Sunday, Feb. 7, 2:15-4:15 p.m. EST (AMC) "The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey" (2012). Epic adaptation of the opening part of Catholic author J.R.R. Tolkien's 1937 children's novel "The Hobbit, or There and Back Again," directed by Peter Jackson. In this first installment of a trio of prequels to Jackson's "The Lord of the Rings" trilogy, also based on Tolkien's fiction, a homebody hobbit (Martin Freeman) is reluctantly convinced by a wizard (Ian McKellen) to accompany and aid a group of dwarves (led by Richard Armitage) in their quest to recapture their ancient stronghold, a storehouse of fabulous wealth long ago conquered by a rampaging dragon. The heroism of ordinary people and the potential for everyday goodness to subdue evil are the primary themes of the long, combat-heavy adventure that follows. As the titular character proves his mettle, the corrupting effects of power are also showcased through his encounter with a cave dweller (Andy Serkis) who is obsessed with – and spiritually enslaved by – a magical ring. Not for the easily frightened or those with short attention spans, Jackson's sweeping journey across Tolkien's imaginary world of Middle-earth is an upbeat outing suitable for all others. Much bloodless action violence, some mild gross-out humor. The Catholic News Service classification of the theatrical version was A-II – adults and adolescents. The Motion Picture Association rating was PG-13 – parents strongly cautioned. Some material may be inappropriate for children under 13. (Followed by the sequels "The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug" (2013) 4:15-8 p.m. EST and "The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies" (2014) 8-11:15 p.m. EST)

Tuesday, Feb. 9, 6-8 p.m. EST (TCM) "Clash by Night" (1952). Dark dramatization of the Clifford Odets play about a sullen, unhappy woman (Barbara Stanwyck) who marries a good-hearted fishing-boat captain (Paul Douglas), then falls for his cynical movie projectionist pal (Robert Ryan). Director Fritz Lang portrays the human tragedy caused by disordered passions in convincing fashion, with contrasting figures of hope and despair among the citizens of a California fishing town and adjacent cannery. Theme of infidelity and its moral consequences. The Catholic News Service classification of the theatrical version was A-II – adults and adolescents. Not rated by the Motion Picture Association.

Wednesday, Feb. 10, 10-11:45 p.m. EST (TCM) "The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn" (1939). Still one of the best screen adaptations of the Twain classic with Mickey Rooney properly scrappy in the title role and Rex Ingram strong and dignified as his companion, the freedom-seeking Jim, with Walter Connolly and William Frawley as the confidence men they meet along the river. Director Richard Thorpe captures much of the youthful wonderment and the spirit of adventure that makes the original such enjoyable reading. Fine family fare. The Catholic News Service classification of the theatrical version was A-I – general patronage. Not rated by the Motion Picture Association.

Friday, Feb. 12, 7:25-9 p.m. EST (Showtime) "Eighth Grade" (2018). All the varied horrors of middle school are on display in this low-key, moving blend of comedy and drama, written and directed by Bo Burnham. In a riveting performance, Elsie Fisher plays an unpopular teen on the brink of graduation as she yearns for the boy of her dreams (Luke Prael), is pursued by a likable goofball (Jake Ryan), gets put down by a duo of mean girls (Catherine Oliviere and Nora Mullins) and squirms under the loving but overzealous care of her well-meaning single dad (Josh Hamilton). Positive attention from an amiable high school student (Emily Robinson) offers some relief from the protagonist's isolation but also leads to emotional manipulation by one of her newfound friend's peers (Daniel Zolghadri). While it implicitly condemns the low morals of the hookup culture and subtly endorses nondenominational religious faith, Burnham's screenplay deals with sexuality in a manner that would normally prohibit endorsement for any but grownups. Yet at least some parents may feel that its overall message of hope, together with its warnings against being pressured into getting physical, make the film both acceptable for mature teens and a good starting point for a valuable family discussion. Much sexual humor, including a brief sight gag about masturbation and a nonexplicit sequence dealing with oral sex, fleeting scatological humor, a couple of uses of profanity, occasional rough and crude language. 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.

Saturday, Feb. 13, 8-10 p.m. EST (HBO) "The Book of Eli" (2010). This unexpectedly contemplative and lyrical, if violent, homage to spaghetti Westerns, martial arts films and religious faith follows a lone hero (Denzel Washington) as he traverses a post-apocalyptic landscape using his considerable fighting skills to safeguard the only extant copy of the King James Bible. Director siblings Albert and Allen Hughes have succeeded in making an entertaining and relatively substantive movie, while refraining from saturating the proceedings in blood or prolonging the violent passages. Still, some moviegoers will find the pairing of Scripture with stylized aggression unnecessary and avoidable. Intermittent strong violence including gunplay and swordplay and a killing intended to be merciful, much rough and some crude language and brief sexual innuendo. The Catholic News Service classification of the theatrical version was L – limited adult audience, films whose problematic content many adults would find troubling. The Motion Picture Association rating was R – restricted. Under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian.

Saturday, Feb. 13, 9-10:30 p.m. EST (Showtime) "The Rental" (2020). Actor Dave Franco's directorial debut (which he also co-wrote) is a horror movie long on tension but short on logic or resolution. Two brothers, one (Dan Stevens) traveling with his wife (Alison Brie), the other (Jeremy Allen White) accompanied by his live-in girlfriend (Sheila Vand), rent a luxurious house in the Pacific Northwest for a weekend. But they find their getaway blighted by the presence of the property's manager (Toby Huss), who turns out to be both bigoted and creepy. A cautionary tale about the kind of vacation enabled by websites like Airbnb and about hi-tech surveillance, the film features unsympathetic characters in initially hostile and ultimately horrifying circumstances. Though it shows how moral transgressions can entrap those who perpetrate them, it ultimately fails to make much of an impression. Some gory violence, semi-graphic adulterous activity, drug use, brief partial nudity, a few uses of profanity, about a half-dozen milder oaths, pervasive rough and frequent crude language. The Catholic News Service classification is L – limited adult audience, films whose problematic content many adults would find troubling. The Motion Picture Association rating is R – restricted. Under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian.

Mulderig is on the staff of Catholic News Service.