NEW YORK (CNS) -- The following are capsule reviews of theatrical movies on network and cable television the week of Jan. 5. Please note that televised versions may or may not be edited for language, nudity, violence and sexual situations.

Sunday, Jan. 5, 8:55-10:25 a.m. EST (Showtime) "Stand By Me" (1986). The power of this drama lies in the simple, profound truths four boys learn about themselves while on a journey through the backwoods of their rural hometown in the late 1950s. Director Rob Reiner's preteen coming-of-age picture carefully avoids excess while focusing upon simple tests of patience, courage, caring and the joys of male camaraderie. Some harsh language, uncharacteristic of the times, and brief violence but it is an experience some parents might wish to share with their youngsters. The Catholic News Service classification of the theatrical version was A-III -- adults. The Motion Picture Association rating was R -- restricted. Under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian.

Sunday, Jan. 5, 2:30-5 p.m. EST (AMC) "X-Men" (2000). Entertaining sci-fi thriller that pits outcast humans whose genetic mutations give them superpowers against evil mutants intent on ruling over humanity. Based on the Marvel comic book series, director Bryan Singer's live-action film has an absorbing, multilayered narrative, sharp editing and imaginative special effects, but some sketchy characterizations. Some sci-fi violence and a few instances of crass language. The Catholic News Service classification of the theatrical version was A-II -- adults and adolescents. The Motion Picture Association rating was PG-13 -- parents are strongly cautioned. Some material may be inappropriate for children under 13. (First in a series of "X-Men" films, ending with "X-Men Origins: Wolverine" (2009) 1:30-4 a.m. EST Monday, Jan. 6.)

Monday, Jan. 6, 6-8 p.m. EST (Lifetime) "Just Wright" (2010). This appealing, seamless blend of the best elements of both romantic comedy and inspirational sports films charts the triangular love story of a hardworking physical therapist (Queen Latifah), a professional basketball star (rapper Common) and the attractive but shallow material girl (Paula Patton) who is both her "godsister" and his fiancee. Director Sanaa Hamri and screenwriter Michael Elliot use the lightest of touches to create a warm, likable environment and convey a message about relationships founded on enduring values. Probably acceptable for more mature teens. A single use of rough language, an implied premarital encounter. The Catholic News Service classification of the theatrical version was A-II -- adults and adolescents. The Motion Picture Association rating was PG -- parental guidance suggested. Some material may not be suitable for children.

Tuesday, Jan. 7, 6-8 p.m. EST (Lifetime) "A Walk to Remember" (2002). A popular and shallow high school senior (Shane West) finds himself unexpectedly falling for a seriously religious classmate (Mandy Moore) who brings out the best in him despite her own personal crisis. Director Adam Shankman's earnest teen romance travels a predictable route but excels in affirming faith values as a positive and joyous part of life. Some sexual references and fleeting crass language. The Catholic News Service classification of the theatrical version was A-II -- adults and adolescents. The Motion Picture Association rating was PG -- parental guidance suggested. Some material may not be suitable for children.

Wednesday, Jan. 8, 5:45-7:45 p.m. EST (Showtime) "On the Basis of Sex" (2018). This legal drama proves that even though a tax case may be destined to serve as a landmark for equal treatment under the law -- as well as a breakthrough for future Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg (Felicity Jones) -- in the absence of compelling dialogue or performances, it's nearly impossible to keep stodginess at bay. Director Mimi Leder and screenwriter Daniel Stiepleman (Ginsburg's nephew) have ameliorated the deficiencies somewhat through discussions of legal morality -- and Ginsburg's record as a wife and mother, nursing her husband (Armie Hammer) through a cancer scare, attending his law school classes as well as her own and later raising a son and a daughter, is undeniably impressive. But the film is an unapologetically heroic narrative that lacks only a college fight song to pump up emotion at its conclusion. Possibly acceptable for mature adolescents, though they're likely to regard this profile more as a homework assignment than a piece of entertainment. A scene of marital sensuality, at least one use of profanity, a couple of milder oaths, a single rough and several crude terms. The Catholic News Service classification of the theatrical version was A-III -- adults. The Motion Picture Association rating was PG-13 -- parents strongly cautioned. Some material may be inappropriate for children under 13.

Wednesday, Jan. 8, 8-10 p.m. EST (TCM) "Some Like It Hot" (1959). Two musicians (Jack Lemmon and Tony Curtis) witness the St. Valentine's Day massacre at the height of Chicago's gangster era and must disguise themselves as women to escape the mob, joining an all-girl band, with one of them falling for the lead singer (Marilyn Monroe). Director and co-writer Billy Wilder's farce is a classic that has stood the test of time. Some innuendo and risque humor, discreet sexual situations and comic gangster violence. The Catholic News Service classification of the theatrical version was A-III -- adults. Not rated by the Motion Picture Association.

Saturday, Jan. 11, 8-10 p.m. EST (TCM) "Rashomon" (1950). Medieval Japanese story in which a bandit (Toshiro Mifune) is charged with murdering a samurai and raping his wife but the three (the samurai speaks through a medium) give contradictory accounts, to which is added a yet different version of events as witnessed by a woodcutter (Takashi Shimura). Director Akira Kurosawa makes brilliant use of the actors and the sunlit forest setting in flashbacks restaging the four versions of the crime, but the result is less about the relativity of truth than about the human capacity for evil and deceit, a theme which ends on a hopeful note as the woodcutter rescues an abandoned baby. Stylized violence and sexual situations. The Catholic News Service classification of the theatrical version was A-III -- adults. Not rated by the Motion Picture Association.

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Mulderig is on the staff of Catholic News Service.