Free State Of Jones Sat 8/2 BBC2 @ 23.05
Alienated by the confederation, a soldier deserts his post during the American civil war and together with farmers and freed slaves creates a new state. Things do not go smoothly. Gary Ross's 2016 film is a fine recreation of a piece of American history that rarely gets mentioned. It's as brutal and ugly as you'd expect but superb acting from Matthew McConnaughey, Gugu Mbatha-Raw & Mahershala Ali eases the pain.
The Other Side Of Hope Sat 8/2 BBC4 @ 23.40
In the basement of a restaurant in Helsinki an unlikely friendship forms between the owner Waldimir and a homeless Syrian refugee called Khaled. A lovely film, one that would likely travel under your radar if not for BBC4. A warm, humorous watch but a realistic one too, a story that acknowledges refugee life has more valleys than peaks. Sherwan Haji & Sakari Kuosmanen both do impressive work as the leads.
The Dead Sun 9/2 RTE1 @ 00.35
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.
To Catch A Thief Sun 9/2 BBC2 @ 15.30
A retired cat burglar living a quiet life on the French Riviera is being framed for crimes he didn't commit and wants to find out who is doing and why. Alfred Hitchcock's 1955 comedy thriller is a perfect Sunday afternoon watch for all the family. A funny, playful, tense and beautiful looking film. The French scenery is almost as pretty as star Grace Kelly and the chemistry between her and Cary Grant is spot on.
Nightcrawler Sun 9/2 BBC2 @ 23.15
Jake Gyllenhall gives a career best performance in this dark and intense tale of a desperate crime journalist willing to go outside the law to further his career prospects. This is gripping and compulsive viewing but Gyllenhall's character is so seedy and creepy that you'll need a shower afterwards. Strong back up from Rene Russo and Riz Ahmed too. This film will put you off ever going to Los Angeles.
Dallas Buyers Club Mon 10/2 TG4 @ 21.30
After taking a few too many risks in his personal life Ron finds out he's HIV positive and death is most likely soon. He sets out to do something about it. Then realises he can help others too. Matthew McConaughey is in fantastic form as a prick who sees the error of his ways when it's just too late. A moving watch but one that finds time for a bit of fun too. Jennifer Garner and Steve Zahn do good things in support.
84 Charing Cross Road Tues RTE1 @ 08.10
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 marvellous in their parts and get mighty back up from Judi Dench and Mercedes Ruehl.
Turbo Kid Wed 12/2 The Horror Channel @ 22.50
It's 10.50 on a Wenesday night so it's post apocalyptic thriller time! The Kid is a comic book obsessed scavenger in a desolate wasteland who must step up and fight evil when the time comes. A hilariously gory homage to the sci-fi flicks of the 1980's and one that's bursting with spirit and invention. If you can get past the blood and guts you'll really enjoy yourself. Munro Chambers as the kid does well & Michael Ironside as always is an excellent baddie.
Mistress America Thur 13/2 Film4 @ 01.00
Tracy, a student new to the New York city way of life is feeling the misery of loneliness but a new family member rapidly makes her existence into a very exciting one. A film about the problems of the middle class written and directed by Greta Gerwig and Noah Baumbach might be an anathema to some but some stick with it and it's joie de vivre will get under your skin. Lola Kirke is a pleasure to watch.
The Handmaiden Fri 14/2 Film4 @ 23.00
Japan. The 1930's. Sookee is hired to be the handmaiden for heiress Hideo. Sookee has an agenda but she hasn't counted on the bond that forms between her and her lady. Chan-wook Park's romantic thriller is an erotically charged and utterly absorbing watch. It's a long, demanding watch but it's one that will keep you glued to the screen throughout. Tae-ri Kim & Min-hee Kim as the leads do splendid work.
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