Look For Olympian Spectacle On Nbc
Hoopla, medals and rock stars mark the close of the Centennial Olympic Games.
The triumphs have been many, and the closing ceremonies Sunday will try to accentuate the positive, although you can expect many replays of the ugly and the sad.
Daylong Sunday coverage begins on NBC at 4 a.m., with an hour-long break at 2:30 p.m. before the closing ceremonies begin at 3:30.
One of the high points during the evening extravaganza is the completion of the men’s marathon at Olympic Stadium. Spain’s Martin Fiz is the favorite to win.
There will be another parade of athletes, and the traditional passing of the Olympic flag will occur. Atlanta’s mayor hands over the treasured token of good sportsmanship to the mayor of Sydney, Australia, site of the 2000 Summer Games.
In addition, Atlanta’s Olympic Stadium is expected to be a rocking place late into the evening. Gloria Estefan performs her hit “Reach,” which she composed especially for the Games.
Al Green, the Pointer Sisters, B.B. King, Wynton Marsalis and Little Richard will perform.
As for the last full day of events (today on NBC at 9 a.m. and 4 and 9:30 p.m.), there are several more medals to be given out in sports such as boxing and tennis.
Many eyes will turn to track and field as Dennis Mitchell and Gwen Torrence compete in relay races. The men’s and women’s 1,500m also take to the track. And volleyball soccer, cycling, and canoe and kayak competitions are scheduled.
Highlights
“World’s Funniest Hypnotist,” ABC tonight at 8: Only a hypnotic suggestion will entice most people to watch this silliness again. Britain’s Paul McKenna hypnotizes studio-audience members.
Among the situations: Three young men describe “Baywatch” star Gena Lee Nolin as ugly; Richard Roundtree interrogates a “suspect” who feels guilty; and a woman can’t respond to questions on a game show hosted by Chuck Woolery. Are you laughing yet?
“Life With Mikey” (1993), ABC tonight at 9: This mildly amusing tale stars Michael J. Fox as a has-been child actor who becomes an agent for child stars. The agent tries to relive his glory years through his latest discovery: a troubled street urchin. Repeat.
“America’s Most Wanted,” FOX tonight at 9: The electronic posse goes after a convicted murderer who has escaped from a California prison twice, most recently in 1993.
“The Simpsons,” FOX Sunday at 8: Despite Marge’s liberal beliefs, she stands behind Homer and strongly supports a proposal to deport all illegal aliens from Springfield. Does that mean Apu will have to leave, too?
This spoof on obtaining illegal identification takes a few swipes at our government’s immigration policies. Repeat.
“National Lampoon’s European Vacation” (1985), CBS Sunday at 9: If you didn’t get to take an overseas vacation this summer, you can get vicarious pleasure from watching Chevy Chase and his family wreak havoc in Europe.
“Frankie and Johnny” (1991), ABC Sunday at 9: Johnny (Al Pacino) is a short-order cook with irresistible, raffish charm. Frankie (Michelle Pfeiffer) is a distrusting waitress who has given up on men.
Together they cook up a sizzling dish as they play a romantic game of cat and mouse.
Garry Marshall directed this film, based on Terrence McNally’s play. It’s too talky, especially when you know the outcome.
Parents’ Pick
“Survive the Savage Sea” (1994), FAM Sunday at 7: Originally airing on the networks, this tale of courage and survival against nightmarish odds will have young people on the edge of their seats.
“Survive” is about a family (headed by Robert Urich and Ali MacGraw) that sets sail on an around-the-world adventure. Soon, they are shipwrecked and stuck in a life raft with dwindling supplies some 250 miles from land. A remarkable true story.
Cable Calls
“Nine Months” (1995), HBO tonight at 9: Hugh Grant’s publicized indiscretion brought much attention to this comedy in which he plays the world’s most immature psychotherapist. When his girlfriend (Julianne Moore) becomes pregnant, he acts even more childish.
Not only is pregnancy portrayed in the worst possible light, but men come off as infantile. Robin Williams’ cameo as a obstetrician is full of slapstick but does little to make this movie as attention-worthy as Grant’s lewd-conduct scandal.
“Tall Tales: The Unbelievable Adventures of Pecos Bill,” DISN Sunday at 7: Patrick Swayze looks like he’s having great fun hamming it up as the legendary cowboy. He rounds up his buddies Paul Bunyan (Oliver Platt) and John Henry (Roger Aaron Brown) to saddle up for an adventure involving an aggressive land owner (Scott Glenn).
Movie Marquee
“Father Goose” (1964), TNT Sunday at 5: Cary Grant is a sour, cynical American on a South Sea Island during World War II. He ends up reluctantly baby-sitting Leslie Caron and a group of school girls.
Soon the women help him find his charming self.