Square Eyes

Television Reviews

Movie of the week, The Rookie, Prime, Sun, 8.30pm:

For a such a well-trodden path - washed up player turns coach, inspiring all, especially himself - this is a well-crafted, heart-warming tale, based on the true story of baseball pitcher Jim Morris. He (Dennis Quaid) gave it up with a dodgy shoulder. Now in his 30s, with three kids, he goes for a major league try out to fulfill a childhood dream. Rachel Griffiths is a cracker as his tough-minded wife.

Mr Deeds, Ten, Fri, 8.30pm:

It takes a special talent to make a movie this crap and showing such disdain for viewers. And it takes a twit like Adam Sandler to aspire to this nadir, an appalling remake of the Frank Capra classic.

Bring it On, NBN, Sat, 7.30pm:

It's State of Origin for high school cheerleaders. Kirsten Dunst plays the apple pie all-American gal keen to keep winning, but battling nagging parents, a snotty boyfriend and some dodgy activities by her predecessor.

The Mummy Returns, Ten, Sat, 8.30pm:

Fantastic special effects do not a movie make and it seems all the charm of the original horror romp are computer generated into oblivion, aided and abetted by a script that plunders every other monster flick.

10.5, NBN, Sun, 8.30pm:

This converted mini-series treads familiar disaster movie territory (think earthquake version of Dante's Peak). Dr Sam Hill (Kim Delaney) is a controversial and pushy earthquake boffin who ruffles a few feathers. When a doozy hits California, only she can save them... and you know the rest, clashes, race against time, etc etc.

Real Life Water Rats, ABC, Tues, 8pm:

Following the adventures of the Tassie Marine Police, this is a riveting doco about life on the water, whether they're rescuing stricken yachties in high seas or chasing poachers, with plenty of action.

Heat in the Kitchen, SBS, Weds, 7.30pm:

It's awards night for the Good Food Guide and after months of scrutiny by the food critics, the chefs are understandably nervous, especially when a number of restaurants lose their coveted hats. It's a great climax to an excellent series.

The Mole, Prime, Thurs, 7.30pm:

12 contestants race around New Zealand, while one is there to sabotage everything. It's an interesting reality whodunnit, with competitors being eliminated each week because they can't guess who the mole is. There are clues, so see if you can spot them.

Spitfire Ace, ABC, Thurs, 8.30pm:

This fascinating four-part series is a mix of competition and history lesson. Pilots used to receive just nine hours training in a Tiger Moth before being sent off to face the Luftwaffe in the Battle of Britain. From dramatic footage to the stories of these old, genuine heroes, it also takes four modern-day pilots who compete for the chance to fly an old Spitfire. "It's like a VW Beetle to a Formula One car," its owner says. This is a ripping yarn.