Square Eyes

Television Reviews

Movie of the week: The Fellowship of the Ring, NBN, Sun, 8.30pm:

The first of Tolkien's trilogy isn't the most spectacular of director Peter Jackson's efforts, but it certainly leaves you hungry for more (a bit like the Orcs...). For those who've just landed on earth:

Hobbit Bilbo Baggins finds a ring that's been missing for many generations. It seems to bring nothing but bad luck and his young nephew Frodo (Elijah Wood) is given the onerous task of destroying it via an epic adventure. Jackson delivers a vivid Middle Earth, thanks to fantastic constumes and a sterling cast, including an achingly beautiful Cate Blanchett, elvin king Hugo Weaving, a sterling Ian McKellan and a scary Christopher Lee. It's a cracking yarn.

The Brief, ABC, Fri, 8.30pm:

Finally Alan Davies gets a haircut and starts behaving a little more adult as a barrister with a gambling problem and messy private life. This classy four-part courtroom drama has a touch of the Rumpoles and enough humour to keep it appealing.

The Amber Time Machine, ABC, Sun, 7.30pm:

Sir David Attenborough tells a wondrous story about prehistoric bugs trapped inside tree resin. It's a fascinating story that also ponders whether scientists are opening a Pandora's Box in pulling DNA from the entombed animals and plants up to 150 million years old.

Rabbit-Proof Fence, Prime, Sun, 8.30pm:

Three Aboriginal kids decide to flee the mission where they're being trained to become domestic workers, and make the 2400km trip home. It's an amazing story of courage, hope and survival, beautifully filmed with mesmerising performances by its three young leads. While ideological warriors argue over the merits of the stolen generation, there's no doubting that Molly and her sisters really did make this trip because they wanted to be back with their mother. It's takes a cold heart to ignore that ache.

BlackJack: Sweet Science, Ten, Sun, 8.30pm:

More cops and robbers drama, with Colin Friels as a knockabout old-school copper chasing the vengeful sons of a murdered gangland boss. It's the first of three telemovies, and deliciously crisp, clever and fast-paced.

John Lennon's Jukebox, ABC, Mon, 9.30pm:

Not long ago, they found a 60s jukebox belonging to the late Beatle. The 40 records - soul, R&B, and rock 'n' roll, revealed the sources of his original inspirations. It's a cracker with some great old footage, and Lennon admits, as narrator in part (Sting does the rest) that he nicked the riffs.

Desperate Man Blues, SBS, Tues, 10pm:

This wonderful doco tells the story of music buff Joe E Bussard Jr, 65, who's devoted his life to rescuing American roots music from oblivion. His infectious ethusiasm for old 75s makes you feel younger. You can't help but like him and marvel at his passion.

Music and Murder, SBS, Thurs, 8.30pm:

This confronting Aussie doco ponders whether music can sooth the savage beast. Three appalling murderers are being rehabilitated by music - at least that's what they say. It's a story of remorse and redemption, with a shocking, horrible twist.