ARAB TIMES, THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2018

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Schwarzenegger to star in Outrider

Hunter & Robbins star in Hereand Now a multi-racial dramaLOS ANGELES, Feb 7, (RTRS): A HBO series featuring Holly Hunter and Tim Robbins should be cause for celebration. Unfortunately, the new Alan Ball family drama Here and Now strands its cast in episodes that are as undercooked as they are interminable.

In Here and Now, Hunter and Robbins play the well-meaning, progressive parents of four children of different races (the three oldest were adopted; the youngest, a high schooler, is their biological child). The show tries to be a few different things: A medita-tion on the state of political and interpersonal discourse in a polarized America; a sprawling story of two families in Portland who become linked; and an exploration of mental illness, the efficacies of self-help philosophies and the possibilities of mystical intuition.

If only these thematic strands didnt involve people who are mostly insufferable.

So much free-floating resentment and gener-alized irritation pervades Here and Now that its easy to wonder if some of the characters even those who are related or married actu-ally like one another. Parties, family dinners and professional conferences alike serve as opportunities for disaffected characters to talk at rather than to each other.

And while one might argue that this is the very problem that Here and Now seeks to expose, watching pedantic debates play out among poorly developed characters is both boring and predictable. Its as if someone brought my post-election Facebook feed to life a Black Mirror premise that should never happen.

Time and again, Here and Now picks up hot-button topics like racism, sexism, trans-phobia and xenophobia only to put them down again indecisively. At first, its promising that men and women of color get to discuss how much white fragility surrounds them in an allegedly tolerant community. But the show turns lazy and incurious when it comes to examining that kind of knee-jerk defensive-ness, where it comes from and how it might be effectively checked.

All in all, the drama does not interrogate challenging topics; it occasionally pokes at them before returning to its usual glib, conde-scending superficiality. Much of the drama, after all, revolves around the depression and midlife crisis of Robbins professor charac-ter a respected, well-off white man turning 60 and Hunters role is quite limited; her character is the kind of controlling, worrywart mother often glimpsed in shows with much less impressive pedigrees.

Here and Now does feature occasional moments of visual poetry, but its disappointing in almost every area that matters. There is room on the TV scene for an ambitious, provoca-tive drama about an American family (creator Alan Balls Six Feet Under was that kind of show until it descended into sourness in its final stages). And theres no doubt that the very real fissures in our society could use some thought-ful excavation. But Here and Now is like the liberal-progressive, scripted-TV opposite of those news stories in which reporters visit the heartland to talk to hard-core Trump support-ers: It isnt telling us anything we dont already know, and the repetition of certain key talking points which sometimes dont hold up under scrutiny doesnt actually advance any worth-while conversations.

The press materials for Here and Now warn critics away from revealing the shows twists, but those take forever to arrive and thus often feel drained of consequence when they do. Most of the time, the family headed by Robbins and Hunter squabble in a series

of tasteful settings, and only gently exam-ine their various forms of privilege as they saunter through their well-appointed Portland homes. The three non-biological children, who are from Colombia, Somalia and Vietnam, complain about being used as advertisements for their parents liberal views, and the show indicates that trauma in at least two of their families of origin may have lasting effects in the present day. But in the first four episodes, these ideas are hinted at rather than developed in ways that draw the viewer deeper into each characters journey.

The series includes scenes of a Muslim family that has its own issues, but in general, few of Here and Nows characters are on screen long enough for their problems to acquire emotional heft. The dramas avoidance of brisk plotting does place it squarely in the realm of TV programs many of them excel-lent in which nothing much happens. But the shape of the stories it tells and the trajecto-ries of the characters are so ponderous and so familiar that the entire affair barely registers, despite its attempts at relevance and depth.

Also:LOS ANGELES: Arnold Schwarzenegger will star in and executive produce an event series currently in the works at Amazon, Variety has confirmed.

The series is a Western titled Outrider. It will follow a deputy in Oklahoma Indian Territory in the late 1800s. The deputy is tasked by a notorious judge with apprehend-ing a legendary outlaw in the wilderness. The deputy is forced to partner with a ruthless Federal Marshall (Schwarzenegger) to make sure justice is properly served.

Should the project move forward, it would mark Schwarzeneggers first regular role in a television series. He has previously appeared as himself on numerous television shows, and hosted one season of The New Celebrity Ap-prentice on NBC.

Trey Callaway and Mark Montgomery will write and executive produce, with Mace Neufeld also executive producing alongside Schwarzenegger.

LOS ANGELES: History has ordered the docu-series American Farmer, Variety has learned exclusively.

The eight-part series is shot on location across the country. It looks to paint an authen-tic portrait of the fight to go from seed to stalk, and from farm to fork. The series will present a look at the agricultural process, told through visuals and interviews with the real people behind it all. It is currently in production.

The series hails from BoBCat, the produc-tion company founded by Thom Beers, Jeff Conroy, and Sarah Bernard. Beers and Con-roy previously produced popular shows like Deadliest Catch, Ice Road Truckers, and Storage Wars. Were honored to continue our relationship with Thom and Jeff who have produced hit series Ice Road Truckers and Ax Men for the network, said Eli Lehrer, executive vice president of programming for History. American Farmer will put viewers on the front line of the battle farming families wage to bring dirt to life and put food on our plates. Their compelling, genuine stories represent the ultimate quest for the American Dream and speak to the heart of our nation.

The life of the farmer is the last great untold story of America, and we have found an incredible partner in HISTORY, said Beers, who is the chairman and co-founder of BoBCat.

Couch slouch

tv highlights

Brazilian guitar virtuoso to perform in Kuwait

Dar Al Athar Al Islamiyyah will hold a mu-sical concert by Brazilian guitar virtuoso Yamandu Costa at the Yarmouk Cultural Centre on Feb 18.

Yamandu Costa, 7-string guitar virtuoso, is one of the few Brazilian instrumental mu-sic composers, extremely gifted musician, improviser with his distinct way of playing. Influenced by many great South American musicians Yamandu has created his very peculiar style of compositions, somewhere

between the typical music from the south of Brazil, Choro and Samba with finger ac-robatic like passages, high tempo and yet very delicate and melodious pieces. For the audience his music is somewhere between breathtaking and breath holding, accompa-nied by Yamandus way of melting with his instrument and being one for the duration of the concert. Yamandu is embracing the range of root-Latin American music with a clear basis on South Brazilian swing.

Yamandu Costa

A flyer of the event.

SportsContinued from Page 21

e-mail subject. No entry fee.

Kwt-Brits football supporters: A new foot-ball supporters website for British expats living

and working in Kuwait has been set up by an Everton supporter, Trevor Powell. The Kuwait Brits Football Supporters Association (KBFSA) site aims to provide contact information for sup-porters of each others whereabouts and also in the future hopes to organise social events such as quizzes and even five-a-side matches on a home international teams basis.

We need expats to register their support and hence we can then start to cast around for a suit-able meeting venue. The site can be accessed at www.kbfsa.co.uk.

Free fi tness classes: Free fi tness classes at B.FIT studio in Salmiya! Classes include Zumba, Masala Bhangra workout, aero-bics, toning & much more. Contact +965-

click

65077062 for further information. Hurry and enroll now!

CoursesIslamic and Arabic courses: Islamic and Arabic courses are being offered at the Enlightenment into Islam Center starting from 5:00-7:00 pm.

Registrations can be done at the main offi ce Womens Committee in Qurtoba.

For more information contact: 24322684, 25362693, 97743327 and 25362681.

IPC Arabic Course: IPC Rawdah Ladies Section will commence the Arabic Conversa-tion Course. The students must have success-fully completed at least 3 levels of Arabic. Placement test will be taken by those who took Arabic class outside IPC.

Class is every Friday from 9-11 am.IPC Rawdah-22512257

Islamic classes in French: The Enlight-enment into Islam is offering Islamic Classes in French for ladies. Timings 4:30 to 7 pm. Every Wednesday. Please register at the of-fi ce (Womens Section), 2nd fl oor. For more information please contact us. Telephone 25362684, 99789954, 99507076, 97743327. Fax 25342573 (attention Enlightenment into Islam)

EmbassiesChinese Embassy notice: Please be noted that effective starting today, the photo used in a Chinese visa application must meet the re-quirements (for details, please visit the website of Chinese embassy http://kw.chineseembassy.org/eng/). Application with non-compliant photos will not be processed.

Thank you for your attention and coopera-tion.

Sadu House expo

THE Sadu House under Patron and Honorary President of Al Sadu Society, Shaikha Altaf Salem Al Ali Al Sabah and the ambassador of the Arab Republic of Egypt Tarek El Kouny, under the auspices of the National Council for Culture, Arts and Letters have the pleasure of inviting you to an exhibition on:

Traditional Egyptian HandicraftsOn Sunday, Feb 11, 2018 at 5 pm at

Sadu House (Gulf Road, next to the Na-tional Library).

Traditional Egyptian Handicrafts Exhi-bition provides a glimpse of the Egyptian heritage of textiles and handicrafts by pre-senting a selection of special handmade products.

The exhibition aims to empower the tra-ditional communities and to promote indig-enous Egyptian crafts as well as to enhance the cultural exchange with Kuwait. The exhi-bition will be showcasing: Akhmims products of handmade tex-tiles manufactured of Egyptian cotton, wool, linen and silk such as bed covers, bed linens, rugs, curtains, etc. The history of this industry goes back to the Pharaonic era; Tilly Dress, unique embroidered dress with silver and copper thread that repre-sents the continuity of the deeply rooted heritage of Egypt; Sinai Traditional Dress, a multi-colored dress usually from cotton thread whose special designs reflects the distinction and the heritage of Sinai Peninsula; Traditional Copper and Silver products including accessories, trays, serving plates, candle holders, metalwork, Stonework, etc.

The exhibition will be opened by NC-CAL Secretary General Ali Al Youha, Ambassador El Kouny and Shaikha Altaf Al Sabah.

Opening: Feb 11, 2018 at 5 pmExhibition days: Feb 12-15, 10 am to 1

pm & 4 pm to 8 pmFor any inquires please contact our col-

league Farah Omrani at admin@alsadu.org.kw or call 22452856.

12 Strong360 14:25, 23:50

All The Money In The World360 22:20 (Daily Exc Tue, Wed)Avenues 22:25

Braven360 11:40, 13:35, 18:00, 22:25, 00:55 (Thu, Sat) 13:35, 18:00, 22:25, 00:55 (Fri) 18:00, 22:25, 00:55 (Sun) 22:25, 00:55 (Mon) 18:00, 22:25, 01:10 (Tue, Wed)Fanar 14:00, 16:30, 21:30, 23:45 (Daily Exc Fri, Sat, Mon) 14:30, 17:00, 01:00 (Fri) 14:00, 16:30, 01:00 (Sat) 14:00, 16:30, 00:40 (Mon)Muhalab 18:00, 22:00 (Daily Exc Fri, Mon) 13:30, 18:05, 21:50 (Fri) 18:00, 21:50, 01:00 (Mon)Avenues 12:00, 16:05, 21:00, 23:00, 01:00 (Daily Exc Fri) 16:05, 21:00, 23:00, 01:00 (Fri)Marina 14:00, 20:45, 00:45

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Ferdinand360 12:50, 17:00 (Daily Exc Fri) 17:00 (Fri)Avenues 15:15

Jumanji: Welcome To The Jungle360 14:05 11:30, 15:35, 20:00, 00:20 (Daily Exc Fri, Mon) 15:35, 20:00, 00:20 (Fri) 11:30, 20:00, 00:20 (Mon)Bairaq 11:30, 16:00 (Daily Exc Fri) 16:00 (Fri)Fanar 12:45, 18:00 (Daily Exc Fri) 18:00 (Fri)Muhalab 12:30, 15:45 (Daily Exc Fri, Sat) 16:15 (Fri) 12:30, 16:15 (Sat)Sharqia 11:45, 14:45 (Daily Exc Fri) 14:45 (Fri)Avenues 15:00 12:55, 15:20, 20:00, 00:55 (Daily Exc Fri) 15:20, 20:00, 00:55 (Fri)Marina 11:30, 19:15 (Daily Exc Fri) 19:15 (Fri)

Juventus Vs Tottenham (Live) Arabic

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Kickboxer: Retaliation360 11:45, 15:00, 17:10, 19:20, 21:50, 00:05 (Daily Exc Thu, Fri, Sat) 11:45, 12:55, 15:00, 17:10, 19:20, 21:50, 00:05 (Thu, Sat) 15:00, 17:10, 19:20, 21:50, 00:05 (Fri)Ajial 22:30Bairaq 12:30, 00:30 (Daily Exc Fri) 00:30 (Fri)Fanar 14:30, 21:00, 01:00 (Daily Exc Fri) 14:00, 21:00, 01:00 (Fri)Sharqia 21:15, 23:30Avenues 12:35, 16:50, 21:25, 23:30 (Daily Exc Fri) 16:50, 21:25, 23:30 (Fri)

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Okdat El Khawaga (Arabic Film)360 19:15, 21:15, 23:15Bairaq 18:30, 22:45Fanar 20:30, 22:30Muhalab 20:00 (Daily Exc Fri, Mon) 19:55 (Fri, Mon)Sharqia 19:30Avenues 11:40, 16:25, 20:20, 22:20 (Daily Exc Fri) 16:25, 20:20, 22:20 (Fri)Marina 18:45, 22:45

Phantom Thread360 17:05Avenues 18:25

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Real Madrid Vs PSG (Live) Arabic360 22:45 (Wed)

See You Up There (Au Revoir L-Haut) French Film360 21:20Avenues 19:00

Slumber360 15:10, 01:15Fanar 00:30Avenues 00:20

Space Chicken (Condorito: The Movie)

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The 15:17 To Paris360 11:35, 13:00, 13:30, 15:00, 15:30, 17:30, 19:30, 19:40, 21:30, 23:30, 00:30 (Daily Exc Fri, Tue) 13:30, 15:00, 15:30, 17:30, 19:30, 19:40, 21:30, 23:30, 00:30 (Fri) 11:35, 13:00, 13:30, 15:00, 15:25, 17:20, 19:40, 22:50, 00:30, 00:50 (Tue)Bairaq 14:45, 19:45, 21:30, 23:30Fanar 12:00, 16:45, 19:00, 23:05 (Daily Exc Fri) 16:30, 18:45, 23:05 (Fri)Muhalab 13:00, 17:20, 21:45 (Daily Exc Fri) 17:20, 21:45 (Fri)Sharqia 14:20, 18:30, 22:45Avenues 11:35, 13:35, 18:35, 20:35, 22:00, 22:35, 23:55, 12:15, 14:15, 16:15, 18:15,

20:15 (Daily Exc Fri) 13:35, 18:35, 20:35, 22:00, 22:35, 23:55, 14:15, 16:15, 18:15, 20:15, 00:30 (Fri)Laila 20:15Marina 13:45, 18:00, 22:15

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The Greatest Showman360 20:15

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Throne of Elves360 17:20Avenues 14:00

Tiger Zinda Hai (Hindi Film)360 16:00Ajial 21:45Fanar 18:30 (Daily Exc Fri, Mon)Avenues 18:00

Winchester360 11:30, 13:45, 13:55, 16:00, 18:15, 18:40, 20:30, 22:45, 23:25, 01:00, 11:50, 16:30, 21:35, 23:50 (Daily Exc Fri) 13:45, 13:55, 16:00, 18:15, 18:40, 20:30, 22:45, 23:25, 01:00, 16:30, 21:35, 23:50 (Fri)Ajial 20:15Bairaq 13:50, 20:30, 00:45Fanar 12:30, 17:15, 22:00, 00:15 (Daily Exc Fri) 17:15, 22:15, 00:45 (Fri)Muhalab 15:00, 19:30, 23:45Sharqia 12:00, 16:15, 20:30, 00:45 (Daily Exc Fri) 16:15, 20:30, 00:45 (Fri)Avenues 22:15, 00:30, 12:05, 13:00, 16:45, 17:30, 19:45, 21:30, 23:45,

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Wonder360 19:00

Carbon (Malayalam Film)Ajial 18:30, 21:30 (Thu) 16:00 (Fri)

Daivame Kaithozham K. Kumarakanam (Malayalam Film)

Ajial 15:45, 18:45Plaza 18:30 (Daily Exc Thu) 15:30, 18:30 (Thu)

Kalakalapu 2 (Tamil Film)Ajial 16:00, 19:00, 22:00 (Daily Exc Thu, Fri) 19:00, 22:00 (Thu) 15:30, 18:30, 21:30 (Fri)Plaza 15:30, 21:30 (Daily Exc Thu) 21:30 (Thu)

Oru Nalla Naal Paarthu Soldren (Tamil Film)

Ajial 16:00 (Thu)

Queen (Malayalam Film)Ajial 15:30 (Thu)

Toli Prema (Telugu Film)Ajial 15:30, 18:30, 21:30 (Daily Exc Thu, Fri) 19:00, 22:00 (Fri)Fanar 19:00, 22:00 (Fri) 22:00 (Sat) 18:30, 21:30 (Mon)Muhalab 19:00, 22:00 (Fri, Mon) 19:00 (Sat)

CocoAvenues 17:45

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