NBC launched this David E. Kelley legal series almost as an afterthought, as a Friday night throwaway. But it performed strongly, so NBC moved it to a more competitive evening – and Kelley responded, too, by quickly refashioning his new series into an enjoyable comedy-drama in the Boston Legal vein: sometimes cartoonishly comic, other times searingly serious. Tomorrow night, NBC re-relaunches the series on yet another new night, the ultra-competitive Sunday, where it will go up against suc

2012

Mar

GAME CHANGE By David Bianculli

This controversial telemovie is straightforward enough to serve as a TV Rorschach test – what you see in it may well depend on what you bring to it. Julianne Moore’s Sarah Palin is the central figure of this fact-based account of Palin’s sudden ascension to the 2008 Republican presidential ticket, as the vice presidential nominee paired with Ed Harris’ John McCain. But McCain gets much less screen time than his primary political advisor, Steve Schmidt, who’s played

2012

Mar

PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN: ON STRANGER TIDES By David Bianculli

I didn’t see this movie in theaters – but it’s the kind of film that, when it finally gets around to cable, is a welcome diversion, and a sensible viewing option, on a slow Saturday night. And this latest entry in Johnny Depp’s Pirates saga boasts one thing its predecessors have lacked: Penelope Cruz. Ahoy, mateys!

2012

Mar

AN IDIOT ABROAD 2: THE BUCKET LIST By David Bianculli

SEASON FINALE: After being sent around the world on a series of a) inspirational visits and b) practical jokes, Karl Pilkington finally returns to England. And, for this season-ending installment, suffers one final indignity: a cackle-filled debriefing with series creators Stephen Merchant and Ricky Gervais.

2012

Mar

SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE By David Bianculli

Tonight’s new episode features Jonah Hill as guest host, returning for a second shot, and the Shins as the week’s musical guests.

2012

Mar

MOYERS & COMPANY By David Bianculli

Public TV, Friday - Sunday (Check local listings) Why is this man smiling? He’s David Stockman, former budget director for Ronald Reagan, who stoke plainly enough while serving the White House to get in trouble for his candor – and he’s no less candid here. In this repeat telecast, Stockman can’t help smiling, and laughing, at the absurdity of the cozy connections between the White House and Wall Street, now as well as then. To find when and where the series is broadcast

2012

Mar

THE EXORCIST By David Bianculli

Next year, this still-horrifying movie, made decades before the advent of CGI, will be 40 years old. Hard to imagine – but so is the intensity of this film, which tells of the demonic possession of a sweet little girl, played by Linda Blair. She’s seen at left in her “before” picture. Usually, when anyone discusses this movie, all you see is the “after.”

2012

Mar

MYSTERY, ALASKA By David Bianculli

In 1999, TV writer-producer David E. Kelley branched out to the large screen, co-writing a movie about a subject near and dear to his heart: hockey, as played by the proud, scruffy residents of a remote Alaskan town named Mystery. The movie is directed by Jay Roach, whose latest job is directing tomorrow night’s HBO telemovie, Game Change – and the star is a then-unknown actor named Russell Crowe. Co-stars include Burt Reynolds, making this a wonderful movie title to have handy when

2012

Mar

THE MENTALIST By David Bianculli

CBS is testing out the appeal of this show by presenting its second first-run episode in as many days. Last night, it appeared in its regular weekly time slot. Tonight, it’s slipped into the Friday lineup, with a plot line that involves a body discovered in a remote location – by a tiger. Simon Baker stars.

2012

Mar

REAL TIME WITH BILL MAHER By David Bianculli

Last week's episode was an out-of-the-park homer. This week’s has a good panel of guests as well. Maher’s guests tonight -- to discuss Super Tuesday results, the HBO Sarah Palin telemovie Game Change and other presumed topical topics -- include Michael Steele, Catherine Crier and (pictured at left) Jon Hamm.

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