"The Cameraman" (1928) Buster Keaton plays a newsreel cameraman sent to Chinatown where he finds himself in the middle of a chaotic Tong War. Still hilarious today, the mark of his genius in physical comedy is present in almost every frame of the picture. It was his last silent feature and the last movie in which he was in complete control. The Catholic News Service classification is A-I – general patronage. Not rated by the Motion Picture Association. (Criterion Collection; also available on Blu-ray)

"Impractical Jokers: The Movie" (2020)

On a road trip from their native Staten Island, New York, to Miami, the four comedians of the eponymous truTV series (Brian Quinn, Joe Gatto, James Murray and Sal Vulcano) compete in playing pranks on unsuspecting members of the public and on one another. The quality of the escapades in director and co-writer Chris Henchy's adaptation, which has a thin backstory involving singer-songwriter Paula Abdul, who plays herself, varies noticeably and some veer into bad taste. But the air of camaraderie that underlies the silly proceedings and the pals' efforts to goad each other into ever greater outrageousness goes a long way to keep this bit of fluff amiable enough for most grown-ups. Glimpses of rear male nudity in a nonsexual context, a scene of strippers involving partial female nudity and sensuous behavior, drug references, a couple of uses of profanity, a few milder oaths, at least one rough term, considerable crude and crass talk. The Catholic News Service classification is A-III – adults. The Motion Picture Association rating is PG-13 – parents strongly cautioned. Some material may be inappropriate for children under 13. (Warner Home Video; also available on Blu-ray)

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"Isadora" (1969)

Spectacular and poignant dramatization of the life of Isadora Duncan, one of modern dance's daring pioneers and free spirits. Director Karel Reisz focuses on the colorful (and ultimately tragic) career of the artist, with special emphasis on her vigorous and unorthodox romantic life. Vanessa Redgrave carries the title role and her dancing is surprisingly graceful and appealing. Some sexually frank dialogue and suggestive visuals. The Catholic News Service classification is A-III – adults. The Motion Picture Association rating is PG – parental guidance suggested. Some material may not be suitable for children. (KL Studio Classics; also available on Blu-ray)

Mulderig is on the staff of Catholic News Service.