TiVoPlex
By John Seal
February 6, 2012
5:00 PM Sundance
Cherry Blossoms (2008 GER): Elmar Wepper and Hannelore Eisner play an old Bavarian married couple thrown into crisis in this meditation on the fragility of life and the meaning of true love. Wepper is Rudi, a working man on the verge of retirement; Eisner is spouse Trudi, who balks at informing Rudi that he is seriously ill and decides to take him on a trip to Berlin to visit estranged son Karl (Maximilian Bruckner). An unexpected tragedy ensues, and the still clueless Rudi takes his leave of Germany and departs for Japan, where reconciliation and hope awaits atop Mount Fuji. It’s not as soapy as it sounds, and is followed at 7:05 PM by Shadow, an Italian horror film about mountain biking. Really!
9:40 PM HBO Signature
Amor en Fin (2009 MEX): I haven’t seen this Mexican drama yet, but plot synopses suggest it’s an ensemble piece consisting of multiple narrative threads, with a presidential election serving as the film’s unifying factor. Amor en Fin stars Adriana Barraza, Oscar nominated for her performance in 2006’s Babel.
Thursday 2/9/12
9:15 AM Turner Classic Movies
Pete Kelly’s Blues (1955 USA): If you didn’t get enough Jack Webb last month, there’s more of the ol’ grouch on hand today. This time the stone-faced one directs himself as cornet player Pete Kelly, a 1920s-era muso earning a crust in Kansas City speakeasies. It’s a rough and tumble existence, as our hero discovers when his drummer is murdered and a local thug (Edmond O’Brien, in fine fettle) forces his dipsy but tuneless songthrush gal pal on Pete’s band. Gee, sure sounds a lot like The Girl Can’t Help It, but Webb is no Tom Ewell, and his character cuts a much less sympathetic figure. As long as you can put up with the taciturn thing, though, there’s a lot to enjoy here, including terrific Cinemascope color cinematography and a great supporting cast, including Janet Leigh, Ella Fitzgerald, Peggy Lee, Lee Marvin, and even a pre-fame turn by The Girl Can’t Help It’s Jayne Mansfield!
5:00 PM Sundance
Man on Wire (2008 GB): Oscar's Best Documentary Feature of 2008 was also, arguably, the best film of any sort that year. It returns to the small screen this afternoon, and though it doesn’t play as well on the boob tube is still strongly recommended. The film recreates the astonishing tale of Philippe Petit, a puckish Frenchman renowned for his feats of daring. Petit was bound and determined to walk between the towers of the World Trade Center, but not on the ground: he intended to do it on a wire suspended 1,350 feet in the air! His audacity, bravery, foolishness, and humor will leave you gasping in admiration. If you missed this previously, don't miss it tonight. Also airs 2/12 at 12:00 PM.
Friday 2/10/12
3:10 PM Starz in Black
Kill the Irishman (2011 USA): Within a somewhat provocative title lies a very enjoyable, above average gangster flick. The previously unheralded Ray Stevenson headlines as Danny Greene, a red-headed mobster stalking the streets of Cleveland in the late ‘60s and early ‘70s. Danny’s also an FBI informant, however, leading to strained mob relationships and more than a little spilled blood. Based on a true story, writer-director Jonathan Hensleigh’s film doesn’t stray too far from the Goodfellas mold, but a good gangster flick doesn’t need to. Added value is provided by an outstanding supporting cast of familiar faces, including Christopher Walken, Paul Sorvino, Robert Davi, and Tony Lo Bianco. That’s a pretty impressive assortment of bad fellas.
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