Starman Sat 9/11 The Horror Channel @ 21.00
An alien makes a very special connection with a grieving woman and asks for her help. Of course things don't go easy for them. John Carpenter's sci-fi drama is a lovely look at what it means to be human. Funny and touching and brilliantly acted stuff. Karen Allen does well but Jeff Bridges is sublime as a person discovering the world all around him. Record this one and keep it for a rainy Sunday.
Testament Of Youth Sun 10/11 BBC2 @ 00.15
Vera and her friends are living and loving life. Vera falls for Roland. Their existence is a dream until England goes to war and things turn awful. A first rate film adaption of Vera Brittain's book about the personal costs paid by normal people in wartime. Solid direction and a decent cast that includes Alicia Vikander, Kit Harington, Dominic West and Hayley Atwell brings it altogether nicely.
The Gift Sun 10/11 RTE1 @ 01.25
Simon and Robin are a married couple living the good life until a chance encounter with a face from the past turns everything upside done for them. A slowburn but gripping thriller with a very unsettling denouement, this is the kind of movie that will rattle around your head for an age. Starring Rebecca Hall, Jason Bateman and Joel Edgerton (who also wrote and directed it) this one is really worth a watch.
They Shall Not Grow Old Sun 10/11 BBC2 @ 23.10
A documentary about life in the trenches of World War 1 from director Peter Jackson getting a screening for Rememberence Sunday . Previously unseen footage has been digitally restored and colourised in a manner that does away with the dis-associative effect provided by B&W footage. It's an upsetting watch of course a very necessary one because we are seeing the results of forgetting history way too much lately.
Monte Walsh Mon 11/11 TCM @ 17.15
Monte is an aging cowboy realising that he doesn't have a place in the world anymore due to the rapid pace at which the west is changing. A beautiful and tragic tale of loss and alienation, themes often touched upon in this genre but here they suit proceedings to a tee. Lee Marvin is perfect in the title role and gets fine support from Jeanne Moreau and western stalwarts Jack Palance and Mitchell Ryan.
Reservoir Dogs Mon 11/11 TG4 @ 21.30
6 men are hired to pull off a jewel heist. Predictably it all goes sideways. We don't see the robbery but we sure as hell see the aftermath. Quentin Tarantino's first film is still his best. Somehow he manages to turn a story about thieving scumbag killers into a film you'll be glued to. Hilarious, tense, shocking and economical. Dazzling acting too from Harvey Keitel, Steve Buscemi, Michael Madsen and Tim Roth amongst others.
God's Own Country Mon 11/11 Film4 @ 23.10
Johnny Saxby hates his rural life and numbs himself with drink and sex. One day a farmhand named Gheorghe arrives and Johnny sees a chance for something new. This 2017 drama is a powerful watch, an earthy but very moving paean to love and taking chances. Josh O'Connor and Alec Secareanu both put in a mighty shift while Ian Hart does wonders in support.
The Court Martial Of Billy Mitchell Tues 12/11 Film4 @ 14.30
Based on a true story, this film is about the trial of an army general, who when disillusioned by his superiors lack of belief in aerial warfare decided to question the system. An absorbing film about standing up for what you believe in from Otto Preminger led by an quality showing from Gary Cooper in the title role. Rod Steiger as a lawyer facing off against him steals the show though with a blistering performance.
The Relic Thur 14/11 Syfy @ 23.10
Something is causing havoc in the Chicago natural history museum and it's up to Dr Margo Green to figure out what it is. This could have been a schlocky disaster but in the hands of leading lady Penelope Anne Miller & veteran director Peter Hyams it's instead genuinely well made and very watchable. An atmospheric horror and with some solid gory shocks that goes haywire in the best way near the end.
All Quiet On The Western Front Fri 15/11 TCM @ 16.30
Paul is one of a group of students who let themselves be talked into fighting for Germany in World War 1. Experiences do not live up to promises. One of the greatest anti war films ever made. 89 years old and it still has the power of shock and upset. Lew Ayres is superb in the lead role. His final scene will stay in your head for weeks to come.
No comments:
Post a Comment