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 9th September 2015
9/11: The Lost Hero-ABC2-9.20pm AEST
There are innumerable tales of heroism from 9/11; with everyday citizens doing everything they could to help their fellow man on the day of the attacks. One such hero who emerged that day was Sergeant Jason Thomas, a former marine who famously rescued two trapped policeman from the rubble. Following this, Thomas all but disappeared, with his selfless actions only coming to light following Oliver Stone’s 2006 film World Trade Center. Following this fictionalised film, it is quickly realised that Thomas should deservedly be recognised for his heroic feats, a fact which is superbly achieved through The Last Hero.
Thursday 10th September 2015
The Feed-SBS2-7.30pm AEST
If you’re a keen enthusiast for all things current affairs and are looking for something that is both entertaining and informative, look no further than SBS2’s nightly news show The Feed. Hosted by that movie guy Marc Fennell, Jeanette Francis, Patrick Abboud and Andy Park, the infotainment show presents all the latest news with a unique and often comedic twist. A must watch for all those who are over the dumbed down or overly serious current affairs shows that are more commonplace on our television sets.
Friday 11th September 2015
Goodfellas-Masterpiece Movies-8.35pm AEST
Commonly regarded as one of the greatest films of all times, Martin Scorsese’s 1990 classic Goodfellas is a masterpiece of cinema. The film fictionalises the rise and fall of the Luccese crime family, who were once considered to be one of the Mafia’s “Five Families” who oversaw the criminal activities of New York City. Told from the perspective of family associate Henry Hill (Ray Liotta), Scorsese’s epic charts Hill’s obsession to be known as one of the great criminal figures of his time. Also starring Robert De Niro and Joe Pesci (who was awarded the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for the film), Goodfellas is compulsory viewing for all lovers of cinema.
Saturday 12th September 2015
Lemony Snicket’s A Series of Unfortunate Events-Family Movies-7.30pm AEST
Before Netflix’s adaptation of the popular book series by Lemony Snicket (real name Daniel Handler) hits the streaming service next year, catch the 2004 film Lemony Snicket’s A Serious of Unfortunate Events, a hilarious and utterly faithful adaptation of the first three of Snicket’s books. When a trio of siblings (Emily Browning, Liam Aiken, Kara and Shelby Hoffman) lose their parents in a mysterious fire, they are placed in the care of their closest living relative Count Olaf (Jim Carrey). However it quickly comes to light that Olaf is scheming to kill the children to inherit their family fortune, which sees the trio on the run as they try to stay one step ahead from the murderous Count.
Sunday 13th September 2015
Peter Allen: The Boy Next Door-Seven-8.30pm AEST
There’s no denying that Peter Allen is one of Australia’s most famous stars, an enigmatic figure who is remembered as much for his tumultuous personal life as he is for his successes on the stage. Peter Allen: The Boy Next Door is a two-part miniseries that celebrates the life of Allen, starring one of Australia’s likely next big stars Joel Jackson as the performer. Also starring Sigrid Thornton as Judy Garland and Sara West as Allen’s wife Liza Minnelli, the biopic doesn’t dwell on the tragic aspects of Allen’s life and career but instead focuses on his passion and talents on the stage, which is the way he should deservedly be remembered.
Monday 14th September 2015
Obvious Child-Premiere Movies-1.50pm AEST
When Gillian Robespierre’s romantic comedy Obvious Child was released last year, it was quickly praised for its open and frank discussion of abortion, a topic that was previously largely taboo in film. Yet this film is wholly centred on the theme, as it centres on a young New York comedian Donna (Jenny Slate), who is left battling with her growing feelings for recent one night stand Max (Jake Lacy), whilst also struggling to tell him that she is planning to abort the impending child of their drunken fling. Honest, intelligent, and downright hilarious, Obvious Child is not only a game changer in its willingness to take on a stigmatised issue, but it also transforms the rom com genre in the process.
Tuesday 15th September 2015
Born Without Limbs-TLC-9.30pm AEST
Nick Vujicic is something of an inspiration. At just 32 he has toured the world as a highly successful motivation speaker, is a former recipient of the Young Australian of the Year Award, and runs his own not-for-profit organisation. He was also born without arms and legs. Born Without Limbs is a documentary that tells Nick’s remarkable life story, how he overcame bullying and adversity to spread a message of hope to young people. Essential viewing.
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