‘Perdition’ could have been great film
Tonight’s must-see
“The Road to Perdition” (2002), 8-11 p.m., ABC.
Some movies simply aren’t the sum of their parts.
That’s “Perdition.” Added up, it’s simply a fairly good tale of revenge and death; in its individual parts, it is magnificent.
Tom Hanks stars, in a film that has gifted British actors in support, including Jude Law (in a great bit as a relentless pursuer), Daniel Craig (pre-Bond) and Ciaran Hinds.
Tonight’s choices include
“Gone Country,” 10 p.m., CMT. Here’s the low-stress way to catch reality shows: Just wait for the finale … or, in this case, the reruns of the finale.
“Lost in Translation” (2003), 8-10 p.m., E. Sofia Coppola showed a gently understated touch here, in directing this story of two strangers (Bill Murray and Scarlett Johansson) with empty hours in Japan. It’s nicely done, including great work from a then-unknown Johansson.
“Pride & Prejudice” (2005), 8 and 11 p.m., Oxygen. Joe Wright is a remarkable director, able to turn period-piece British novels into richly cinematic, emotional movies. He did that with both this film and the current “Atonement.” Both films benefit from having Keira Knightley.
“Torchwood,” 9 p.m., BBC America. Martha Jones – the “Doctor Who” character – and the Torchwood crew face an alien force that could end life on earth.
“Saturday Night Live,” 11:29 p.m., NBC. It’s the third straight new episode for “Saturday Night Live” – and the third straight female host. This time it’s Amy Adams, who starred in the fun film “Enchanted.” The music guest is Vampire Weekend.
Sunday’s choices include
“Extreme Makeover: Home Edition,” 8 p.m., and “Oprah’s Big Give,” 9 p.m., both ABC.
Here are two good-hearted reality shows, offering new hours on a night still stuffed with reruns.
Of the two, we vastly prefer “Makeover,” because it’s more about doing and less about fundraising.
Tonight, that focuses on an earnest, blended family in West Virginia. The parents coach football, basketball and cheerleading and care for mentally challenged adults, while raising five kids in a modest home.
“The Simpsons,” 8 p.m., Fox. Here’s a take-off on the “Cheaters” TV show. Homer is cheating on his diet, so Marge asks a reality show to catch him.