SATURDAY
FEBRUARY 21
2015

BIANCULLI’S BEST BETS

 

IFC, 5:00 p.m. ET

The Independent Spirit Awards, conceived 30 years ago as a sort of impertinent anti-Oscars, has developed into an awards show with a clout, and a charm, all its own. Held the day before the Oscars, when all the film talent already is in town, it celebrates the movies not released by major studios – and these days, that means a lot of really good, interesting movies. This awards show is repeated in prime time at 10 p.m. ET, but if you want to watch it live, IFC is televising it as it unfurls, beginning at 5 p.m. ET. The co-hosts are Kristen Bell and Fred Armisen – and given their respective musical talents, expect them to sing some sort of irreverent medley, or song, at some point in the show.

 
  
 
 

HBO, 8:00 p.m. ET

Since starring as George Clooney’s daughter in 2011’s The Descendants, Shailene Woodley has made some impressive career choices. She’s starred in a successful new movie franchise, starting with last year’s Divergent – and also last year, starred in this film, a bittersweet romantic drama in which she and co-star Ansel Elgort play teens who meet, and eventually fall in love, at a cancer support group.

 
  
 
 

TCM, 8:00 p.m. ET

Tonight’s TCM lineup is full of movies that dominated conversation in the early 1970s. This lavish biographical drama stars George C. Scott as Gen. George S. Patton, a military figure who was brazenly and proudly pro-war at a time (Patton was released in 1970) when “hawks vs. doves” was a major dividing point widening the so-called generation gap. Interestingly, the story and screenplay were co-written by Francis Ford Coppola, who would turn around and make The Godfather two years later – and the largely anti-war Apocalypse Now film seven years after that.

 
  
 
 

TCM, 11:00 p.m. ET

This 1971 Robert Altman film is a gorgeous piece of cinema, and a perfect representation of Altman’s vivid, visionary style of filmmaking. Warren Beatty stars as an Old West gambler who teams with a professional madam (Julie Christie) to offer their respective areas of expertise to the rubes in a remote Old West mining town. Think of it as an early version of Deadwood, if you like – but whatever you have to think to tune in, do it. This film is a distinctive, often underrated classic, and the images of winter, especially, rival those from the movies of Ingmar Bergman.

 
  
 
 

TCM, 4:00 a.m. ET

This 1971 movie has a plot which has been examined, and re-examined, hundreds of times on film and TV. A detective, working on a murder case, falls in love with the beautiful young woman who’s in danger of being the killer’s next victim. The twist here, and even that isn’t so unusual, is that the woman is a prostitute – played by Jane Fonda, in the role that won her an Oscar, and a new patina of respectability from mainstream Hollywood. The detective, who actually has the title role, is played by Donald Sutherland, and he delivers a performance that’s as moody and mysterious as the film itself. Alan J. Pakula directs, and does it superbly. This one’s worth recording, to catch at a more convenient time.

 
  
 
 
 
 
Read and add comments HERE for today's Best Bets!
 
 
 
 
Leave a Comment: (No HTML, 1000 chars max)
 
 Name (required)
 
 Email (required) (will not be published)
 
MLAMM
Type in the verification word shown on the image.
 
 
 Page: 1 of 142  | Go to page: 
2838 Comments
 
 
AmeriPlan knows that each and every one of you have different goals and objectives both in what you expect to put into your AmeriPlan business and in turn, what you will get out of it.
Dec 5, 2025   |  Reply
 
 
This property website is incredibly user-friendly and beautifully designed. The listings are well organized, with clear details, high-quality images, and helpful neighborhood information. It makes exploring properties enjoyable and stress-free.
Dec 5, 2025   |  Reply
 
 
Right here is the right site for anyone who wishes to
understand this topic. You realize so much its almost hard to
argue with you (not that I really will need to…HaHa). You
definitely put a fresh spin on a topic that has been written
about for decades. Wonderful stuff, just excellent!
Dec 4, 2025   |  Reply
 
Dave Bianculli
From your lips to God's ears buzzy!!!! ROTFLMBFFAO!!!!!!!!

I'm a humble tv-watching man, you're making me blush.

Carry on soldier!
Dec 4, 2025
 
 
 
sdsdsds
https://jeddah-moving.com/
Dec 4, 2025   |  Reply
 
 
Mastectomy recovery isn't a straight line. It's a series of small steps, some expected, some surprising, as your body heals and your life resets. In the first days, you're managing pain, drains, and sleep.
Dec 2, 2025   |  Reply
 
Dave Bianculli
*yawn* interesting. not. and definitely not TV related. Be gone, woman!
Dec 3, 2025
 
 
 
I love how clean and comfortable the rooms are. Truly the best karaoke spot around
Dec 2, 2025   |  Reply
 
Dave Bianculli
What in the name of Sam Jones Hill are you posting this here for@@!!!!

As I say to my students (I am an Esteemed Professor of TV-ology) STAY ON TOPIC!!
Dec 3, 2025
 
 
 
Its blog give information from another people very well I am impress its information an information is very nice.
Dec 2, 2025   |  Reply
 
 
This website stands out for its clarity and reliability. Very refreshing in today’s property market
Nov 29, 2025   |  Reply
 
Dave Bianculli
DEar Riverboat,

You sound like an intelligent man...dare I say GENIUS!!!?!?!?"

Thanky you sincerely,

DAve "Mr. TV"
Dec 2, 2025
 
 
baku
Dec 1, 2025
 
 
 
Your Site is very nice, and it's very helping us this post is unique and interesting, thank you for sharing this awesome information. and visit our blog site also.
Nov 27, 2025   |  Reply
 
Dave Bianculli
Dear ism,

Your post was great, actually PERFECT until the last part of the last sentance.

NEVER NEVER COME TO MY TV FAN GATHERING TO PUSH YOUR OWN AGENDA (AND BLOG SITES)!!!

I hope that this is crystal clear now.

Dave
Nov 28, 2025
 
 
 
Definitely! For a home office, you want to reduce glare without making the room too dark. I'd recommend the Light Reflective Silver 50. It cuts the harshness on your screens but keeps the space feeling bright. I got mine from a great selection at https://www.tintfit.com/shop/reflective-window-film. The install was straightforward, and the difference is night and day
Nov 24, 2025   |  Reply
 
 
Finn Kally
Can anyone recommend a good reflective film for a home office with strong sun glare?
Nov 24, 2025   |  Reply
 
Dave Bianculli
Hey, fuck you Homer! I know you're in cahoots with the guy who responded who just happens to pretend to have a helpful solution. The two of you need to pack up your kit bags and hit the road, Jack! DOn't let the door hit ya where the good lord split ya!

hahahahaha!!! ROTFLMBFFAO!!!!

But seriously,

Delete your post before I pursue legal action!!!!!
Nov 25, 2025
 
 
 
paris
aa
Nov 23, 2025   |  Reply
 
 
Sinara
Where is the best place to play and actually get your money out fast without all the delays and excuses?
Nov 20, 2025   |  Reply
 
Dave Bianculli
Guys, I hate to be a party pooper but this is not the place to discuss your immoral activities. Please delete these posts before I have to take more severe LEGAL action against you assholes.

Soncerely,

Dave
Nov 21, 2025
 
 
madrid
Nov 21, 2025
 
 
I was bored one night and decided to check this place out just for entertainment. Started with low bets just to see how it works and the vibe was pretty relaxed. After a while I got a couple of lucky spins and cashed out a nice little bonus for myself. Now when someone asks where you can play have fun and still pull some cash I just send them this link. https://tameraat.com.pk/1xbet-login/
Nov 20, 2025
 
 
 
Ansaryfurniture
At Ansary Furniture, we believe your home should feel as beautiful as it looks. With a passion for craftsmanship and a commitment to quality, we design and deliver furniture that blends modern style with lasting comfort
Nov 19, 2025   |  Reply
 
 
Credveda’s team is very supportive. They helped me with loan eligibility check and provided an easy solution. The approval happened sooner than expected.
Nov 19, 2025   |  Reply
 
 
A very good information
Nov 17, 2025   |  Reply
 
paris
Nov 18, 2025
 
 
paris
Nov 18, 2025
 
 
Dave Bianculli
ya. a beddy good information.

keep studying itchy!!

LMBFFAO!!

Dave
Nov 17, 2025
 
 
 
I’m still learning from you, as I’m trying to achieve my goals. I definitely love reading everything that is written on your site. Keep the articles coming. I liked it!
Nov 16, 2025   |  Reply
 
Dave Bianculli
Well my little buddha,

The best advice that I Can offer is to do as I did: watch a butt-load of TV, become a college professor talking about TV and get a guest gig on Fresh Air to talk about TV.

Lovingly,

Dave
Nov 16, 2025
 
 
 
Someone necessarily help to make severely articles I might state. That is the first time I frequented your web page and up to now? I surprised with the analysis you made to create this actual publish extraordinary. Fantastic process.
Nov 14, 2025   |  Reply
 
Dave Bianculli
Gracias Senorita!!!

Your ingles is spectacularlo!!! thank you for the compliments!!!! I am here to serve you - you, the TV viewer!!!!

Sincerely,

Dave
Nov 14, 2025
 
 
 
You may comment on the demand plan of the blog. You should visit it's mind boggling. Your blog audit would swell up your visitors. I was to a great degree fulfilled to find this site.I expected to thank you for this unimaginable read!
Nov 5, 2025   |  Reply
 
lll
Nov 30, 2025
 
 
Dave Bianculli
The only thing that swells up when thinking about all of my loyal fan visitors is my EGO. Oh wait a minute, there's something else that SWELLS UP too!

ROTFLMBFAO!!!!!

haha, thanks for following my merry TV adventures!!

Dave
Nov 9, 2025
 
 
 
Our batteries are exported worldwide, earning a stellar reputation through long-term cooperation with many renowned lithium battery companies.
Nov 4, 2025   |  Reply
 
copenhegen
Nov 24, 2025
 
 
 
 
 Page: 1 of 142  | Go to page: 
 
 

David Bianculli

Founder / Editor

David Bianculli has been a TV critic since 1975, including a 14-year stint at the New York Daily News, and sees no reason to stop now. Currently, he's TV critic for NPR's Fresh Air with Terry Gross, and is an occasional substitute host for that show. He's also an author and teaches TV and film history at New Jersey's Rowan University. His 2009 Dangerously Funny: The Uncensored Story of 'The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour', has been purchased for film rights. His latest, The Platinum Age of Television: From I Love Lucy to the Walking Dead, How TV Became Terrific, is an effusive guidebook that plots the path from the 1950s’ Golden Age to today’s era of quality TV.