FRIDAY
DECEMBER 7
2018

BIANCULLI’S BEST BETS

 

Netflix, 3:00 a.m. ET

MOVIE PREMIERE: Rohan Chand stars as Mowgli in this new version of Rudyard Kipling’s The Jungle Book, which, like Disney’s 2016 version, mixes live-action and motion-capture computer effects to bring Kipling’s story to life. Because Kipling’s story is old enough to be in the public domain, there was nothing to prevent two productions from moving forward at once – so they did. Disney won, and this Netflix version, shown briefly in a few theaters last month before streaming tonight, slowed down and extended its release date. But it’s worth watching, if only for its vocal cast: providing the voices, and the facial movements of the animals, are Christian Bale as the panther Bagheera, Cate Blanchett as the python Kaa, and Benedict Cumberbatch as the tiger Shere Khan. And the film is directed by a motion-capture expert: Andy Serkis, whose roles include Gollum in the Lord of the Ring films, King Kong, Caesar in the Planet of the Apes films, and Snoke in the recent Star Wars films. Warning: This may be too violent for young kids, so preview it for parental approval.
 
  
 
 

TCM, 8:00 p.m. ET

This 1967 Mike Nichols movie, showcasing young Dustin Hoffman in the role that made him a star, remains one of my favorite films. It’s also what I call a “spider-web film,” which means it ensnares me every time it’s on TV. And each time, I hone in on a different element: Buck Henry’s hotel clerk, Richard Dreyfuss’ one-scene appearance at the dorms, or Anne Bancroft’s predatory wardrobe as the on-the-prowl Mrs. Robinson (pictured). I recently returned from Los Angeles, and took an airline that, I’m convinced, led me to baggage claim along the exact same moving sidewalk, and wall mural, seen at the opening of this film as Hoffman’s Ben makes his way back home – allegorically following a path set out by others…

 
  
 
 

CW, 9:00 p.m. ET

MIDSEASON FINALE: In tonight’s new episode, Rebecca (Rachel Bloom) finally reunites with Greg, and he’s a new man. Or, at least, played by one. The character used to be portrayed by Santino Fontana, but, beginning tonight, is played by Skylar Astin from Pitch Perfect. And unlike the switch of the two Darrins on Bewitched in the 1960s, this time the swap is noticed. Sort of.

 
  
 
 

BBC America, 11:00 p.m. ET

Steve Carell, star of the upcoming (and very interesting-looking) Welcome to Marwen, is one of tonight’s guest stars, along with Dawn French, Michael B. Jordan, and Ruth Wilson.

 
  
 
 
 
 
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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.