Hidden Figures Sat 1/2 CH4 @ 21.00
During the space race of the 1960's NASA hired 3 women who were skilled mathematicians to do calculation work. They were also black so were treated like dogs. This is their story. An excellent watch, one full of warmth but also full of justifiable anger at the horrors of racism and segregation. A mighty cast including Taraji P.Henson, Octavia Spencer, Janelle Monáe, Mahershala Ali and Kevin Costner bring a very important story to life.
Viva Sat 1/2 RTE2 @ 23.10
Jesús does makeup for a drag troupe but longs to be onstage performing himself. When he finally gets to do it a face from his past appears and his life is turned upside down. This Cuban set but Irish made (directed by Paddy Breathnach & written by Mark O'Halloran) drama is a bit of a stunner. An upsetting but uplifting look at the generational clash between society and sexuality. Héctor Medina does super work in a well drawn story about being true to yourself.
Frantz Sat 1/2 BBC4 @ 23.35
Germany. Post World War One. A woman is mourning the loss of her husband on the killing fields of France. One day a man turns up claiming to have a connection with him. Don't let the arty exterior scare you away, this is a thoughtful and intimate look at the devastation left behind after war and a timely study of the problems caused by xenophobia. Paula Beer & Pierre Niney do lovely work.
The Devil's Reject's Sun 2/2 Syfy @ 23.10
When their house is raided by the Texas state troopers the murderous Firefly family go on the run. Knowing they're facing certain death they decide to go out with a bang. This 2005 thriller is not for the faint hearted or easily offended but if you like your humour warped and your blood & guts by the gallon then you'll enjoy this. Sid Haig, WIlliam Forsythe, Bill Moseley and a wicked 70's soundtrack make the madness easier to swallow.
Menashe Mon 3/2 Film4 @ 01.35
It's been a tough year for Menashe, a Hasidic Jewish man living and working in Brooklyn. His wife passed away and he lost custody of his son but he's determined to get his life back together. A very interesting and quite in-depth look at a culture that's always been underserved in film and a stressful look at the restrictions we allow organised religion to place on us. Menashe Lustig does wonders in his debut role.
The Red Shoes Mon 3/2 BBC2 @ 15.05
From the magical hands of Michael Powell and Emeric Pressburger, this tale of a ballerina torn between the twin loves of her life, ballet dancing and her husband, is an absolute stunner. This is a film that should be watched even if the subject matter doesn't appeal. It's an astounding couple of hours It's a movie that has been influencing movie makers for over 70 years now. Moira Shearer and Anton Walbrook are first rate.
Focus Mon 3/2 RTE2 @ 21.00
Con man extraordinaire Nicky's been doing his thing for a long time. Then he takes wannabe con artist Jess under his wing and things get awkward. This Will Smith comedy drama is one of the better films he's put his name to in the last decade. It's twists and turns keep things unpredictable but a few too many may make you roll your eyes. Will Smith's easy going charm and a winning turn from Margot Robbie keep it all afloat.
Black Narcissus Tues 4/2 BBC2 @ 15.35
Deborah Kerr headlines this classic story of frustrated nuns in a Himalayan convent and the psychological effect their surroundings and a newcomer in their midst has on some of them. Yes it does sound like a dodgy porn film but its an absolute masterpiece. A beautiful looking story that's sensual in places and terrifying in others. A technically astonishing film for the time too and one that's been homaged so many times you'll recognise it even if you haven't seen it.
Shrooms Tues 4/2 The Horror Channel @ 00.50
A pack of eejits take a load of magic mushrooms and head off into the woods in a remote part of Ireland. The locals who live there are not one bit happy about all of this. Paddy Breathnach's (2nd film from him time week) 2007 horror film isn't remotely scary but there's some gory fun to be had from the drug induced visuals and seeing silly tourists meet grisly demises. Sean McGinley and Don Wycherley are solid as always.
They Live Tues 4/2 Syfy @ 21.00
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 a surprisingly intelligent and frighteningly prescient story about the dangers of advertising and apathy. Roddy Piper and Keith David have a whale of a time as the leads. Oh and there's a fistfight for the ages.
Wind River Wed 5/2 Film4 @ 21.00
While tracking a mountain lion in the Wind River reservation a wildfire service agent finds a young woman's body and evidence of a far more dangerous predator. Taylor Sheridan's 2017 drama is a fine but very tough watch, a stark and violent look at the way America treats it's own indigenous people. The usually dull Jeremy Renner does good work here and gets solid back up from Elizabeth olsen and Graham Greene.
Red River Fri 7/2 TG4 @ 21.05
Tom Dunston has 10000 cattle to bring to market and 1000 miles of open terrain to move them across. A task easier said than done when the men hired to work for him start turning on him. Howard Hawke's 1948 western is a true classic. An earthy and authentic look at the hardships of the era. There's an interesting subtext here too, one often present in westerns but rarely commented on. John Wayne, Montgomery Clift and Water Brennan all do masterful work.
Postcards From The Edge Fri 7/2 RTE1 @ 23.50
Meryl Streep is on top form as a film star called Suzanne Vale who's trying to rebuild both her career and her relationship with her mother after a cocaine overdose nearly kills her. The late great Carrie Fisher wrote this funny and moving film from her own novel which was kinda sorta based on her own life. There's a superb cast too including Shirley Maclaine, Gene Hackman & Richard Dreyfuss amongst others.
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