The Mambo Kings Sat 8/6 TG4 @ 21.25
After a spot of bother in Cuba, two brothers leg it to America in the hopes of reviving their musical careers under the bright lights of NYC. Not exactly a deep film but electrifying music and two very entertaining performances from Antonio Banderas and the underrated Armande Assante bring a story to life and fill it with vitality. Plus it's also good to see a story about Latin Americans that isn't about criminality.
The Light Between Oceans Sat 8/6 BBC2 @ 22.00
Isabel and Tom run a lighthouse on a remote island and one day discover a baby in a floating dingy. Not knowing what to do they raise the child as their own. Until one day.... Derek Cianfrance's movie is a beautifully shot and acted movie that's quite affecting in it's own little way. Michael Fassbinder and Alicia Vikander both do mighty work as a couple grasping at the chance of a better life.
You're Ugly Too Sat 8/6 RTE1 @ 23.25
Little Stacey has suffered a catastrophic loss and has to go to live with her uncle Will in the arse end of nowhere. They both now have to rely on each other to rebuild and move on. This 2015 midlands set story is a lovely watch awash with that beautiful Irish way of making you laugh while kicking you in the nuts at the same time. Laura Kinsella and Aidan Gillen are first rate as niece and uncle.
Never Been Kissed Sun 9/6 CH4 @ 15.00
A geeky journalist excitedly goes back to high-school to do an undercover story and finds herself with a chance to re-do her teenage years but bad memories of the past resurface. One of the many, many teen films released in the late 90's and one of the best of the lot ( the best is 10 Things I Hate About You). Definitely the sweetest anyway. Drew Barrymore is just captivating in this lovely, cringe making, sad and funny film.
Gloria Mon 10/6 CH4 @ 01.55
Gloria lives to dance and free from her marriage is living life to the max. At a club she meets Rodolfo and takes a chance on a new direction in life. Being with him comes with obstacles. Gloria is a bittersweet look at life after 50 that while upsetting in places is ultimately an uplifting and honest watch and one carried along by a fantastic lead performance from Paulina García. A remake called Gloria Bell is currently on release starring Julianne Moore.
The Titfield Thunderbolt Tues 11/6 BBC2 @ 15.05
Titfield is a sleepy village that's about to lose it's train and it's main connection to the world. That just won't do and the residents of the village decide to take charge of things themselves. This Ealing comedy from the mid 50's is a joy and a perfect antidote for a rainy midweek afternoon. It's a gentle watch but a funny one and it's packed full of familiar faces like Sid James and Jack MacGowran.
Tyrannosaur Wed 12/6 Film4 @ 23.35
A deeply troubled man forms a friendship with a kind woman who works in a local shop but her friendly exterior hides her own dark secrets. This is an excellent but brutally realistic watch that will disturb you no matter how tough you think you are. Olivia Colman and Peter Mullan are faultless in the lead roles and the usually hilarious Eddie Marsan plays the part of an utter bastard to a tee.
Journeyman Thur 13/6 Film4 @ 21.00
An old school boxer suffers a catastrophic brain injury during a bout with an up and coming contender. Journeyman is the story of his way back. From the description you might think this is yet another boxing by numbers movie but Journeyman is far more about the road to recovery than the sport that caused it. A brilliant Paddy Considine will keep you glued as the screen and Jodie Whittaker as his long suffering wife does great work.
Mammal Fri 14/6 Virgin Media One @ 22.00
An unusual and enthralling Dublin set drama from director Rebecca Daly about a woman coping with the loss of her estranged son through rather different means. A story of motherhood that is quite tough to watch at times but is really worth sticking with. Rachel Griffiths is splendid as the lead and is supported by a fine Irish cast that includes Michael McElhatton and Barry Keoghan.
Foxcatcher Fri 14/6 BBC2 @ 23.05
2 brothers readying for the 1988 Seoul Olympics find themselves sponsored by an eccentric millionaire and move into his estate to train. Things get strange. A stunning film, unsettling in places, haunting and cringeworthy in others and full of amazing acting. Steve Carell owns the film with a superb performance as a very troubled man but Channing Tatum really surprises too. This film shows a very different side to him.
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