Need to catch a TV break and don’t know what to watch? Simon takes us through his top picks on must-see shows and films for the week. Click through to see what’s showing for your entertainment needs…
Wednesday 4th November 2015
Blindspot-Seven-8.30pm AEST
Starring Aussie soon-to-be superstar Sullivan Stapleton and Jaime Alexander, Blindspot is one of the most talked about new shows in American television. When an amnesiac woman (Alexander) is found naked and covered in tattoos in the middle of Times Square, New York, the FBI Agent assigned to care for her (Stapleton) quickly discovers that the tattoos on the Jane Doe’s body are seemingly clues to crimes that are yet to happen. In the second episode of the thrilling new series, the pair find themselves on the hunt for a suspicious US Air Force Major after spotting something fishy about him on Jane Doe’s arm. A silly premise yes, but entertaining nonetheless.
Thursday 5th November 2015
Ash vs Evil Dead-Stan-Anytime
One of the greatest film characters of all time, Ash Williams, is finally back in the series adaptation of one of the greatest film franchises of all time, Evil Dead. And yes, Bruce Campbell is reprising his most famous role as the deadite slaying, chainsaw wielding, Ash. Sam Raimi is also overseeing Ash vs Evil Dead in an executive producer role, ensuring that the 10 part series retains the same mix of gore and comedy that made the films so special. Also starring Lucy Lawless, who herself is something of a cult figure for her role as Xena, as well as Ray Santiago and Dana Delorenzo, the show sees the army of deadites returning to reap their vengeance on their mortal enemy Ash. If you are a fan of the original film franchise (and lets face it, who isn’t), Ash vs Evil Dead is pretty much Christmas come early. And the best part of it all? You can stream the whole series right now!
Friday 6th November 2015
Beasts of No Nation-Netflix-Anytime
Ditch Friday drinks early and head home to watch Netflix’s latest success, the original film Beasts of No Nation. Written and directed by True Detective’s Cary Fukanaga and starring Idris Elba, Beasts of No Nation is the streaming giant’s first foray into feature films, and if it is anything to go by, shows that Netflix are a major threat to the traditional trip to the movies. The film tells the harrowing true story of child soldiers in Africa, with Elba playing a formidable Commandant leading an army of children such as Agu (brilliantly portrayed by child actor Abraham Attah). An exceptional and tear jerking film, the story told in Beasts of No Nation is mandatory viewing for all with a decent Wi-Fi connection.
Saturday 7th November 2015
Master of None-Netflix-Anytime
The latest original series to be released on streaming service Netflix, Master of None is a hilarious exploration of the lives of a group of 30 something New Yorkers trying to figure out what they’re doing with their lives. This premise may sound like something we’ve seen millions of times before, but the fact that it is created and written by comedic genius Aziz Ansari ensures that it is something special. Ansari stars in the series as Dev, a struggling actor who just can’t seem to get things right in both his professional and personal life. Also starring H. John Benjamin, Eric Wareheim and Ansari’s real life parents, Master of None is a highly entertaining show that proves Ansari is one of the biggest talents working in Hollywood today.
Sunday 8th November 2015
The Imitation Game-Premiere Movies-8.30pm AEST
Telling the true and tragic story of mathematical genius Alan Turing (played by Benedict Cumberbatch), The Imitation Game is a masterpiece of modern cinema. Some may know of Turing’s public life and career as the man who invented what is now recognised by many as one of the first computers, which was used to decipher coded messages during WWII. Though this achievement sets up the basis for the plot of the film, this is merely background fodder to the major story of The Imitation Game-Turing’s sexuality. This part of the story is largely portrayed through Turing’s relationship with friend Joan Clarke (Keira Knightley) with whom he embarks on a relationship with to hide his biggest secret. Sadly Turing died in 1954, committing suicide only a year after undergoing chemical castration for his ‘crimes’ of indecency. The Imitation Game serves as an inspiring celebration of Turing’s life and achievements, and is well worth a few hours of your time.
Monday 9th November 2015
American Horror Story: Hotel-Eleven-9.30pm AEST
Ryan Murphy’s anthology series American Horror Story is now in its sixth season and shows no signs of slowing down, especially when he manages to convince Lady GaGa to take on a starring role. Set in the ghost plagued Hotel Cortez, Hotel also sees the return of series regulars Kathy Bates, Denis O’Hare, Sarah Paulson and Evan Peters, who play a menagerie of spooky hotel staff and guests. Built in the 1920s as a personal torture chamber for hotel owner James March (Evan Peters), it is now the home of a number of notorious undead residents such as fictionalised depictions of Aileen Wuornos (Lilly Rabe) and Jeffrey Dahmer (Seth Gabel). American Horror Story: Hotel is a return to form for the series after a few lackluster seasons, and is a must see for fans of the show.
Tuesday 10th November
No Activity-Stan-Anytime
When Nine Entertainment and Fairfax Media announced they were entering the streaming wars with their new service Stan, they were quick to note that their major point of difference to attract Australian subscribers would be the fact they planned to heavily invest in local content. No Activity, the self-described “Seinfeld of cop shows”, sees them deliver on this promise with hilarious results. Created by local production company Jungleboys, the show features Patrick Brammall and Darren Gilshenan as two cops in the midst of what is quite possibly the most boring stakeouts of all time. Also starring Sam Simmons, Tim Minchin and Genevieve Field, No Activity is a simple but entertaining show that highlights the potential for Stan to be the future of the Australian television industry.
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