September 21, 2019

10 films on TV this week that you might enjoy

Waiting To Exhale   Sat   21/9   TG4 @ 21.20

Savannah, Bernadine, Gloria and Robin are 4 African American women dealing with what both life and the the men they're involved with hands to them. This star studded 1995 drama is an engaging and in places very funny look at a group of people far too often over looked in cinema. Angela Bassett, Whitney Houston and Loretta Devine all do stellar work.

The Talented Mr Ripley   Sat   21/9   BBC2 @ 23.15

Tom's a snake who finagles a free trip to Italy from a millionaire looking for the return of his playboy son, Dicky. The only problem is Tom takes far too much of a liking to Dicky's lifestyle. Anthony Minghella's drama is a stunner, a dark, twisting and glorious look at lives of the haves and the have nots. Matt Damon, Gwyneth Paltrow, Jude Law and Philip Seymoure Hoffman among others are at the top of their game here.

The Lady Vanishes   Sun   22/9   BBC2 @ 10.45

While travelling on a train across Europe a young woman makes friends with an elderly lady who all of a sudden vanishes from the train. No one else seems to know who the older woman was at all. One of Hitchcock's earliest thrillers is a doozy of a watch, full of suspense and so so watchable. So influential too. Margaret Lockwood, May Whitty and Michael Redgrave are all excellent.

84 Charing Cross Road   Sun   22/9   RTE1 @ 14.15

Helene lives in New York. Frank lives in North London. Helene loves old books. Old books are Frank's business. A letter from her about them sparks a life long friendship played out through the post. A perfect Sunday afternoon watch. A story about the ties that bind and taking a chance. Anne Bancroft and Anthony Hopkins are both splendid in their parts and get mighty back up from Judi Dench and Mercedes Ruehl.

The Seventh Seal  Sun   22/9   BBC4 @ 22.55

Antonius Block has finally returned to Sweden from the crusades. Nearing home he is literally faced with the spectre of death and he challenges it to a game of chess in order to win back his life. Ingmar Bergman's celebrated classic isn't for everyone but if you stick with it it will blow your mind. A movie that has influenced 1000's of others in the last 60 years. Max Von Sydow as block is amazing and there's imagery here that will stay with you forever.

Tigerland   Mon   23/9   TG4 @ 21.30

A young infantry recruit training for Vietnam in 1971 Louisiana tries to fight back against the system but the system is having none of it. The film that made Colin Farrell a star. He's just magnetic in the role of the rebellious Boz and IMO no film since has used his potential as much as this one did. A funny, sad & tense film that evokes a sultry and superb 70's atmosphere. Watch out for Michael Shannon in a early role.

The Wicker Man   Mon   23/9   Film4 @ 23.50

A police detective sent to a remote Scottish Island in search of a young missing girl finds himself very out of his depth. A true classic of a horror film. Not scary as such but deeply unsettling and extremely atmospheric. Edward Woodward puts in a career best performance as a man very pure of soul. Christopher Lee as always is immense as the local Lord. All this and an ending you'll nver forget.

They Live   Wed   25/9   The Horror Channel @ 22.55

Aliens have taken over society and only one man can see them. He's mad as hell and he ain't going to take it anymore. On the surface John Carpenter's action/sci-fi might seem loud and silly but it's actually an intelligent and frighteningly prescient story and the dangers of advertising and apathy. Roddy Piper and Keith David are great fun as the leads. Oh and there's a fistfight for the ages.

The Killing Of A Sacred Deer   Thur   26/9   Film4 @ 21.00

Steven, a surgeon and Martin, the son of a man who died on his operating table meet and form an odd bond. Steven is strange but Martin........well. This is one weird as hell movie but there's so much going on here you'll be glued to your chair. It's creepy as hell, laugh out loud funny, intensely cringeworthy and brilliantly bizarre. Colin Farrell and Nicole Kidman are good but Barry Keoghan owns this one.

My Brother The Devil   Fri   27/9   BBC2 @ 23.45

Mo and Rashid are two Muslim brothers growing up in Hackney. Rashid is in a gang and doesn't want that life for his brother. Rashid has a big secret that's not exactly compatible with his religion. A beautiful looking film that tells a familiar story but with it's own unique slant on things. James Floyd and Fady Elsayed as the brothers both give committed, genuine performances.

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