Square Eyes

Television Reviews

Movie of the week, Barry Lyndon, SBS, Sun, 9.30pm:

Kubrick's adaptation of Thackerey's satire of 18th century social conventions is perhaps his most underrated film. Sure it's a rambling, three-hour epic meditation of fatalism and fate, but it's a beautifully filmed period piece, using only natural light. A dashing Irish lad is forced to flee when he shoots an English officer in a duel over a woman. He's robbed, then ironically, enlists in the army, desserts, ends up deeper in trouble, then manages to social climb his way back into society. It's a rollercoaster life, not necessarily lived to its potential.

Bedazzled, NBN, Sat, 8.30pm:

Liz Hurley stars as the devil (hell, what woman isn't... complaints about that joke to: Misogynists Inc. PO Box 666, Lismore) in a lightweight comedy set around a joke that's normally told in 30 second commercials for chocolate (or Irish jokes). Perennial idiot Brendan Fraser sells his soul for seven wishes that go horribly wrong. Ha ha ha. Zzzzzzz.

Stiff, Prime, Sun, 8.30pm:

Comedian John Clarke's adaptation of Melbourne crime writer Shane Maloney's novel is a corker. David Wenham plays a knockabout, bumbling political adviser whose life is falling apart. He ends up playing gumshoe detective when a body is discovered in a meat factory. Toss in Mick Malloy as a Labor MP, and Sam Neill as a dodgy captain of industry and you have a witty, edgy, intelligent political thriller.

He Knew He Was Right, ABC, Sun, 8.30pm:

This excellent two-part adaptation of Anthony Trollope's classic about human frailty comes from the The way we live now team. Beautifully honed characters make this a joy to observe.

Status Anxiety, ABC, Sun, 10.10pm:

30-something English pop pilosopher Alain de Botton ponders keeping-up-with-the-Joneses syndrome, pointing out that we've never had it so good, yet never felt more empty. This three-part series ponders why, beginning with the US, where 75% of people consider a second TV a necessity.

Wimbledon, NBN, Tues, 10.35pm:

Day 1, which may be your only chance to see the Poo before he's bundled out. C'mon Lleyton!

Ryan's Well, ABC Weds, 9.35pm:

Aussies boo when the reality of refugees in detention interferes with their reality entertainment, yet this story of a 6-year-old Canadian lad is an inspiring story of hope and making a difference. Ryan learnt that African kids didn't have clean water and set about raising the money for a well. Despite setbacks, he persevered, and then the community got behind him. It's a wonderful, deeply moving story.

Absolutely Fabulous, ABC, Thurs, 10pm:

Series five kicks off with an all-star cast. While Saffy's in Iraq doing aid work, Eddy's doing celebrity PR - not that well, and her sole remaining client is Baby Spice Emma Bunton. It's the usual crisp, mad, funny comedy.