September 01, 2018

11 films worth watching this week

Tremors   Sat   1/9   ITV4 @ 21.00

Giant underground worms attack a small desert town and two handymen lead the townsfolk as they fight back. So so much better than it sounds. An affectionate throwback to 1950's creature features, that's hilariously gooey and inventive fun. Kevin Bacon and Fred Ward are the lead pair and have a whale of a time doing it. The ropey special effects all add to the charm.

Demons   Sat   1/9   The Horror Channel @ 22.55

A group of cinema-goers invited to the premiere of a new horror film get more than they bargained for when the forces of evil swarm around them. Lamberto Bava's 1985 horror film is the most enjoyable movie you'll see all week. A nonsensical story, hilariously inept dubbing and gloriously gory effects all combine to make a splendid 90 minutes of fun. You will literally never forget Bobby Rhodes performance as Tony The Pimp. Guaranteed.

The Posideon Adventure   Sun   2/9   More4 @ 09.45

When their ship is struck and turned upside down by a rogue wave, a group of survivors struggle to escape the inverted chaos around them. Probably the best disaster movie of the 70's. A thrilling, scary, inventive joyride that for once was filled with characters you want to see survive instead of dying nastily. Gene Hackman, Shelley Winters, Roddy McDowall and Red Buttons all add to the fun.

The Money Pit   Sun   2/9   RTE1 @ 16.05

Anna and Walter think they've struck gold when they find a mansion being sold for peanuts. But there's a reason it's being sold for peanuts. A funny and in places hilarious look at the bizarre stresses people place on themselves in pursuit of a roof to put over their head. Shelley Long is good but Tom Hanks just owns this film. Watch for his reactions to carpet hi-jinx and a bathtub accident. If you don't laugh you are dead inside. 

Kinky Boots   Sun   2/9   BBC2 @ 23.00

Charlie has inherited his father's shoe business but he hasn't a notion about it. Lola is a drag queen who hates the footwear used in her job. Together they make unlikely partners. A thoroughly entertaining and absorbing watch that conveys a lovely message and one populated with warm, interesting characters. Chiwetel Ejiofor, Joel Edgerton and Sarah Jane Potts all do excellent work.

Rio Bravo   Mon   3/9   TCM @ 09.15

After he arrests the brother of a violent criminal thus setting off a countdown to violence, a sheriff trying to defend his little town enlists an unlikely crew of people to help him do his job. One of the quintessential westerns, this Howard Hawks directed movie is gorgeous to look at, great fun, has some super action and sees John Wayne give a performance that shows just why he was so popular. Dean Martin & Walter Brennan are class as always in support.

No Country For Old Men   Mon   3/9   TG4 @ 21.30

A man chasing deer finds himself in a world of hurt after he absconds with money found after a drug deal gone wrong. This neo-western from the Coen Brothers is a magnificent watch. A gripping thriller that will have you on the edge of your chair as the hunter becomes the hunted. The cast is amazing too with Josh Brolin, Kelly McDonald, Woody Harrelson, Tommy Lee Jones and Javier Bardem all on fire.

The Angel's Share   Tues   4/9   Film4 @ 23.05

4 Glaswegian teenagers on a road to rock bottom decide to pull off a whiskey heist to get themselves the means to get away from a miserable future. Director Ken Loach has weaved a delightful tale here. One that will upset you in places and give you a full on belly laugh in others. A warm look at the lives of people who are usually ignored. Paul Brannigan as Robbie is a talent to keep an eye out for in the future.

The 39 Steps   Thurs   6/9   BBC2 @ 14.15

While on holiday in London, a Canadian tourist finds himself embroiled in espionage type shenanigans and must go on the road to save himself and find justice for other. Alfred Hitchcock's classic spy thriller is 83 years old and still feels fresh as a daisy. It's an amusing and exciting watch filled with wonderfully witty dialogue. Robert Donat is a fine lead and as always keep an eye out for Hitchcock's obligatory cameo.

The Long Riders   Fri   7/9   TG4 @ 21.05

A unique take on the tale of Jesse James and his gang of outlaws. Not the story, that's very well told but nothing new, it's the casting that makes it stand out. The real life gang was made up of 4 sets of brothers and here they are played by real life brothers. The Carradines, the Keachs, the Quaids & the Guests. It's clever & ensures real chemistry. Walter Hill's film is violent, tense and very underrated. Lovely music from Ry Cooder too.

True Romance   Fri   7/9   Dave @ 21.40

A love at first sight couple go on the run to Los Angeles with a stolen suitcase in tow and the owners of the suitcase in pursuit. Tony Scott directs Quentin Tarantino's script and the result is one of the most engaging and quotable films of the 90's. Dark, hilarious, brutal and brilliant with a superb cast led by Christian Slater & Patricia Arquette with amazing back up from Christopher Walken and Dennis Hopper.




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