Square Eyes

Television Reviews

Movie of the week, Blow, NBN, Sat, 9.30pm:

This is probably Johnny Depp's finest performance, as the small-town hoon who becomes an '80s cocaine baron. No surprise to find it all goes awry. It's based on a true story, it gets a little mawkish as the moral message takes over, but it's a smart and sassy film in a poor week. Keep an eye out for Rachel Griffith as Depp's mum.

WildWatch2, ABC, Sat, 6.30pm:

Feral and pest animals cost Australia more than $720 million a year - from cane toads to Indian myna birds, foxes, pigeons and fire ants. This doco on the ways wildlife is evolving to live with us is run in conjunction with a radio and internet community survey of pests.

Newlyweds: Nick & Jessica, Ten, Sun, 6.30pm:

It's reassuring - and also gives us all hope - to realise that pop starlette Jessica Simpson is really just another nice suburban housewife, except she doesn't have to worry about the budget, which is just as well, since it looks like she and her boy band hubby wouldn't be up for the mental challenge.

NRL grand final, NBN, Sun, 7pm:

Apparently two Sydney teams, the Roosters and Bulldogs, are ancient rivals. But we miss the Cowboys.

Pyramid: beyond imagination, ABC, Sun, 7.30pm:

How did they do it? Surely it wasn't just aliens. This computer-generated recreation, told through the eyes of a conscripted villager, explores how 25,000 workers got it done.

Purely Belter, SBS, Sun, 8.30pm:

This English comedy drama, set in industrial Newcastle, follows the fortunes of two teenage blokes who live for footy and will do anything to scrounge the dosh for a season ticket. It's a mix of comedy and dark drama. It's made by the bloke behind Brassed Off and has a similar feel. If you're interested in the other footy boofheads, it's a worthwhile yarn.

Inventions from the Shed, ABC, Tues, 8pm:

A five-part series from the inner sanctum of inventors. First up is Chero Barbi, 92, who's spent his life inventing machinery for the sugar industry, tells his story. Just about every farm as a 'Barbi scratcher' but he's been ripped off and left penniless. A quirky yet intriguing doco.

Selling Sickness, SBS, Tues, 8.30pm:

Feeling crook? Don't know what's wrong? Fear not, your ever-helpful, friendly drug company has a solution. Coincidentally, it's making them rich. This disturbing doco looks at how drug companies first sell the illness, then offer a solution. In the haste for a buck, they're prepared to overlook side-effects that make people even sicker.

Kath & Kim, ABC, Thurs, 8.30pm:

The new series finally begins in the most exciting development in the lead up to the election. Kath's first hubby, Gary (Mick Molloy) is back on the scene claiming they're still married, leaving Kel hamstrung.