KEY POINTS:
7PM, TV2
AMERICAN IDOL
Simon Cowell continues to crush spirits and destroy dreams as the American Idol auditions head to New York. Just when you thought you'd heard every insult under the sun, Cowell manages to find new ways to put people down.
8PM, TV3
HOW I MET YOUR MOTHER
If at first you don't succeed, try, try again. After orchestrating a "casual" run-in with Robin, Ted invites her to an impromptu party. When Robin fails to make the event, Ted hosts another party the next night, and the next.
9PM, C4
BEATLES LOVE
A behind-the-scenes look at the making of the Beatles' new album, Love. Produced by the band's original producer, Sir George Martin, and his son Giles, the album has topped charts around the world and is the soundtrack to Cirque du Soleil's Love show.
MOVIES
[rated out of 5]
9PM, TV2
RIDING IN CARS WITH BOYS
Herald rating: * *
The story of a young woman (Drew Barrymore) who becomes pregnant at 16 and deals with a heroin-addicted partner. Some good moments, but it lacks direction. (2001)
10.15PM, TV ONE
PERFECT STRANGERS
Herald rating: * * *
Gaylene Preston's romantic thriller, set on the west coast of the South Island is about a woman (Rachael Blake) who is whisked off to an island by a stranger (Sam Neill), and eventually figures out that she is being held against her will. Some good twists relating to the woman's strong desire to be in love, if you can put up with the tedium. (2003)
8.30PM, TV3
X-MEN
Herald rating: * * *
Under the direction of Bryan Singer (The Usual Suspects), this adaptation of the Marvel Comics' story about a group of super-powered mutants at a school for gifted youngsters hits the nail on the head, touching on themes of xenophobia and racial hatred.
Halle Berry plays the weather-manipulating Storm; Patrick Stewart is the wheelchair-bound, telepathic genius Professor Xavier, and Anna Paquin stars as Kitty Pryde, the youngest of the pack. Hugh Jackman gets the main role though, as the cigar-chomping, poncho-wearing Wolverine, a mutant with a metal-enhanced skeleton and razor-sharp claws to match his witty one-liners.
Jackman did well to uncover the original influence for this loner with no past, squinting through it like a young Clint Eastwood. Jackman's production company has finalised a script for a prequel called Wolverine, in the pipeline for next year. (2000)
10.40PM, TV3
THE TRANSPORTER
Herald rating: * * *
Fast-moving action film, with Jason Statham as a criminal for hire who will transport any form of contraband. His latest package contains a beautiful woman. (2002)
SPORT
7.30PM, SKY SPORT 1 AND RUGBY CHANNEL LIVE; 9.30PM PRIME
RUGBY: SUPER 14
CHIEFS V BRUMBIES
There were promising signs for the Chiefs last year that they could be a force for the first time in this competition, and the Brumbies will provide a good test of that. This game is followed by the Reds hosting the Hurricanes (10.35pm, Sky Sport 1 and Rugby Channel live).
