New at BOP: Review: Matrix Resurrections Movie Review: Moonfall Movie Reviews: Scream The #1 Movie in America November Forecast The Many Saints of Newark October Forecast New Trivia Question All site updates Share & Save   Tweet Print this column

9:00 AM Showtime Extreme
Guncrazy (1992 USA): I've recommended this film in the past, but it's making its widescreen television debut this morning, so it earns another mention. A sterling cast and a reasonably well written script lift this tale of teenagers on the run from the law into "above average" territory. James LeGros plays a paroled convict trying to get his life in order, Drew Barrymore is a confused teen who loves guns, and Warhol alum Joe Dalessandro is the scumbag who abuses her. When Drew and James hook up (shortly after she's offed Joe!) complications ensue. Guncrazy is predictable but entertaining, doesn't pander to it's audience, and is a damn sight better than the similarly themed Natural Born Killers. Also airs at 7:00 PM.

11:30 PM Starz
The Band's Visit (2007 ISR): On its own terms, this is a well-made, enjoyable little comedy-drama; within the political context of post-Gaza invasion 2009, it looks like a puff piece designed to promote a two-way cultural and social exchange that really doesn't exist. The film relates the Beckettian tale of an Egyptian police band who take the wrong bus to a concert and find themselves delivered into hostile territory: the Israeli town of Beit Hativka. Stranded for 24 hours until the next bus arrives, the band must somehow survive a full day of awkward silences, dirty looks, and language difficulties. Will the local Israelis lynch them on the nearest tree — or grudgingly take them to their hearts and learn some valuable lessons in life? That's a cynical man's analysis of what is really a very good film; if you can watch Tha Band's Visit sans political blinkers you'll enjoy it. Also airs 1/29 at 2:30 AM.

Thursday 01/29/09

5:15 AM Turner Classic Movies
Luv (1967 USA): Jack Lemmon is a suicidal New Yorker in this big screen adaptation of the Broadway hit of the same name. He plays Harry Berlin, whose attempt to jump off a bridge is interrupted by chum Milt Manville (Peter Falk). Milt is having marital problems, and decides Harry should woo wife Ellen (Elaine May), thus allowing Milt to concentrate his firepower on gal pal Linda (Nina Wayne). Hence, Harry now has a reason to live — but things, of course, don't turn out quite as planned. Luv is a typical square take on the sexual revolution of the swingin' '60s: already dated in 1967, it's now an amusing time capsule at best, but any film featuring performers of the calibre of Lemmon and Falk is worth a look. Unavailable on DVD, Luv also co-stars TiVoPlex fave Severn Darden, as well as Harrison Ford in an uncredited appearance as a hippie!

7:00 AM Turner Classic Movies
As the Earth Turns (1934 USA): This forgotten and undervalued Warners' feature pops up for air this morning on TCM. Set in Great Depression-era Maine, As the Earth Turns surveys the hard-knock life of the Jankowski family, farmers struggling to hold onto their land and trying to avoid the siren song of the big city. Featuring Jean Muir and Donald Woods as Jen Shaw and Stan Jankowski, whose feelings toward the land are mirrored by their feelings for each other, this Alfred E. Green-helmed drama has absolutely no critical reputation, but is far better than your run of the mill Warners programmer.

Continued:       1       2       3