Square Eyes

Television Reviews

Movie of the week, The Searchers, NBN, Sat, 2.30pm

John Wayne swaggers across the American frontier at his peak as Ethan, an embittered, defeated ex-Confederate soldier with a pathological hatred of Injuns. He's on a quest for his 10-year-old niece, who was captured by Comanches when they killed his brother and family. But amidst the desire for vengeance, it seems he's planning to kill, rather than rescue her. It's a powerful tale of racism, the outsiders and the commonality of mortal enemies. It's also the quintessential story of what it means to be American. Director John Ford was the Western guru and this is his masterpiece.

The First World War in Colour, SBS, Sat, 7.30pm

As if it wasn't bad and bloody enough in black and white. A gripping series with amazing footage, although I'm not sure what colourisation does for 10 million dead.

The Gift, Ten, Sun, 8.30pm

Annie (the yummy Cate Blanchett) is a psychic young widow with three kids, living in the American South. Her visions land her in hot water, especially after telling a neighbour (Hilary Swank) to leave her abusive husband (a surprisingly scary Keanu Reeves). A well-performed gothic thriller.

Exit Wounds, NBN, Sun, 8.30pm

More biffo rubbish from boofhead Steven Seagal. He's a butt-kicking honest cop surrounded by corrupt colleagues who falls foul of his superiors (now there's an original plot!). Only viewers with a taste for nauseatingly violent B-grade comedy will appreciate its well-hidden genius.

Anne Deveson's Resilience, ABC, Sun, 9.45pm

Journalist Anne Deveson's life has been scarred by its share of tragedy. Most recently, she fell in love with futurist Robert Theobald. Eight months later, he was dead from cancer. She's written a book about the human spirit and how we cope. Geraldine Doogue interviews her on her life and beliefs. It's a good taster for a visit by Deveson to Lismore on March 9.

Academy Awards, NBN, Mon, 7.30pm

This year's 4 hour orgy of back slapping and thank youse has the national psyche riding on the hopes of Our Naomi.

Impact: songs that changed the world, SBS, Weds, 7.30pm

If, like this pathetic reviewer, you still remember the day Mike Willisee premiered Abba's 'Fernando' video clip on A Current Affair, this is your show - a nine-part doco on songs that helped shape the melody of the planet (alas Abba doesn't rate). Tonight it's Elvis with 'Heartbreak Hotel'. Assorted 'experts' debate its merits.

Surfing the Menu, ABC, Weds, 8pm

The lads conclude their series with a visit to Byron Bay, although the sight of Ben's prawns with cheese and pineapple may cause involuntary regurgitation.

Primal Instincts: Happiness, ABC, Thurs, 8.30pm

Not a bad idea, being happy. Why and how we do it is explored in this fascinating series.