What to watch on Sky and free-to-air TV this week
TVNZ1’s coverage of the Olympic Games begins and there’s a double dose of Jennifer Lopez this weekend, writes Alex Behan.
It’s going to be weird. Even the name Tokyo Olympics 2020 (coverage begins Friday,
10.15pm, TVNZ 1) indicates something isn’t quite right. The opening ceremony will feature flag-bearers from each country parading in front of a few officials and dignitaries, but no spectators, nor will there be fans in any stadiums for the duration of the Olympic Games. New Zealand’s largestever contingent of 211 athletes will compete across 22 sports and TVNZ 1 will carry free-toair coverage daily from lunchtime until 2am (with a break for the 6pm news bulletin and Seven Sharp).
In the wake of the global financial crisis, a group of exotic dancers decide to take their white collar clients to the cleaners in Hustlers (Sunday,
8.30pm, Three). Based on a true story, and with an excellent cast led by Jennifer Lopez (who does an impressive pole routine), it’s a heist film where you find yourself siding with the criminals, because their victims are just the worst. With gorgeous direction by Lorene Scafaria (Seeking a Friend For The End of The World), it’s empowering without being exploitative and is an enjoyable watch.
Lopez in Hustlers doesn’t look that different to her in Out Of Sight (Friday, 8.30pm, Ma¯ ori TV) despite being separated by more than 20 years. Lopez beat out fierce competition for the role opposite George Clooney and witnessing their on-screen chemistry, it’s easy to see why. A veritable who’s who of 90s cinema populate the supporting cast. It’s also the film that turned Clooney into a bigscreen star and remains an utterly joyous romp.
A low-budget New Zealand film that won international awards on its release in 2017, Upstage (Monday, July 26, 8.30pm, Sky Arts) follows a group of thespians refining a new musical version of Wuthering Heights. After the leading lady storms out during
the final dress rehearsal, the production team find themselves in an 11th hour crisis. The 1996 movie Waiting For Guffman proved amateur drama is a goldmine of potential comedy and writerdirector Michael Nicolas Williams draws on years of experience to hone in on the insecurities and inconsistencies of performers in this shrewdly observed comedy.
What kind of person spends their life chasing war? ‘‘I always liked the idea of a short and interesting life, rather than a long dull one,’’ explains Jason Howe, who spent 12 years as a photographer in some of the most dangerous places in the world. A Good Day To Die – Hoka Hey (tonight, 9.30pm, History) chronicles his career, gives insights into how big news organisations choose what (and what not to) publish and looks at the impact the profession can have on its practitioners. For Howe, it meant severe PTSD, issues with substance abuse and finding out his Colombian girlfriend was an assassin with 23 murders to her name.
A classic of modern horror The Cabin in the Woods (Saturday, 8.30pm, Duke) provided a Hollywood break for Kiwi actor Anna Hutchinson and an early starring role for a young Chris Hemsworth. Five friends head to a secluded shack for a weekend away and get more than they bargained for. Although the first act feels like every scary movie you’ve ever seen, this thriller keeps you surprised and in suspense.
This violent, visceral, visually striking adaptation of Shakespeare’s Macbeth (Sunday, 8.30pm, Ma¯ ori TV) stars Michael Fassbender as the Scottish General and Marion Cotillard as Lady Macbeth. Directed by Australian Justin Kurzel (Assassins Creed), it truncates the bard’s words, but stays true to his original text to create a truly epic war drama. This dark interpretation emphasises the tortured soul of the titular protagonist, who is traumatised by a life of violence and death.