June 15, 2019
11 films worth watching on TV this week
The Water Diviner Sat 15/6 RTE2 @ 22.15
In the wake of the battle of Gallipoli a man travels to Turkey from Australia to locate his missing sons using the gift he has. This Russell Crowe led tale is an interesting and heartfelt watch about a part of World War 1 that is rarely talked about yet affected an entire continent. It's a fine history lesson too. Crowe as always is reliable and gets good back up from fellow oz actors like Jacqueline Mackenzie & Jai Courtney.
The Descent Sat 15/6 The Horror Channel @ 23.00
6 women go on a potholing expedition into an underground cavern. Things go arseways. First off, if you are claustrophobic don't even bother with this. You'll be terrified and out of breath before the horror elements of the film even hit. If you are able for it you're in for a treat. A terrifyingly intense treat. Shauna McDonald and Natalie Mendoza are excellent and Neil Marshall's direction is first class.
The Dead Sat 15/6 RTE1 @ Midnight
Conversations about long lost love during a dinner party in early 20th century Ireland unearth memories and emotions. Sounds like a snoozefest yes? No, its not, it's so far from it. It's a sumptuously acted story that will hit you right in the gut and stir up thoughts and memories of your own. It's brilliant. From a story by James Joyce and with 2 stunning lead turns from Angelica Huston & Donal McCann, this one will stay with you for a long time.
What We Do In The Shadows Sun 16/6 BBC2 @ 23.15
A documentary crew films the lives of a group of vampires in a house share in Wellington, New Zealand. Sounds odd right? It is but it's also so much fun. A laugh out loud comedy in parts thats sprinkled with some surprisingly bloody horror, some social commentary and even a touch of pathos. Jermaine Clemant and Taika Waititi ( also the director) are perfect as two of the main vamps. Give this a go.
St. Vincent Sun 16/6 CH4 @ 23.35
After an incident with his next door neighbour a grumpy old Vietnam vet begins to babysit her bullied son and soon they begin to see the best in each other. A fun, bittersweet comedy that will make you laugh and upset you in equal measures. Bill Murray in the lead is better than he's been in years and Melissa McCarthy as his neighbour is great in a role that's a lot more dramatic than her usual parts.
Brighton Rock Mon 17/6 TCM @ 03.05
Pinky's the leader of a gang in pre-war Brighton. He's a nasty piece of work and a run-in with a journalist causes big problems for a naive waitress named Rose. This 1948 adaption of Graham Green's celebrated novel is still a tense, nerve wracking and affecting watch 71 years later. A baby faced Richard Attenborough does wonderful work in the lead role.
Hondo Mon 17/6 Film4 @ 15.10
While scouting across Apache territory, a soldier called Hondo Lane discovers a mother and son living there oblivious to the danger around them. He decides to hang around for a while. A very enjoyable John Wayne film here that's far more fun than his more famous John Ford collaborations. It hasn't aged well in places but it's a grand film for a rainy afternoon. Geraldine Page adds a touch of class to proceedings.
Badlands Wed 19/6 TCM @ 23.10
In the heartlands of the United States, a young couple go on a crime spree that brings them to national attention. The first film from Terence Malick is a classic slice of Americana and one that is still being homaged over 40 years later. A dreamy, beautiful but stark and brutal film. Sissy Spacek and Martin Sheen are both amazing and this is the film that paved the way to stardom for him.
Street Kings Thur 20/6 Syfy @ 21.00
An undercover cop, struggling with a tragedy, finds himself caught up in a deep and dark web of lies, corruption and murder on the mean streets of Los Angeles. This James Ellroy scripted thriller is lighter than his usual fare but it's still an entertainingly vicious watch. Keanu Reeves does his usual thing & is buoyed up by an immense supporting cast that includes Chris Evans, Forrest Whittaker, Hugh Laurie & Terry Crews among others.
The Fountain Fri 21/6 Syfy @ 21.00
A film about love and life set in 3 time periods spanning 900 years. Starring Hugh Jackman in 2 different roles. Yes, Jackman has done films other than Wolverine. He is really good in this as is Rachel Weisz, the love of his life who he will do anything for. It sounds a bit bizarre this this is absorbing, unique stuff that will draw you in and best of all, it's only 95 minutes long. You can't bate a nice short film.
Papillon Fri 21/6 BBC2 @ 23.05
A seasoned criminal wrongly accused of murder finds himself on a supposedly inescapable island prison and sets out to get his life back. Will he find the resolve to deal with life on the island while planning his escape? Steve McQueen is on fire in this harsh, grim but thoroughly exciting film. It's a long one but the time flies by and Dustin Hoffman is as usual, tremendous in a supporting role as McQueen's fellow convict.
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