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 11th November 2015
Videodrome-SBS2-8.30pm AEST
With modern society’s obsession with television and the rise of the binge watching culture, David Cronenberg’s 1983 masterpiece Videodrome is perhaps scarier than ever. Starring James Woods and Deborah Harry, the film follows TV station CEO Max Renn (played by Woods) who uncovers a mysterious signal broadcasting scenes of extreme violence and torture on a continuous loop. Now regarded as a cult classic, Videodrome was highly controversial upon its release, with the scenes of Renn’s increasingly bizarre and violently graphic hallucinations dividing audiences at the time. If you’re in for a few mid week scares, this may just be the perfect movie for you.
Thursday 12th November 2015
Little Shop of Horrors-Comedy Movies-8.30pm AEST
Featuring an all star comedy cast featuring the likes of Rick Moranis, Steve Martin, James Belushi, John Candy and Bill Murray, Little Shop of Horrors is the perfect cure for your after work blues. Based on the cult classic musical, Frank Oz’s hilarious film brilliantly adapts the misadventures of nerdy florist Seymour Krelborn (Moranis), who attempts to win the heart of coworker Audrey (Ellen Greene) with the help of an alien plant who just so happens to have an appetite for human flesh. So what are you waiting for? Bust out the bowl of popcorn, settle in on the couch, and spend some quality time with Audrey II.
Friday 13th November 2015
Deadly Art-Discovery Kids-5.30pm AEST
If your kids (or you) are a massive fan of both animals and art have we found the perfect show for your household. Deadly Art sees presenter Steve Backshall travel far and wide across the globe to check out animals in their natural habitat, whilst a group of professional artists create art pieces based on his adventures. In this first episode Bachkshall checks out the alligator snapping turtle, whilst the artists work on turtle sand sculptures. Both highly educational and a great way to get the creative juices flowing, Deadly Art is top-notch viewing.
Saturday 14th November 2015
No Country for Old Men-8.30pm AEST
Joel and Ethan Coen’s 2007 film No Country for Old Men terrified filmgoers upon its release, as they trembled at the actions of one of the great film villains of recent memory. Played by Javier Bardem, Anton Chigurh is a horrifying figure, a ruthless hit man who will kill anyone who gets in his way. Also starring Tommy Lee Jones and Josh Brolin, the film tells the tale of a Vietnam vet (Brolin), who finds himself on the run from Chigurh after he comes across and steals two million dollars worth of drug money. A cautionary tale on what money and greed does to a man, No Country for Old Men is a visually stunning film that should be on the top of everyone’s to watch list.
Sunday 15th November 2015
Skyfall-Go!-8.30pm AEST
With the latest James Bond film Spectre hitting theatres this week, what better time to revisit its immediate predecessor Skyfall. Arguably the best of Daniel Craig’s outings as the dashing 007 agent (and maybe even one of the best Bond films full stop), the film sees Bond hot on the trail of a villain with strong ties to M (the always impressive Judi Dench). Javier Bardem’s Raoul Silva is one of the best Bond villains in recent years; a throwback to the cartoonish villainy of classic Bond villains whilst also taking part in an evil plot which is firmly relevant to the modern day. Plot aside, the film also excels in modernizing other classic Bond villains such as Q (Ben Whishaw) and Moneypenny (Naomie Harris), making it much more similar to the classic films of the franchise than any other of Craig’s films. All in all, Sam Mendes’ film should be celebrated as a more than worthy addition to the Bond canon, and is essential viewing for fans of the suave superspy, both new and old.
Monday 16th November 2015
Flesh and Bone-Stan-Anytime
When a show is created and written by one of the writers of Breaking Bad (Moira Walley-Beckett), you just know it’s going to be all kinds of excellent. Set in the world of a prestigious New York ballet company, Flesh and Bone spins the tale of Claire Robbins (Sarah Hay), a young dancer new to the group. The show explores the often-fractured relations Robbins has with her new workmates, as well as exploring her interactions with PTSD stricken soldier brother (Josh Helman) and a homeless man living under her apartment building that she slowly befriends (Damon Herriman). Though it may be miles away from the world of meth dealers in Albuquerque, Flesh and Bones is just as dramatic and dark in tone, with just enough plot twists to really hook you in.
Tuesday 17th November 2015
Empire-Eleven-9.30pm AEST
If you enjoy a good family drama, look no further than Empire. One of America’s most talked about shows at the moment, Empire focuses on the family of music business mogul Lucius Lyon (Terrence Howard), who is forced to pick one of his sons as successor to his company following a diagnosis of ALS. Whilst having to deal with his three sons (played by Trai Byers, Jussie Smollet, and Bryshere Y. Gray) and his new and debilitating illness, Lucius must also contend with the arrival of his ex-wife (Taraji P. Henson), who is back on the scene after serving a 17 year prison sentence. Nuclear family, this is not. Created by the always impressive Lee Daniels, Empire is a show that will have you addicted from the opening scene.
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