What to Watch: The Iris’ Weekly TV Picks (5th – 7th January 2015)

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Monday – 5th January 2015

The Pursuit of Happyness, One, 8:30pm AEST

Will Smith stars as Chris Gardner, a father struggling to make ends meet. Gardner takes a risk on a prestigious stock brokerage internship in an effort to create a better life for himself and his son, played by Smith’s real-life son Jaden in his first film role. The chemistry between the two and Will Smith’s stellar performance makes for a heart-warming film.

Tuesday – 6th January 2015

Mission to Lars, ABC 2, 9:30pm AEST

This 2012 documentary is definitely worth viewing. It follows the efforts of Kate and William Spicer to help their brother Tom, who has Fragile X Syndrome, meet Lars Ulrich from Metallica, which is Tom’s biggest dream. This excellent film offers a fascinating insight into other people’s lives.

The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo, SBS 2, 9:30pm AEST

Watch the original Swedish adaptation of the literary success in all its gritty, graphic beauty. It’s worth watching for Noomi Rapace’s memorable performance alone, playing the character Lisbeth Salander with captivating nuance. Michael Nyqvist also delivers as journalist Mikael Blomkvist, who investigates the mysterious death of a woman forty years ago.

Cast Away, One, 8:30pm AEST

See Tom Hanks test the limits of the survival of human spirit, playing a Fed-ex executive Chuck Noland who is left stranded on a deserted island after a plane crash, with only a volleyball – the infamous ‘Wilson’ – for company. Hanks carries this film classic all on his shoulders, a testament to his considerable acting powers.

Wednesday – 7th January 2015

Holy Flying Circus, ABC, 10:30pm AEST

This comedy dramatizing the controversy surrounding the Monty Python crew is as absurd as the Python’s own films. In zany style it portrays the controversy in 1979 upon the release of The Life Of Brian, complete with typical Python devices of animation and drag. Each member of the crew is playfully performed and slightly, but accurately, spoofed by a talented cast.

We’ll be back on Wednesday for highlights from the rest of the week!

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