"The Daydreamer" (1966)

A little boy runs away from home and has a series of adventures, most of them taking place in his imagination. Jules Bass directs a part-animation, part live-action children's entertainment combining the biblical concept of Paradise with the fancy of Hans Christian Anderson and the result adds up to a diverting fantasy. The Catholic News Service classification is A-I – general patronage. Not rated by the Motion Picture Association. (KL Studio Classics; also available on Blu-ray)

"The Father" (2021)

While this drama has nothing new to say about the challenges of dementia, it does present the difficulties resulting from that illness in an innovative way. In adapting his play with co-screenwriter Christopher Hampton, director Florian Zeller portrays the mental confusion of a man in his 80s (Anthony Hopkins) by keeping the viewer off-balance as well. Thus Hopkins' character sometimes sees different women (Olivia Colman or Olivia Williams) as the daughter with whom he lives. And he's often taunted by a strange man (Mark Gatiss) who announces that he also lives in their London apartment. Skillfully understated performances by Hopkins and Colman make this a deeply moving experience, especially for anyone who has cared for an elderly parent at home. Though some may see the proceedings as having a somewhat polite veneer – the protagonist is never violent, only fearful like a child – the film is admirably courageous in other respects, delving into moral depths and laying bare family relationships. Mature themes, fleeting coarse language. 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. (Sony Pictures Home Entertainment; also available on Blu-ray)

"Madame Rosa" (1978)

Memorable performance by Simone Signoret as an aging former prostitute and survivor of Auschwitz who makes a living of sorts by running a foster home for the children of prostitutes in her sixth-floor walk-up in a rundown Parisian neighborhood. As her health deteriorates, she develops a relationship of need with a 14-year-old Algerian boy (Samy Ben Youb). French production directed by Moshe Mizrahi, its Arab-Jewish jokes quickly wear thin, and its evocation of the horror of Auschwitz and persecution is far too superficial. Mature theme and atmosphere. 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)

"Minari" (2021)

Set in the 1980s, and loosely based on the childhood experiences of writer-director Lee Isaac Chung, this gentle mix of drama and comedy explores the immigrant experience from a Korean-American perspective while also charting the struggles and triumphs of family life. An aspiring produce farmer (Steven Yeun), his wife (Yeri Han) and their two children (Alan Kim and Noel Kate Cho) move from California to rural Arkansas where the tedious nature of the couple's work in a chicken hatchery, together with the outlay of money Dad dedicates to his dream, inspires constant bickering. Another source of friction is introduced when the children's maternal grandmother (Yuh-jung Youn) relocates from Korea and joins the household to help look after them. The film's strength lies in its understated presentation of universal themes concerning marriage, parenting, and familial bonds in general. Probably acceptable for mature adolescents. Fleeting crude and crass language, a suicide reference. 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. (Lionsgate Home Entertainment; also available on Blu-ray)

"Tom & Jerry" (2021)

More than 80 years after their creation by William Hanna and Joseph Barbera, the cat and mouse of the title remain natural-born enemies in their latest comedic adventure, a blend of live action and computer-generated animation. When rodent Jerry takes up residence behind the floorboards of a posh New York hotel, a new employee (Chloe Grace Moretz) is charged with removing the unwelcome creature. She joins forces with feline Tom, who needs no incentive to capture his prey, and merry chaos ensues. Director Tim Story serves up a family-friendly mix of slapstick and benign mayhem, with messages about honesty and friendship thrown in for good measure. Cartoonish violence, some childish bathroom humor, a mild oath.  The Catholic News Service classification is A-I – general patronage. The Motion Picture Association rating is PG – parental guidance suggested. Some material may not be suitable for children. (Warner Home Video; also available on Blu-ray)

Mulderig is on the staff of Catholic News Service.