cable) -- Science of the Movies: "Magic of the Muppets." This episode shows how New Deal Studios shrank the Smithsonian Air & Space Museum for the Night at the Museum sequel; explores the mechanics behind camera dollies; and includes a visit to Henson Digital Puppetry Studio to meet Sid the Science Kid. (TV-G)

Radio

(See also TV/Radio Masses, below)

M-F 11 a.m., Relevant Radio (1240 AM) -- The Inner Life. Every weekday morning, after hearing the unique teachings of Father Corapi, listeners are invited to make a deeper exploration of the faith through prayer, discernment, and spiritual direction. Join the conversation or just listen in as the regular panel of priests, deacons, and spiritual directors address many of the complex questions about the faith.  

M-F 12 noon, Relevant Radio (1240 AM) -- Go Ask Your Father. Adapted from Father Rocky's popular question-and-answer segments on Morning Air, this brand new open-line program will be hosted by a rotation of some of the regular contributing priests on Relevant Radio, including Fr. Rocky Hoffman, Fr. Thomas Acklin and Fr. Richard Simon. Every weekday afternoon, listeners will be given the opportunity to ask a priest questions related to Church history, the Bible, the saints, the Vatican, the meaning of specific prayers and traditions, and much more. Designed to be inclusive, the priests will field all types of calls, from "back-to-the-basics" questions to more sophisticated apologetics.,

M-F 1 p.m., Relevant Radio (1240 AM) -- On Call. Relevant Radio host and news anchor Wendy Wiese will now be the full-time host at its new time. The new version of On Call will expand its focus to cover a wider range of topics that are central to today's Catholic families. Wendy will introduce us to new guests, often Catholic physicians, psychologists or medical professionals, who will discuss health and lifestyle issues important to all listeners.   

M-F 2 p.m., Relevant Radio (1240 AM) -- The Drew Mariani Show. Beginning July 6, Relevant Radio will treat listeners to an extra hour of one of its most popular programs, The Drew Mariani Show. Drew and his guests, including many of today's most notable Catholic journalists, authors, politicians, bishops and priests, will now begin their spirited conversation an hour earlier at 2 p.m.

SATURDAY 6 p.m., Relevant Radio (1240 AM) -- Make a Difference. Hosted by world-renowned Catholic musician Steve Angrisano. (Encore SUN 3 p.m.)

SATURDAY 6:30 p.m., Relevant Radio (1240 AM) -- Lino at Large. A contemporary look at Catholic life. (Encore SUN 3:30 p.m.)

SUNDAY 1 p.m., Relevant Radio (1240 AM) -- The Catholic Café. Host Deacon Jeff Drzycimski and co-host Tom Dorian will engage a variety of guests in conversation about the teachings of the Catholic Church

SUNDAY 1:30 p.m., Relevant Radio (1240 AM) -- Christopher Closeup. Half-hour interview show with people who are making a difference in the world through Christian living.

M-SUN 8 p.m., Relevant Radio (1240 AM) -- The Rosary.

TV/Radio Masses

M-F 2:30 p.m. Inspiration Channel (cable)

M-F 8:30 p.m. Relevant Radio (1240 AM)

SUN 7 a.m., 11a.m., 11p.m. EWTN (cable)

SUN 7 a.m. WISC (CBS) -- Apostolate to the Handicapped

SUN 9 a.m. Relevant Radio (1240 AM) -- in Green Bay