KEY POINTS:
MATTHEW AND MARC'S ROCKY ROAD TO RUSSIA
When: 7pm, Saturday
Where: TV2
What: Lads go mad in Russia
There've probably been times in Marc Ellis' life when he felt like heading to Russia was a great idea, especially after he got caught up in the so-called celebrity drug scandal a while back.
Likewise Matthew Ridge, who not so long ago was making the news with his very public fling with Rebecca Loos, David Beckham's former assistant and lover. But there's no holding down a couple of macho Kiwi blokes, especially when they've got careers as professional larrikins to maintain - and the threat of Pulp Sport's Bill and Ben trying to muscle in on their laddish territory.
Like their other Rocky Road trips, this one is an excuse for the two to indulge their deep competitive streaks and bemuse the locals. Marc and Matthew wreak havoc everywhere, from the Bolshoi Ballet to the Soviet military as they try to prove that no challenge is beyond them. In their never-ending quest for bragging rights over the other, the pair take on tigers at the circus, go toe-to-toe with a prima ballerina, prepare to be blasted into space and take a high-octane ride in a MIG fighter jet.
Series producer Jonathan Glazier has worked with Matthew and Marc over the years and still marvels at their intense rivalry. He says, "The highlight for me is the bath house story. It's just so hilarious. Two grown men, naked, being whipped with birch sticks, and the thing is they take it so seriously. Everything's a competition, and no matter how ridiculous they look, they simply have to win."
BUNNYTOWN
When: 12.30pm & 6.30pm, Saturday and Sunday
Where: Playhouse Disney
What: Hopping with laughter
While it might be a riot of laughter and music, Bunnytown also has the serious aim of helping kids to learn about counting, shapes and vocabulary in a fun environment. This humour-filled puppet variety show is brought to you by the talent behind Sesame Street and the Jim Henson Company.
Bunnytown has a cast of colourful characters that includes a superhero, inventor, caveman, mischief-maker, rock star and school-age bunnies. The bunnies play, sing, dance, tramp, go on picnics, and even blast into space.
Some of the more curious bunnies burrow their way out of Bunnytown through tunnels that emerge in the neighbouring Peopletown to observe the comical antics of their human counterparts. Each episode features a range of music - and watch out for the Bunnytown Band, inspired by the looks and sounds of Earth, Wind and Fire and Sly and the Family Stone.
TODAY'S PICKS 7PM, TV ONE
KIWI KITCHEN
Richard dons his double belt and rediscovers the 80s in Wellington, along the way trying a chocolate fondue. Meanwhile, the head of the vegetarian society cooks up a curry. Chances are it will be a vege one.
7PM, TV2
MATTHEW AND MARC'S ROCKY ROAD TO RUSSIA
The lads are back and this time they are let loose in Russia. Oh dear, someone hide the vodka. Tonight they visit Star City, an elite training facility for cosmonauts.
7.30PM, TV3
SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE AUSTRALIA
It's Australia's version of Fame. So who will be the next Leroy or Alex?
7.30PM, TV2
AMERICAN IDOL
While the Aussies are dancing their way to the top, on the other channel Simon, Paula and Randy continue their search for the next American Idol.
MOVIES
8.30PM, TV ONE
Herald rating: * *
THE MAJESTIC
Jim Carrey tries to be taken seriously with this Frank Darabont-directed fable about a young movie screenwriter, blacklisted during the McCarthy era, who develops amnesia after a car crash and runs a small-town cinema. Looks to explore old-fashioned American values but leaves the bitter aftertaste of an artificial sweetener. (2001)
8.30PM, TV2
Herald rating: * *
HEAD OF STATE
Comedy about the first black presidential candidate, played by Chris Rock, who also writes and directs.
Very funny in parts, but don't expect much of a story.
And the opportunity for some cutting political satire is totally ignored. Could do better.(2003)
9PM, TV3
Herald rating: * *
AMERICAN PIE: THE WEDDING
Some of the cast of American Pie return for a third time for the marriage of Jim (Jason Biggs) and Michelle (Alyson Hannigan). The director does a good job of covering the absent characters by simply not mentioning them. Fitfully funny, even though it sticks to the tried and tested formula of embarrassing acts and bodily fluids. (2003)
SPORT
1PM, SATURDAY & SUNDAY TV3 LIVE
GOLF: NEW ZEALAND PGA
Little Aussie battler Craig Parry is one of the drawcards at the Clearwater course along with the prospect of another roller-coaster performance from Michael Campbell.
7PM, SKY SPORT 1 AND RUGBY LIVE; 9.30PM, PRIME
SUPER 14: BLUES V CHIEFS
The Chiefs showed a lot of promise last season but the Blues will test their play-off hopes. Followed at 9.35pm by what should be a ripper - Waratahs v Hurricanes (Sky Sport 1 and Rugby live).
