Simon brings us his weekly picks for the best on Australian free-to-air TV and Foxtel! Read on for the best in entertainment over the next seven days…
Wednesday 22nd July 2015
The Firm-SoHo-9.20pm AEST
This TV adaptation of a film adaptation of a book by John Grisham only kicked off last week in Australia, even though it aired in the US and Canada all the way back in 2012. So if you have been hanging on for three long years to check it out for yourself now is your chance (at long last). Set 10 years after the events of the film/book, the show sees Mitchell McDeere (Josh Lucas) and his family setting up a new law firm after leaving the witness protection program. But being a drama series, it doesn’t take too long before McDeere and his wife Abigail (Molly Parker) find themselves embroiled in a brand new conspiracy.
Thursday 23rd July 2015
Blood Brother-SBS2-10.05pm AEST
Blood Brother is a harrowing documentary, which reveals the work that goes on in an AIDS orphanage in remote India. Directed by Steve Hooper, the film follows his best friend Robin “Rocky” Braat, as he returns to the orphanage where he had previously spent two years caring for the young children who call it home. Himself the survivor of a troubled childhood, Braat is an inspirational figure that proves there are people out there who truly care about the plight of others. Scenes of him caring for the children may be tough to watch, but they are truly awe-inspiring.
Friday 24th July 2015
Taxi Driver-Masterpiece Movies-8.35pm AEST
There is no denying that Martin Scorsese’s Taxi Driver is not only one of the greatest films of all time, but also one of the most psychologically brutal. Starring Robert De Niro in a career-defining role, the film follows his character Travis Bickle, as he drives his cab around New York and becomes increasingly mentally unhinged by the events that occur. Infamously co-starring Jodie Foster as a child prostitute, this film is not for the faint hearted, but is worth watching for its depiction of the mental health effects of the Vietnam War (and indeed, likely all war in general).
Saturday 25th July 2015
Spider-Man-Seven-7pm AEST
Spider-Man is easily one of the most popular Marvel characters, yet he has had a troubled life on the silver screen. In fact, he is due to feature in his third reboot in 2017, with the first appearance of this incarnation of the web-slinging hero (to be played by Tom Holland) to happen next year in Captain America: Civil War. As is often the case with these franchises, the original is usually the best, and this 2002 film is no exception. Starring Tobey Maguire, the film pits Peter Parker against his greatest nemesis The Green Goblin (Willem Dafoe), whilst also grappling with how to tell the love of his life, Mary Jane (Kirsten Dunst), how he really feels.
Sunday 26th July 2015
The Mindy Project-Seven-11.30pm AEST
The Mindy Project is currently one of the best sitcoms on television at the moment, with its star and creator Mindy Kaling easily being one of the best and brightest working in Hollywood today. If you’ve never tuned in, this week is as good as any other time to catch the exploits of OB/GYN Mindy Lahiri (Kaling) and her various friends and co-workers. In this week’s episode, Mindy finds herself dating an Arts & Culture writer, who takes her to a show featuring nude photographs of her ‘will they/won’t they’ friend Danny (Chris Messina).
Monday 26th July 2015
Neighbours-Eleven-6.30pm AEST
When Channel Ten moved it’s long running soap Neighbours to digital channel Eleven back in 2010, it seems like many people forgot about the long suffering lives of the residents of Ramsay St (I know I did). But five years later they are still here trucking along in their 30th year on the small screen. In fact many of the old cast are still kicking along, such as the goofy Dr. Karl (Alan Fletcher) and his on again, off again wife Susan (Jacki Woodburne). And let’s not forget old Toadfish Rebecchi (Ryan Moloney) who once had a mullet so glorious it made everyone who crossed paths with him green with envy.
Tuesday 27th July 2015
Pawn Stars Australia-A&E-7.30pm AEST
The US version of Pawn Stars has been trucking along since 2009, a unique insight into the working lives of the Harrison family and their Las Vegas business. But now it’s Australia’s turn to get our own spinoff of the show, which centres on Sydney brothers Aaron and Ben Senes, and their friend Shanon Folden. Collectively known as the “Happy Hockers”, this trio is a continuation of the trend to show the lives and times of ‘true blue’ Australians giving it a real go. At the very least, Pawn Stars Australia is worth checking out for its Bondi beach setting.
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