‘Born Into Exile’ Offers Clear Warning
The movie of the week seems perfectly suited for a morality tale.
Hey, we’re not expecting classic cinema. So why not use the genre to make a blunt pro-social statement now and then?
That’s what you’re in for if you tune in NBC’s “Born Into Exile” at 9. Mark-Paul Gosselaar and Gina Philips portray Texas teens who think they’ll live free and clear of her overprotective mother if they run off to Los Angeles.
In the real world, it’s not so easy. In this movie, it’s an unending nightmare.
They are assaulted, robbed and tricked by hustlers. They are beaten down to the point where they’re forced to live in squalor and do miserable things to survive.
It’s a frank and unsparing descent into hell, which may not be a good thing. I worry that some teens who watch this movie will come away saying these kids were too dumb to stay out of trouble.
And, indeed, there are smarter ways of running away from home.
But credible performances by the young stars make this an explosive drama and a clear warning that life on the streets is perilous.
Talia Shire (“Rocky”) plays the girl’s mother, a shrew who finally learns a lesson in parenting.
Highlights
“Spy Game,” ABC at 8: “The Man From U.N.C.L.E.” was never more stylishly farfetched: A crazed, out-of-work arms maker attempts to reheat the Cold War by dispatching an android to kill the Russian president’s daughter. Dashing spies Max and Lorne (Allison Smith, Linden Ashby) have to dip into their bag of gadgets to save the day.
“Lies He Told” (1997), ABC at 9: Gary Cole stars in a familiar movie-of-the-week melodrama. Cole plays a decorated Air Force commando who fakes his death in order to leave his wife and children and marry an unsuspecting woman (Karen Sillas).
The fact-based tale is better acted than most, however, as Cole’s character weaves his web of deceit.
It’s good enough to keep you interested in how he’ll finally get caught. But I’d be lying if I said you’d regret missing this one.
“Married … With Children,” FOX at 9: Kelly (Christina Applegate) gets a job on a kids television show and lands in the spotlight when the drunken host falls on his face. Newfound celebrity goes to her head, making life miserable for the rest of the family.
“Chicago Hope,” CBS at 10: Alan Arkin guest-stars as a famous but notoriously eccentric artist who shows up claiming to be Shutt’s (Adam Arkin) real father. Meanwhile, Austin (Christine Lahti) spends the night with a dying child (Lucas Black).
Cable Calls
“Biography,” A&E at 5 and 9: “Hollywood Classics Week” begins with a profile of actress Sophia Loren. Her life story is as dramatic as any movie she’s ever made - from her war-torn childhood to her controversial battles with church and state to her high-profile romances.
“Indie Outing,” MTV at 8: This new series highlighting independent music labels debuts with a visit to Nervous Records with a video by Winx; a digital package and video from the band Atari Teenage Riot; a look at the band Orbit’s indie beginnings; and rap artist Jay-Z’s video “Can’t Knock the Hustle,” which was released on his own indie label, Roc-A-Fella.
Talk Time
“Tonight,” NBC at 11:35: Jason Priestley (“Beverly Hills, 90210”), Vivica A. Fox (“Arsenio”) and pro tennis player Carlos Moya.
“Late Show With David Letterman,” CBS at 11:35 : Radio personality Howard Stern, Ray Romano (“Everybody Loves Raymond”) and music group The Chieftans.
“Politically Incorrect With Bill Maher,” ABC at 12:35 a.m.: Dave Foley, Telma Hopkins, Anthony LaPaglia and critic Michael Medved.
“Late Night With Conan O’Brien,” NBC at 12:35 a.m.: Fran Drescher (“The Nanny”) and actor William Shatner.