Square Eyes

Television Reviews

Movie of the week, Alien, Prime, Fri, 11pm

It's a toss up as to what's spookier - the fact that Ridley Scott had Sigourney Weaver sticking it to the aliens 25 years ago, or that that a quarter of a century later, it's the best thing the networks can find to screen this week. The thriller itself sure is creepy and you'll wince when John Hurt reveals the cause of his indigestion. And despite being set in an infinite universe, it's a powerfully claustrophobic monster movie.

Turned out, SBS, Fri, 10pm

This deeply unsettling yet compelling doco explores the power relationships of men in a US prison. The title comes from the slang for rape, and while they play out a bizarre family hierarchy, the stories are sad and sickening. It's tough stuff.

Foyle's War, ABC, Sun, 8.30pm

Steadfast wartime copper Chris Foyle (Michael Kitchen) is back, with his spunky naïve driver Sam (Honeysuckle Weeks). Someone's nicking fuel and Sam thinks she's figured it out when things go awry. It's wonderful whodunnit drama, with great sub-plots and plenty of complex twists as the detective sets about finding the culprits.

Enemy at the Gates, NBN, Sun, 8.30pm

Two snipers, one Russian (Jude Law), one German (Ed Harris), have each other in their sights during the Battle of Stalingrad. It's a dull thriller, with the obligatory sex scene the only relief, so to speak.

Before Night Falls, SBS, Sun, 9.30pm

Based on the memoir of exiled gay Cuban novelist Reinaldo Arenas (Javier Bardem), this appealing drama follows his life from his wartime childhood, through the revolution to his jailing, then escape to New York in the 80s. It's a great performance by Bardem. Johnny Depp and Sean Penn also star.

Shacks, ABC, Tues, 8pm

In a sheltered corner of the Tassie coastline is a shack village called Binalong Bay. Originally fishermen's cottages, they're part of the local history, but the government wants to pull them down. Jim Henley has fished there for 20 years and an offer to buy his licence means he could build his dream shack. This is a quirky yarn about blokes and their shacks.

Bob Kennedy, ABC, Weds, 8.30pm

JFK got all the glory, but it was his brother's determination that got him there. In the wake of his brother's assassination, he united the country and finally came to the fore when he too was shot. A sad but intriguing insight into the dynasty.

Fine Line, SBS, Weds, 7.30pm

A six-part behind-the-scenes series on the business of news, presented by journalist Ellen Fanning. It shows journos trying to persuade reluctant sources to go on the record so they have a story. It's not always pretty, but this intelligent series reveals the ethical dilemmas journalists face.