Square Eyes

Television Reviews

Movie of the week, Himalaya, SBS, Sun, 8.30pm:

It's seems so simple, but this is a visually beautiful and quietly compelling film, full of unexpected drama and tension. In a remote Nepalese village, the tribal chief, Tinle, blames a headstrong young man, Karma, for the death of his son. Tinle's grief explodes in a battle over the annual yak trip for supplies - a race across the mountains before the snow buries them. It's a minimalist drama about tradition, loyalty and a dying way of life, but still gets you intrigued with heart-pounding moments as they battle to survive the harsh environment.

The Score, NBN, Fri, 8.30pm:

An old safecracker (Robert De Niro) dreams of the final big job that will set him up for life and teams up with a familiar sidekick (Marlon Brando) with help from an insider (Edward Norton). It has enough wit to maintain attraction and while it ploughs familiar heist/chase ground, de Niro and Brando make it all worthwhile.

Paralympic Games opening ceremony, SBS, Sat, 8.30pm:

More than the Athens circus of a fortnight ago, the Paralympics embody the spirit of collaboration, achievement and competition. A highlights package will screen nightly around 5.30pm. It's well worth watching.

Cracker, ABC, Sat, 9.30pm:

Jimmy McGovern's crisp drama about a brilliant but obnoxious, wise-cracking clinical psychologist Fitz (Robbie Coltrane) makes a welcome return. His home life's a train wreck, and he wavers between charmer and abusive drunk, but Fitz has the fire to track down more murderers, getting inside their heads with chilling detail.

Hustle, ABC, Sun, 8.30pm:

Racy drama about the exploits and fortunes of London con-artists from the makers of Spooks. Mickey (Adrian Lester), is fresh out of prison, but already has one last sting planned and ropes the old gang back together. The cops are in hot pursuit and it's a jolly fun chase.

Zoolander, NBN, Sun, 8.30pm:

Ben Stiller's slapstick parody of the fashion industry is almost funny, but also close to the bone as a vanity project (he stars, wrote, directed, produced, and his family stars throughout). He plays a dopey, self-absorbed model with the heart-o-gold who becomes an unwitting pawn in an assassination plot. It lacks Robert Altman's (Pret a porter) wit or insight. It's stupid is as stoopid does. Celebrity spotters should look for plenty of cameos.

The Chaser Decides, ABC, Thurs, 9pm:

The clowns behind CNNNN, who did such a good job of sending up the last election, return to upside the boring suits running this campaign. Expect outrageous stunts and merciless satire as they attempt to make this dreary campaign amusing, if not interesting, over the next four weeks.