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7:30 PM Flix
Explorers (1985 USA): it’s been quite some time since Joe Dante’s kiddie sci-fi feature Explorers has been on television, and tonight’s screening also marks the first time its aired there in widescreen. Ethan Hawke made his film debut as Ben Crandall, a geeky teen obsessed with extraterrestrials who designs a spaceship with pals Wolfgang (fellow newcomer River Phoenix) and Darren (Jason Presson). Utilizing odds and ends from around the house, the lads turn their design into a working vehicle and blast off for zany intergalactic adventures. As with all Dante films, there’s a cast of familiar faces (Dick Miller, James Cromwell) and copious references to the fantasy films of the director’s childhood. It’s good, clean, and enjoyable fun for the whole family—a science fiction Gate, if you will.

Sunday 7/04/10

9:15 AM Flix
Inside Moves (1980 USA): Here's one of those films that should show up during TCM's 31 Days of Oscar, but rarely do. Inside Moves is an underappreciated drama featuring an outstanding Academy Award-nominated performance from Diana Scarwid as Louise, a social worker helping newly-wheelchair bound Roary (John Savage, also excellent) adapt to life without legs. Roary has brought his difficulties on himself—he jumped off a bridge—but isn't getting much in the way of support from bitter best pal Jerry (David Morse), a Golden State Warriors basketball player who doesn't have the funds to get his knee repaired. The NBA didn't offer health insurance in 1980?? East Bay residents such as myself will appreciate the Oakland location footage, whilst Warriors fans will be cock-a-hoop to see the entire 1980 team in action.

Monday 7/05/10

5:00 PM Turner Classic Movies
Moby Dick (1956 USA): An evening of Gregory Peck features is highlighted by this big screen adaptation of Herman Melville’s classic novel. Director John Huston’s film version has always impressed me, but perhaps I’d be less favorably inclined towards it if I’d actually read the book: yes, I’m ashamed to admit I’ve yet to reel in a copy! That said, Ahab’s quest for the great white whale is so deeply ingrained in American pop culture that it feels like I’ve read at least the Cliffs’ Notes version, and Huston’s work lends the story the epic quality it demands. Shot in color by the great British cinematographer Oswald Morris and featuring a stellar supporting cast—including Harry Andrews, Orson Welles, Richard Basehart, Leo Genn, Joan Plowright, and James Robertson Justice—Moby Dick is as good as a mainstream Hollywood epic gets.

6:00 PM HBO
No One Dies in Lily Dale (2010 USA): For some reason the title of this brand new HBO documentary is reminding me of Deep Inside Annie Sprinkle, but please be assured the subject matter is much less salacious (if no less ridiculous). Lily Dale is not a porn star, but a town in upstate New York with an inordinately high percentage of seers and mediums amongst its population. The film examines those who come to the town (and have been coming since 1879!) in search of answers from their deceased loved ones, and was directed by Academy Award nominee Steven Cantor. Will it be suitably skeptical, or wide-eyed and gullible? You’ll have to tune in to find out, as I haven’t had the opportunity to screen this one in advance. Also airs at 9:00 PM.

5:00 Sundance
Of Time and the City (2009 GB): I was born in Liverpool, England, and though I’ve lived in the United States most of my life I still feel a strong connection to the city. So does director and fellow ex-Liverpudlian Terence Davies, who made this all too brief (but brilliant and beautiful) tribute to a city that is much more than the birthplace of British beat music. If you’re old enough to remember a time when coal smoke filled the air, horsedrawn wagons traversed the streets, and Britannia’s merchant navy ruled the waves, you’ll adore this heartfelt salute to the Pool. Also airs at 10:15 PM.

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