11 films worth watching on TV this week

The Lost City Of Z   Sat   9/3   BBC2 @ 21.00

The life and times of Sir Percival Wallace, a British army Colonel who was one of the first outsiders to explore the Amazon jungle, a place he rapidly became obsessed with. This was my favourite film of 2017. An old fashioned drama with an epic scope, that's full of wonder and amazement. Charlie Hunnam does career best work as Wallace and Sienna Miller, Robert Pattinson and Tom Holland back him up admirably.

Mickybo & Me   Sat   9/3   TG4 @ 22.15

Mickybo & Jonjo are two young boys growing up in Northern Ireland in the early 70's. The troubles are in full flow and death is all around. Their only escape is their obsession with a certain famous film. This is a lovely watch. Excellently written and acted, sad but full of heart and laughs. It's a sensitive look at a very troubled time and a unique one being from the POV of kids. Adrian Dunbar, Gina McKee and Ciaran Hinds are all in mighty form.

The Love Witch   Sat   9/3   Film4 @ 23.45

Elaine is a witch who wants to be wanted. When a love spell goes wrong she finds herself attracting all the wrong sorts of men. This tribute to the campy horror movies of the 60's and 70's is a joy. It's a odd film, one that won't be to everyones taste if you aren't familiar with the films it's homaging but if you are you'll have a ball. There's a solid message in here too. Samantha Robinson as Elaine is a cracking lead.

The Evil Dead   Sun   10/3   The Horror Channel @ 22.55

5 teenagers go to a cabin in the woods and inadvertently unleash hell when they read from an ancient book. Sam Raimi's 1981 debut is a brutal, primal beast of a film. The special effects may make you laugh now but there's no mistaking Raimi's intent here, he wants to scare you and scare you he will. But you'll laugh too. Uproariously at times. Bruce Campbell is an brilliant lead and creates a character that is enduring to this day.

Secretary   Sun   10/3   Film4 @ 23.05

Lee is a fragile woman who takes a new job. Mr Grey is her boss. Their quirks make them fit together well and their working relationship sees big changes in both of them. This 2002 comedy drama is just fantastic. A lot darker and more challenging than your usual Hollywood love stories and better for it. Maggie Gyllenhaal and James Spader are both perfect in their roles. This is one of those films where you watch it and days later you realise you're still thinking about it. 

Pilgrim Hill   Mon   11/3   TG4 @ 21.30

Jimmy's a struggling farmer in Kerry and life isn't being kind to him. Money is tight, his father is very sick and even getting out for a pint has become a source of hardship. Gerard Barrett's 2013 drama is an undeniably tough watch but it's an essential one about an aspect of Irish life that rarely makes it into the spotlight. An upsetting and in places desperately tense watch. Fierce well acted too, Joe Mullins as Jimmy is superb.

Elle   Mon   11/3   Film4 @ 22.45

Michèle is a successful businesswoman who's life changes when she gets raped in her own home. Her reaction to the attack is a struggle for others but Michèle has her own plan. Paul Verhoeven's comeback film is a harsh watch that may be triggering for some but it's also very surprising and all held together by a tour de force performance by Isabelle Hubert. She's just amazing here and she'll keep you glued to the screen.

Trainwreck   Tues   12/3   ITV2 @ 21.00

A woman grows up taking the advice of her father far too literally and while she enjoys herself in the short term, she starts to wonder if listening to him has effected her life negatively. Amy Schumer is a super lead in this overlong but entertaining comedy drama about taking stock of things and taking responsibility. Brie Larson, Bill Hader and John Cena all provide good back up and plenty of laughs.

Ali   Thur   14/3   ITV4 @ 22.25

In 1964 Olympic gold medalist Cassius Clay set the boxing world on fire with his big personality and his even bigger talent. The film tells the story of the next decade of his life. Not a biopic in the true sense but this story about the man who became Muhammad Ali is a fine film that focuses more on the man than his sport. Will Smith is immense in the lead role.

Boyhood   Fri   15/3   RTE2 @ 21.15

A masterpiece a decade in the making. A simple story of a boy and his mother growing up over the course of 10 years. Done over a few days in each year it's a magical experience watching two people grow up and age before your eyes. Minimal story but that's not what the film is about at all. Ellar Coltrane is solid in his debut appearance but Patricia Arquette owns the film with a stunning performance. A truly unique and absorbing movie.

Layer Cake   Fri   15/3   TCM @ 21.00

An upmarket London drug dealer is called upon to search for a missing woman and finds himself drawn into all matter of dodginess. Some may scoff but I think this is the best British crime film since The Long Good Friday. It's thrilling, exciting, stylish stuff that never lets you up for a breath. The film that got Daniel Craig the role as James Bond, he's a cold and calculating lead. Great support from Colm Meaney and Sienna Miller too.