Square Eyes

Television Reviews

Movie of the week, Sixth Sense, Prime, Fri, 8.30pm

Writer/director M Night Shyamalan delivers an unsettling and hair-raising ghost story with considerable aplomb. Dr Malcolm Crowe (a surprisingly subtle Bruce Willis) is a child psychologist in decline, haunted by a former patient who committed suicide. He meets a troubled, withdrawn lad (a brilliant Haley Joel Osment) who reminds him of his lost patient and feels compelled to help the child, in part for his own redemption. Toni Collette is great as the kid's fiercely protective mother. There's a surprise twist to the climax, making it a gripping thriller that offers plenty to think about.

The Madam and the company, SBS, Fri, 10pm

Mary-Anne Kenworthy is one of WA's rather 'colourful' characters, to say the least. The 45-year-old mother of four is a millionaire entrepreneur who made her fortune as a brothel madam on the Kalgoorlie goldfields. It's a voyeuristic peek at a seedy world peppered with intriguing stories.

Monarch of the Glen, ABC, Sat, 7.30pm

Things are finally looking up at the embattled Glenbogle, putting a smile on mopey old Archie's face - briefly. The wonderful Scottish settings and gentle humour makes for a fun night in of escapist telly.

Henry VIII, ABC, Sun, 8.30pm

Everyone knows the story, but rarely has it been as wondrously told as this sumptuous two-part drama. Ray Winstone stars as the serial husband in search on an heir. Helena Bonham-Carter, as the scheming seductress Anne Boleyn, joins a brilliant cast, including David Suchet as the equally doomed Cardinal Wolsey, Charles Dance and Sean Bean. It's a ripping yarn.

Pearl Harbour, Prime, Sun, 8.30pm

This crap is little more than a 3-hour orgy of bloodlust, carnage, spectacular special effects, jingoistic rubbish and cliché-ridden love triangle melodrama from over-the-top producer Jerry Bruckheimer. Secondly, it stars Ben Affleck, who alas, isn't one of the victims of the frenzy of destruction that kills several thousands American soldiers. Childhood friends and army pilots, Rafe (Affleck) and Danny (Josh Hartnett), both fancy nurse Evelyn (Kate Beckinsale). They spend the first half competing for her affections before the flag-waving and revenge take over. This is a horrible tragedy rendered as video game, with egregious product placement.

Selling Success, ABC, Tues, 8pm

Anyone watching late night TV knows that Tony Robbins can turn your life around if only to promise to call now and send him lots of money. At least real estate BS-artist Henry Kaye has got his comeuppance, but the endless parade of greed gurus continues. Brad Sugars is in his early 30s and charges people $10,000 for a week-long boot camp that promises them untold wealth. This doco follows the antics of four wealth gurus as they lay it on with an evangelical trowel.

Rommel, ABC, Weds, 8.30pm

The Desert Fox is regarded as an honourable warrior who, while devoted to Hitler, often refused to obey his orders if they contradicted Rommel's sense of chivalry. Eventually, he turned against Hitler, which cost him his life. This 3-part doco charts his rise and fall.