‘Jacksons’ Short On Song And Dance
Most critics said “Beat It” to “The Jacksons: An American Dream” (ABC Sunday at 8 and Monday at 8) the 1992 five-hour-long rags-to-riches tale made with the cooperation of the Jackson clan.
You remember this musical biography. It lacked much singing and dancing and focused on the rock-and-roll family’s abusive father (Lawrence-Hilton Jacobs).
The creators of this film preferred tense family scenes over re-enactments of some of the Jackson Five’s greatest on-stage appearances.
In the end, you’re left with a few intriguing family-in-turmoil moments, but that’s not enough to say you’ll be there for the whole thing yet again.
Incidentally, some of the few high points are performances of “I’ll Be There,” “Never Can Say Goodbye” and “ABC.” They will hit a nostalgic chord.
Highlights
“Smithsonian Fantastic Journey,” CBS tonight at 8: The third of three installments on the Smithsonian, which turns 150 this year, takes you to new peaks - literally. One of several segments traces Tom Whittaker’s attempt to climb Mount Everest with an artificial foot.
Other segments report on aerobatics, snakes, elephants and a Smithsonian birthday celebration.
“Atlantis: In Search of a Lost Continent,” NBC tonight at 8: It’s hard to resist yet another speculative documentary on the famous lost civilization. Richard Crenna’s authoritative voice narrates the hour that is said to have evidence of the civilization’s exact location. Repeat.
“NFL Football,” FOX tonight at 5: San Diego takes on San Francisco in an exhibition game.
“World’s Greatest Magic II,” NBC tonight at 9: Back for another run is Alan Thicke as the master of ceremonies. He introduces top magicians who show off their best illusions.
But the unexpected twist of the evening comes from Penn and Teller, who perform the legendary catch-a-bullet-in-your-teeth trick.
“Gregory K” (1993), ABC tonight at 9: This highly emotional tale recalls the landmark lawsuit in which a 12-year-old boy “divorced” his parents.
Gregory Kingsley (Joseph Gordon-Levitt of “3rd Rock from the Sun”) asked the court to free him from the natural parents he says abandoned him. He wanted to be adopted by a loving foster family (Bill Smitrovich and Kristin Griffith).
“3rd Rock from the Sun,” NBC Sunday at 8: The lovable family of aliens moves to a new time slot and day. If all of the episodes are as hilarious as this one, the sitcom is guaranteed a smooth transition.