NEW YORK (CNS) -- The following are capsule reviews of theatrical movies on network and cable television the week of April 1. Please note that televised versions may or may not be edited for language, nudity, violence, and sexual situations.

Sunday, April 1, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. EDT (TCM) "The Bible" (1966). Six episodes from Genesis (Creation, Adam and Eve, Cain and Abel, Noah, the Tower of Babel and Abraham) are pictured as literally as they were written, largely leaving their interpretation to the viewer. John Huston directs, narrates and plays the part of Noah in this reverent but entertaining spectacular. George C. Scott as Abraham takes acting honors among a cast that includes Ava Gardner, Richard Harris, Ulla Bergryd and Michael Parks. The Catholic News Service classification of the theatrical version was A-I -- general patronage. Not rated by the Motion Picture Association of America.

Sunday, April 1, 12:35-2:45 p.m. EDT (Showtime) "The Preacher's Wife" (1992). Charming remake of the 1948 fantasy, "The Bishop's Wife," in which an angel (Denzel Washington) is sent to help the discouraged Baptist minister (Courtney B. Vance) of a struggling inner-city church and his neglected wife (Whitney Houston) rediscover romance in their marriage. Director Penny Marshall's slow-paced, sentimental story about the values of faith and hope is enlivened by an engaging cast and vibrant gospel songs. Romantic complications. The Catholic News Service classification of the theatrical version was A-II -- adults and adolescents. The Motion Picture Association of America rating was PG -- parental guidance suggested. Some material may not be suitable for children.

Friday, April 6, 8-9:45 p.m. EDT (Showtime) "A Dog's Purpose" (2017). Pet lovers will revel in this slight but charming tale of a clever canine (voice of Josh Gad) and his adventures over a series of lifetimes as he is repeatedly reincarnated. His most significant bond is with a little boy (Bryce Gheisar) who grows into a high school football star (KJ Apa). Though he finds support in the love of his mother (Juliet Rylance) and, later, that of his girlfriend (Britt Robertson), the athlete's life is increasingly darkened by his father's (Luke Kirby) worsening alcoholism. During other intervals, the pooch serves as a police dog (trained by John Ortiz) and brightens the life of a lonely single gal (Kirby Howell-Baptiste). While free of anything genuinely objectionable, director Lasse Hallstrom's screen version of W. Bruce Cameron's best-selling 2010 novel is too potentially frightening for the smallest pups. And some grown viewers may find the four-legged protagonist's New Age-style philosophizing a bore. Still, a good-hearted romantic wrap-up matching characters played by Dennis Quaid and Peggy Lipton as well as some droll humor throughout keep things cuddly. Mature themes, including alcohol addiction, possible cohabitation, some stylized violence with brief gore, scenes of peril, light scatological humor. The Catholic News Service classification of the theatrical version was A-II -- adults and adolescents. The Motion Picture Association of America rating was PG -- parental guidance suggested. Some material may not be suitable for children.

Friday, April 6, 9:15-11 p.m. EDT (TCM) "Ruggles of Red Gap" (1935). Droll tale of a British butler (Charles Laughton) transplanted to the Wild West after an American cattle baron (Charlie Ruggles) wins his services in a poker game with an English lord (Roland Young). Director Leo McCarey pokes fun at the social pretensions of the newly rich cattleman's wife (Mary Boland) while centering the comedy on Laughton's gradual transformation from strait-laced servant to red-blooded frontier patriot. The comic situation and performances hold up better than the sentimental theme. The Catholic News Service classification of the theatrical version was A-I -- general patronage. Not rated by the Motion Picture Association of America.

Saturday, April 7, 7-10 p.m. EDT (AMC) "Open Range" (2003). Well-crafted Western about a pair of cowboys (Kevin Costner and Robert Duvall) who must stand up to a ruthless rancher looking to run them out of town. While walking a fine line in its treatment of justice versus revenge and saddled with moments of heavy-handed melodrama, Costner, who wore a director's cap under his Stetson, effectively captures the big sky grandeur and mythic romance of the Old West at its sunset. Recurring gunplay, including a violently jarring image and minimal vulgar language. The Catholic News Service classification of the theatrical version was A-III -- adults. The Motion Picture Association of America rating was R -- restricted. Under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian.

Saturday, April 7, 9:40-11:20 p.m. EDT (Cinemax) "Dangerous Minds" (1995). When an ex-Marine (Michelle Pfeiffer) turns to teaching high school English to a chaotic class of tough minority students, she becomes involved in their personal problems while showing them that poetry offers practical insights in facing life's struggles. Director John N. Smith's fact-based story stresses uplifting themes about staying in school and rejecting despair but the slick script rarely rises beyond shallow characterizations and pat solutions. Brief violence, some sexual references and much crude slang and rough language. The Catholic News Service classification of the theatrical version was A-III -- adults. The Motion Picture Association of America rating was R -- restricted. Under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian.

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Mulderig is on the staff of Catholic News Service.