What will I watch part 46

Saturday night. Will I watch a film? What film? Ahhh there's too much choice. I'll watch a TV show instead. What TV Show? Sweet jesus there's too much choice. I know. I'll watch an old show. Something binge-able.

Monday night. How the hell am I on episode 13 of The Wire already?

Because it's amazing that's why. The Bunk. McNulty. Kima. Lester Freeman. Real Po-leece painted in shades of gray. Weebey. Bodie. Poot. Stringer Bell. Poor doomed Wallace. Bubbles the heroin fiend with the heart of gold. The street faces who'd be one note scum in any other show but here they're given a depth that makes you want to see them survive, escape, succeed. Altogether they stun as a twisting, turning, almost labyrinthine narrative is spun around them. It's spellbinding TV that demands your attention, from the big shockers to the smallest details. As Freeman once said "All the pieces matter." 19 years after it first aired on TV it still pisses over most everything else.

Some people have Downton Abbey. Some have Drag Race. Others rewatch Friends endlessly. Me? I find my comfort watching on the vial and body strewn streets of West Baltimore, Maryland.

Please hurry up and fuck off

Pints

Holidays

Trains

Haircuts

No check points

Bookshop browsing

THE CINEMA

Hugs

Surprise visits

Stressless journeys

Buying new clothes

Handshakes

Long drives

THE CINEMA

The breeze on your mask free face

Close up conversations

Meals out

Sitting at the bar

Friends

Family

THE CINEMA

No worries

Patting someone on the back

Catching up

No hand sanitiser

No queues

Not having to plan

THE CINEMA

Life post covid is going to be all about appreciating the little things. I hope.

16 films on TV to keep you safe and sound and inside

Being John Malkovich   Sat   6/2   TG4 @ 21.30

Let's start the week off on a weird note. Craig's a puppeteer but there's no money in it so he takes an office job. One day he finds a hidden door and when he steps through it he...... To say more would ruin this absolutely bizarre and comedic headtrip of a film. Spike Jonze's feature debut is one you'll either love or hate. It's worth watching though for the mighty cast of John Cusack, Cameron Diaz, Catherine Keener and of course John Malkovich 

In Fabric   Sat   6/2   BBC2 @ 23.20

Strange things are happening in Sheila's world and the people that inhabit it. And they all seem to be because of a chance purchase. This 2018 horror is a dark, warped, stylish and intense watch that feels like a particularly crazy take on Dario Argento films. But it's surprisingly funny too and one that will hang around in your head for the rest of the week. Marianne Jean-Baptiste, Gwendoline Christie and Steve Oram all nail their parts.

Halloween III   Sat   6/2   Film4 @ 23.45

The masks from Silver Shamrock are the big thing this Halloween and all the kids want one. Horrible things tend to happen to anyone who wears them though. The 3rd Halloween is a huge departure for the series and it's all the better for it. It's gloriously bonkers stuff, disgusting, inventive, action packed and just plain odd. Genre stalwart Tom Atkins has a whale of a time in the lead and our own Dan O'Herlihy is an enjoyable baddie.

The Place Beyond The Pines   Sun   7/2   BBC1 @ 00.25

The existences of 4 men crash together in this small town tale of crime and corruption. Set over 15 years this is about the cyclical nature of life and how acts of violence have effects that take a long time to fade away. Top flight cast in this one with Ryan Gosling, Bradley Cooper, Eva Mendez and especially Ray Liotta all on fine form. A long but very absorbing watch that feels like a mini series condensed into movie form. But in a good way.

A Passage To India   Sun   7/2   TG4 @ 14.55

The 1920's. The Indian subcontinent. The country is riddled by Brits (never not at it) intent on causing division. A woman and her future mother in law arrive and want to explore but her soon to be husband informs her that that just isn't prim and proper. David Lean's last film is a quality watch about colonialism, racism and class and the dangers of all three. The cast is second to none with Judy Davis, Art Malik, Alec Guinness and many others popping up.

Catch Me If You Can   Sun   7/2   RTE2 @ 21.00

The story of Frank Abagnale, a teenager who conned his way around the world with a fake uniform and balls of brass. Leonardo DiCaprio is in great form as Frank and Tom Hanks is..... well he's Tom Hanks as the FBI agent tasked with catching him. Throw in a superb Christopher Walken as Frank's Da as the icing on the cake  A sorely underrated film from Steven Spielberg that's extremely entertaining while being laced with a dark cautionary edge.

Robocop   Sun   7/2   ITV4 @ 21.00

After he's gunned down on his first day on the job a police officer is resurrected as a law upholding cyborg. His mission - to clean up Detroit. Paul Verhoeven's 1987 scifi thriller is still an amazing film. Darkly humorous, cynical, brutally violent and scarily prescient about the way society has evolved in the 34 years since it's release. Peter Weller as the man in the visor is perfect and Kurtwood Smith is a terrifying bad guy. 

Retreat   Mon   8/2   The Horror Channel @ 02.40

A tragedy has left their marriage on the rocks so a couple heads away to an island retreat to shut out the world and concentrate on themselves. Then someone washes up on the beach and he brings horrifying news. But is it true? Cillian Murphy and Thandie Newton do solid work as the leads of this tense and lean little thriller while Jamie Bell as the newcomer simmers with danger. A nicely twisty watch.

LA Confidential   Mon   8/2   TCM @ 23.00

One of the best films of the 90's, a modern classic magnificently adapted & thankfully pared down from James Ellroy's labyrinthine novel. Three very different policemen find themselves up to their necks in dodginess in post WW2 Los Angeles in the aftermath of a massacre. This is immensely satisfying stuff with a story-line that demands you pay attention. Russell Crowe, Kim Basinger & Guy Pearce give career best performances too.

White God   Tues   9/2   Film4 @ 01.25

Because of a new law, a young girl in Budapest loses her beloved dog and sets out to find him. However the dog is sick of being treated badly by other humans. A real one of a kind film here, surreal, brilliantly made and pretty damn hard to watch in places but it really is something else. Zsófia Psotta as Lili is a fine young actor and the film gives an insight into a country and a culture we rarely see on film.

Journeyman   Wed   10/2   Film4 @ 23.10

An old school boxer suffers a catastrophic brain injury during a bout with an up and coming contender. Journeyman is the story of his way back. From the description you might think this is yet another boxing by numbers movie but Journeyman is far more about the road to recovery than the sport that caused it. A phenomenal Paddy Considine will keep you glued as the screen and Jodie Whittaker as his long suffering wife does first rate work.

Ashby   Thur   11/2   CH4 @ 01.25

Ed is a lost and listless teenager. Ashby is an ex-CIA wetwork man with a terminal illness who wants to complete one final task. They make for an unlikely couple of friends. This one's a bit of an overlooked treat, a comedy/drama/thriller that's a lot deeper and funnier than you'd expect it to be. Mickey Rourke as Ashby reminds us why he was such a popular leading man all those years ago and Nat Wolff puts in a grand shift too.

The Lost City Of Z   Thur   11/2   BBC4 @ 21.00

The life and times of Sir Percival Wallace, a British army Colonel who was one of the first outsiders to explore the Amazon jungle, a place he rapidly became obsessed with. This was my favourite film of 2017. An old fashioned drama with an epic scope, that's full of wonder and amazement. Charlie Hunnam does career best work as Wallace and Sienna Miller, Robert Pattinson and Tom Holland back him up admirably.

City Slickers   Fri   12/2   Film4 @ 18.45

It's his 40th birthday and Mitch is feeling itchy. He needs out of Manhattan and a trip to a cowboy ranch with his two best friends is just the ticket.  But Mitch and his friends are about as far from cowboys as you can get. This one is a joy, hilarious, heartfelt, thrilling and despite being 100% comedy it manages to hit every beat you'd expect from a western. Billy Crystal, Helen Slater, Daniel Stern and the late great Jack Palance all hit the spot here.

Lady Macbeth   Fri   12/2   BBC2 @ 23.20

Katherine is a young woman leading a loveless existence in arranged marriage in rural 19th century Britain. Darkness descends on her life when she embarks on an affair with a farmhand. A tough film that will linger in your head long after it's over but it's really worth your time. This is the side of English period drama's we never get to see. Florence Pugh is an extraordinary lead in an intelligent stunner of a story.

The Graduate   Fri   12/2   RTE1 @ 23.25

"Here's to you Mrs Robinson". We all know the song but this is the film it's from. Dustin Hoffman is at his geeky best as a man who becomes involved with a older woman and her daughter. Complications ensue. A funny, wry, sarcastic and cynical film that rightly sits highly in many Top 10 of All time lists. It's dated but somehow ageless and it's one worth setting your box to record. Plus Anne Bancroft rules.

As always, RT's are appreciated if you found this useful or discovered something new. Thank you.

*muffled roar*

We have reached the stage of lockdown cabin fever when a trip to Woodies makes me happy.

Sweet fucking jesus let this be all over soon.

Ok Netflix has 7 series of Parks & Recreation.

I'm off to overdose on the residents and politics of Pawnee, Indiana.

Cover that mush

Are you a film fan bored of the same aul face masks?

Maybe you'd like a facehugger instead? 

Or Jason Vorhees' hockey mask?

Or horror of horrors, that Nicolas Cage grin?

What about this bad boy from They Live? 

Or go with an aul fave?

How about one with the best line from Tombstone

Or two terrifying faces from Whatever Happened To Baby Jane?

And speaking of terrifying. Immortan Joe from Mad Max : Fury Road is fucking wicked.

Whoever designed this Zorro one is a fool.

The next 4 are deffo for horror fans. The Shining, Chucky, Pennywise and the Predator all representing.

Have you a Cobra Kai fan in your life?

This one is my fave though. Perfect for the aspect ratio geeks. Simple and nerdy. Just like meself.

Wear your mask. Don't be a cunt.

Below Zero

Sometimes when you're watching a foreign film you just know its only a matter of time before the US remake is announced. If this one hasn't been snapped up yet it's going to happen soon. There's a small cast you could easily populate with familiar character actors. It's set mostly in one location. It's easy to describe - "Like Assault On Precinct 13, but on wheels". It has an interesting plot line and a satisfying ending. Now if they do decide to remake it I can only hope they cut the twenty minutes out of the middle that threaten to kill it in it's tracks.

Martin (Javier Gutiérrez) is a Spanish cop with a new assignment. Along with workmate Montesinos (Isak Férriz) he's been tasked with driving a transport vehicle carrying 6 convicts between prisons. Martin's a respectful, by the books kinda guard but Montesinos enjoys the power trip side of his job. Before wheels have even spun violence is brewing and when the vehicle is assaulted on a dark lonely road a few miles into the journey by an unseen assailant it really kicks off. Now Martin finds himself in a dilemma. Stay inside with men who want his head or brave the outside and face sub zero temperatures and a bullet in his head.

This could have been great. Hand gnawing tension, an intriguing story, some blistering carnage and all spun around a cast of well drawn, well acted characters but like so many films of late it's far too long and it's sagging middle section almost derails everything after that great, suspense packed opening third. It's annoying because from the off the film has you on edge, the smell of danger in the air, unpredictable deaths, a terrifying predicament for literally everyone and then it starts to drag, adding silly plot contrivances that comes to nothing and that feel invented both to up the running time and add another couple of faces to the death toll. 

Then just when you are about to cave to disappointment and reach for your phone the film changes tact and gets interesting and exciting again, motivations become clearer and we get an ending that feels both satisfying and earned. You'll finish it feeling glad you stuck with it but exasperated as well, remembering the good ol' days of b-movies (Below Zero is definitely a B-movie) that were lean and well crafted, ones that didn't feel the need for extraneous padding. With it's visceral bouts of violence and it's masculine cast Below Zero feels like a throwback to 80's and 90's action but with the modern tendency of not knowing when to cut and snip.

That said it's a crunchy antidote to the anodyne feel of today's thrillers, it's not afraid to swirl the grays of morality and as it's showing on Netflix it introduces English speaking mainstream audiences to faces you'd otherwise miss like lead Javier Gutiérrez and Luis Callejo who does great work as prisoner Ramis, a man who's initially dangerous facade becomes something more complex as the story moves on.

Below Zero is streaming on Netflix now. It's an exciting but frustrating watch.

The Little Things

If you're a fan of cop films The Little Things will feel very familiar to you. An odd couple pairing of detectives. One young turk, one seasoned veteran. Obsessions with work that have taken their tolls on relationships. Bending of rules to suit agendas. Climaxes in dusty, lonely countrysides. Yes, you're probably thinking of Se7en as you read this but there's a touch of Zodiac in here too. It's not a patch on either though. But that's not to say it's bad.

There's a serial killer stalking the woman of L.A. county circa 1990 and there's a manhunt on. It's caught the eye of L.A. county sheriff Joe Deakins (Denzel Washington) and there's similarities between the most recent murders and a series of killings he worked on years before as an L.A.P.D. detective. The job took it's toll on him causing him to leave his job and his reappearance has ruffled the feathers of the cops working the case, especially the hotshot in charge, Jimmy Baxter (Rami Malek). Thankfully the younger man is savvy enough to know the older man's expertise will come in handy so the two team up to investigate the psychopath cutting a swathe through the Californian landscape.

The script for The Little Things has been knocking about Hollywood for the last 28 years and you get the feeling it would have been better received had it been made back then. Now it feels sedate and tame compared to more modern efforts and plot points that would have felt fresh then feel cliched now. But solid, crisp, clear cut direction from John Lee Hancock and a likable turn from Denzel Washington will keep you watching. Denzel has reached the grand-dad stage of his career and he just makes it look effortless. A showy interrogation room rant aside it doesn't even feel like he's acting at times. His Joe is so charming that when kids who've only known him for minutes kiss him on the cheek you won't even blink an eye. When cops with reason to snub him don't, you'll think "fair enough". When he's like this everything else pales in comparison.

Rami Malek as Jimmy definitely does. He's in underplay mode too but it doesn't work out well for him at all and at times he looks like he's just staring off into space having forgotten there's a camera rolling. It's often been said that Oscar winners tend to follow up their winning roles with duds and that may very well be the case here. When the film's over you'll barely remember a thing about him. Jared Leto's turn as the prime suspect Albert Sparma is rather more effective but that's a case of Leto's creepy real life persona bleeding into his onscreen one. He makes for a very unsettling bad guy but one that's always pantomime levels of obvious.

But maybe that's the film's reason for being. He's so obvious that you don't need to wonder, you can concentrate on the film's real theme, the effect this godawful work that detectives do has on their minds, their souls. How it consumes you, how looking horror in the face constantly ruins you. Joe is already a goner and Jimmy's on the way. It will remind you of Zodiac in that it's not really about the killer at all, but more about the psychological toll wrought by what they do. It's something to chew on anyway.

The Little Things is streaming on HBO Max now. You've seen it all before but Denzel keeps it afloat.

16 films on TV this week that are worth your time

Black Death   Sat   30/1   The Horror Channel @ 21.00

England is in the grip of the first outbreak of the black death plague and in the midst of all this horror a young monk is sent out into the world to investigate reports of supernatural occurrences. A cold and bleak film but an intelligent watch filled with interesting themes, nasty violence and decent performances from an excellent cast that includes Eddie Redmayne, Carice Van Houten and Sean Bean. 

22 Jump Street   Sat   30/1   RTE2 @ 21.30

Detectives Schmidt and Jenko are back. This time they're undercover in a college trying to bust another drugs ring. What they learned from their previous adventure in high school doesn't apply in the big leagues. Crass, brash, profane, action packed fun bolstered by some wicked chemistry between it's leads Channing Tatum and Jonah Hill but once again it's Ice Cube as the angriest police captain in the world who steals the show. 

The Conversation   Sat   30/1   BBC2 @ 23.55

Harry's a surveillance expert and he's got a new job. But the work is getting to him and his paranoia is at an all time high due to past events. Francis Ford Coppola's 1974 thriller is a stunner. A post Watergate classic seeped in the pervading atmosphere of a broken country. Gene Hackman's spectacular as a man coming apart at the seams and the late John Cazale as his partner is as always brilliant. A nerve shredding watch.

The Goob   Sun   31/1   BBC1 @ 00.40

A teenage boy is struggling with life in the countryside of Norfolk. His mam's new fella wrecks his head and his hormones are starting to run riot when he catches sight of a new girl around town. A grim but compelling look at country life in a part of the world that we rarely see onscreen. A beautiful looking film too and one packed with atmosphere. Sienna Guillory, Liam Walpole & the always scary Sean Harris all do solid work.

Evolution   Sun   31/1   CH4 @ 14.30

An asteroid lands in Arizona and scientists and the army descend on it to investigate. This is no common or garden asteroid though. Of course it isn't. From Ivan Reitman, the man behind Ghostbusters, this is a sci-fi comedy that manages to be both clever and exceedingly silly, but it's one that's a fun way to pass away a couple of hours on a rainy Sunday. Julianne Moore, Orlando Jones and David Duchnovy all add to the zany mix.

Bridge To Terabithia   Sun   31/1   Sony Movies @ 15.15

Jesse and Leslie become fast friends when she moves in next door to him. Soon their childhood imaginations are running riot and the kingdom of Terabithia is created. Real life is sadly never far away though. This is a beautiful little movie, one full of important lessons about life, both the good and tragic sides of it. Anna Sophia Robb and Josh Hutcherson are great as the leads. Be warned, this will make you cry. 

The Homesman   Mon   1/2   BBC2 @ 00.30

Two people, a man and a woman, escort three women in need of help across the wild American countryside. A harsh and starkly realistic depiction of how life was for women during the pioneering days of the American west. This is a grim stuff, but thankfully shot through with a vein of darker comedy and carried by some powerful acting from Hilary Swank and Tommy Lee Jones ( who also directed it ). It's really worth a watch but make sure you are in the right mood for it.

Sicilian Ghost Story   Mon   1/2   Film4 @ 01.20

Guiseppe has gone missing and Luna, a young teenage girl with feelings for him, decides to look for him herself. The world she enters on her journey is a dark and unsettling place. Despite the troubling subject matter this is a beautiful looking and satisfying watch that will remind you of Guillermo Del Toro's adult fairytales. Julia Jedlikowska who plays Luna is a powerful lead.

Men & Chicken   Mon   1/2   CH4 @ 02.25

Ok, this one is rather odd but it's a genuinely entertaining bit of quirkiness about two brothers who find out some biological truths about themselves and suddenly everything they know is suspect. Mads Mikkelsen as one of the brothers plays his role completely straight which makes the madness going on around him even funnier. If you know little of the wacky world of Danish cinema then this is a super introduction to it.

Tully   Mon   1/2   TG4 @ 21.30

Marlo's struggling. Three kids are taking their toll on her and her marriage. A nanny is hired. An unusual nanny named Tully. A strange bond forms between the two women. This one comes from the pen of Diablo Cody so it's no surprise that it delves into aspects of womanhood rarely seen on screen and that paired with fine turns from Charlize Theron and Mackenzie Davis makes this really worth a watch. 

This Happy Breed   Tues   2/2   Film4 @ 12.50

From the pen of Noel Coward comes a story of an ordinary English family and how the events of history between World War One & Two had an effect on them. An agreeable little film which when you get used to it's episodic structure becomes an informative history lesson seen through the eyes of a screen family that feels like a genuine one. Robert Newton, Celia Johnson and John Mills do lovely work.

Under Siege   Wed   3/2   TCM @ 21.00

The USS Missouri battleship has been hijacked by terrorists and it's up to Navy Seal turned head chef Casey Ryback to put aside the Bouillabaisse and take care of business. This one is way better than you remember, a well paced and carnage packed slice of 90's action cinema. Steven Seagal does surprisingly good work as the lead but Tommy Lee Jones, a manic Gary Busey and Colm Meaney's amazing turtle neck are what will stay with you.

This Sporting Life   Wed   3/2   Talking Pictures TV @ 23.25

Frank is a god on the pitch. He's the rugby league star everyone is watching but off the field his life is empty and expressing the emotions caused by that in a time of restrain is always going to be frowned on. This kitchen sink drama from 1963 will still strike a chord with viewers 58 years later. That's always the sign of a classic and an immense showing from Richard Harris will nail you to your chair. 

Stalag 17   Fri   5/2   Film4 @ 13.40

American P.O.W.'s in a German war camp keep having their escape plans scuppered and one man finds himself being blamed for the leaks. Yes yes I know it sounds like an odd proposition for a comedy but director Billy Wilder somehow makes it work, turning in a very enjoyable film laced with dark humour and an Oscar winning performance from William Holden as the accused man brings it all together nicely.

Loving   Fri   5/2   RTE2 @ 21.35

A man and a woman living in Virginia in the 1960's aren't allowed to marry due to the different colours of their skin. They go ahead and do it anyway. As you can imagine, it causes trouble. An affecting look at the strength of love from director Jeff Nichols. It's upsetting as you can imagine but it needs to be watched. Mighty work from Ruth Negga and Joel Edgerton will keep you watching through the harder moments.

Nightcrawler   Fri   5/2   BBC2 @ 23.20

Jake Gyllenhall gives a career best performance in this moody 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. There's strong back up from Rene Russo and Riz Ahmed too. This film will put you off ever going to the sleaze pit that is Los Angeles.

As always a RT is appreciated. Thank you.

The oldies really are the best

Went for a classic western for tonight's watch.

The kind of movie that would make you remember why you love movies.

The opening scene where Charles Bronson guns down 3 familiar faces.

The buzzing, the creaking, the dripping.

That gorgeous Ennio Morricone score.

The zoom in on Henry Fonda's blue eyes and his murderer's glare.

Claudia Cardinale's beauty against the grizzled faces all around her.

The long slow silences and then the sudden violence.

The build up to those violent moments that are so much more interesting than the carnage that follows.

The sand blasted, sun hardened visages.

The harmonica belonging to Harmonica.

That final realisation of his thirst for vengeance.

This scene. One of the most beautiful scenes ever shot and one of the cruelest things you'll ever see.

The haunting music playing over it.

That well earned revenge. That really means nothing at all.

Absolute perfection.

Video Nasty Rewatch part 19 - Faces Of Death

A parachutist falls from the sky, descending rapidly towards the ground. His chute has clearly malfunctioned. We watch from a distance as he hits the ground at high speed and is killed instantly. A somber voiceover tells us this tragedy has occurred at an airshow in the west of the United States. Then the footage is played again. This time in slow motion that let's us see the skydiver struggling in his final moments. The footage is overlaid with wacky music. It's stunningly tasteless. This is Faces Of Death in a nutshell. 

Number 19 on the video nasties list is one of the more notorious films of the famous 39. One that proudly (and wrongfully) claims to have been banned in 46 countries. It's a documentary about the various ways people face death all over the world. Faces Of Death asks important questions about death but answers them in such a vile and exploitative manner that it's impossible to take anything it says seriously. It reaches for profundity and ends up putrid. I hate that I wasted 100 minutes watching this. It's trash.

Narrated by Doctor Francis B. Gross, an investigator intrigued by the sheer number of ways people can meet their maker, it purports to be a real documentary but it's one that makes This Is Spinal Tap feels authentic. Throughout it's padded out running time it's laced with scenes of carnage and mayhem that claim to be real but which are dreadfully staged. A tame bear attacks a tourist, a staged police shootout leads to to discovery of a death family covered in fake blood, a dead criminal visibly gulps after his electric chair execution, diners after the latest in haute cuisine bash a monkey and eats it's brains as a delicacy, a man is eaten by a crocodile. Out of context this list of scenes sounds hilarious when you know they are fake. But it's the footage inbetween that gives Faces Of Death it's infamy.

That scene mentioned in the first paragraph. Real footage of death presented as entertainment. Distressed people jumping from buildings, road accident victims, slaughterhouse footage with screaming animals spurting arterial blood from severed jugulars, dogfights filmed in close up with gleeful relish, cameras lingering on bodies waiting to be embalmed, robbing them of any bit of dignity in death. It's warped stuff. The first film on the list i watched in fast forward. The only throughline is pain and suffering. It's a collection of horror but nothing ties it together. It's designed to shock and 43 years later it still does. But that's all it does. Behind the shock value there's no substance but there's a surprising amount of pretension as it uses gore and pain to try to tie together the whole idea of life and death. We get insights into cults and seances that add nothing but cringe, filmed autopsies that feel horrifyingly voyeuristic and then the aftermaths of plane crashes. And it's supposed to make you feel what? Think about what? Anyone claiming to be moved by all this is either lying or psychotic.

As for it's place on the nasties list, there's no denying this must have caused ructions at the BBFC when it hit VHS in the 80's. It's litany of animal cruelty alone is enough to still cause it censorship troubles these days. It's legal to own this these days but the legal version is shorn of nearly 3 minutes of troubling footage. 

Don't watch this. It's awful. You'll feel terrible about yourself after it. I certainly do. Christ.

Fight For Your Life is next on the list. This one is better. Sort of. A little bit.

 

Another unsung hero of Film and TV - Kevin Corrigan

"Henry says don't let the sauce stick." "I'm stirring it!!" Two lines of dialogue that will forever be associated with Kevin Corrigan's most famous film. Imagine it, four films into your career and you get a memorable role in one of the all time greats. And let's not forget his first film was with not only Donald Sutherland but also Adam Horovitz from Beastie Boys. That's a hell of a way to start your onscreen story. With a career specialising in oddball sociopaths he's never quite become leading man material but he's an actor who always adds a bit of fun to whatever film he appears in. Always. He even elevates the bad stuff to watchable. That's a sign of someone special.

He's been an altar boy in the 2nd scariest film set in Washington DC. Carried a coffin opposite Ross Geller. Been gunned down in films written by Tarantino and killed by the Bad Boys on Miami Beach. He's popped up in the best of 90's indie cinema, being directed by Tamara Jenkins, Steve Buscemi, Nicole Holofcener and *gulp* Vincent Gallo. Auteurs have made him their muse and months later he's been in DTV fluff and still been brilliant. He's worked with both Scott Brothers and cameo'd in the best and most underrated TV show of this century. Kevin has been investigated by the Special victims Unit and protected by Ray Donovan. He's slept rough in Fort Washington and rocked out to Kiss in Detroit. He's done it all across 163 films and TV shows for the last 33 years. Except ride a horse. Check out his career here.

Greatest Hits

Goodfellas - Michael Hill. Brother of Henry. Tasked with caring for tomato sauce on the worst day of his brother's life.

Grounded For Life - Eddie Finnerty. The sleazy, dangerous uncle that started the show as a small part but grew into the best thing about it. 

Superbad - Mark. The party guy who can take an uppercut with style. His party is when our heroes realise just how far out of their comfort zone they are.

The Departed - Cousin Sean. The fuck up. A wannabe criminal born to fail. 

Pineapple Express - Budlofsky. The hitman who just wants to go home to eat. Hilariously vicious. The definition of hangry.

Big Fan - Sal. The second biggest New York Giants fan. A fun turn in a darkly funny comedy. 

Previous Heroes

Kathy Baker

Tess Harper

Michael Berryman
Mike Starr
M.C. Gainey
Mare Winningham
Dale Dickey
Vondie Curtis-Hall
Harris Yulin
Pepe Serna
Udo Kier
Fairuza Balk
Ernie Hudson
Lin Shaye
James Remar
Cloris Leachman
James Hong
David Strathairn
Frankie Faison
Conchata Ferrell
Dick Miller
Veronica Cartwright
Edie McClurg
Barry Shabaka Henley           
Raymond Cruz                        
Reg E.Cathey                          
Elizabeth McGovern               
John Amos                              
Bruce Greenwood                  
Mary McDonnell                     
Gerald McSorley                       
John Rothman                        
Margo Martindale                   
Kurtwood Smith                     
Paula Malcolmson                 
Luis Guzman                          
David Morse                           
Linda Hunt                              
Keith David                             
Zeljko Ivanek
Fiona Shaw
Xander Berkeley
Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa
C.C.H Pounder
William Forsythe
Beth Grant
Sven-Ole Thorsen
Regina King
Ric Young
Mark Rolston
Illeana Douglas
Jeanette Goldstein
Al Leong
Allan Graf
Bill Nunn
Thomas Rosales Jr

15 films on TV this week that you might like

Straight Outta Compton   Sat   23/1   RTE2 @ 21.40

N.W.A. were the most notorious rap group of the 1980's and this film charts their meteoric rise from the mean streets of Compton to their spectacular and egotistical fall. A big, brash, profane film that skips over a lot of the more troubling aspects of the group but still manages to hit the spot. Great performances from Jason Mitchell, Corey Hawkins and O'Shea Jackson Jr ( as his Da Ice Cube) make it all work.

The Endless   Sat   23/1   Film4 @ 23.10

Aaron and Justin had a strange childhood and as adults they think they've escaped it until an odd message forces them to revisit their past and deal with it once and for all. From directors and lead actors Justin Benson, Aaron Moorhead, this is a bizarre blend of drama, mystery and science fiction but it really works. It's a film that will change the way you look at religion, memory and family. Well worth your time.

Buried   Sun   24/1   CH4 @ 00.20

An American truck driver in Iraq is kidnapped and wakes up buried in a coffin. All he has is a cigarette lighter and a mobile phone. His air is running out fast. Can he escape in time? If you are anyway claustrophobic I'd advise you avoid this like the plague but if you think you'll be able for it, it's a suspenseful and quite terrifying little tale. Ryan Reynolds carries the entire film on his shoulders and does a first rate job.

Norfolk   Sun   24/1   BBC1 @ 00.30

Man and boy. Father and son. A nameless duo living a peaceful life in rural Norfolk. All is grand until Man gets called back to work. The work is dangerous and it leaves a lasting effect on boy.  This 2015 psychological thriller is an interesting but tough film that will leave you with a lot to unpack when its over. A super pair of performances from Barry Keoghan and Denis Ménochet will keep you watching.

Scar   Sun   24/1   The Horror Channel @ 23.15 

A woman returns to her home town for a family event. Years before she faced a terrifying ordeal but got through it. Now she's back and things are stirred up again. Might she get real closure on the events of the past? Warning - this one is harsh, it's a horror film that may offend you and one that will definitely disgust you. But, Angela Bettis as the lead puts in such a good showing that you'll be glued to it throughout.

Election   Sun   24/1   BBC1 @ Midnight

Tracy Flick is the perfect student. She can do no wrong. This gets under the skin of her teacher Mr McAllister something fierce. So much so that it starts to affect his life. Alexander Payne's 1999 comedy is a cracker. Reese Wetherspoon is fantastic as student you'll love to hate and Matthew Broderick does masterful work as a teacher who takes his work way too seriously. Chris Klein as dumb jock Paul is priceless.

A Taxi Driver   Mon   25/1   Film4 @ 01.10

1980. A violent time in Korea. A taxi driver is hired by a foreign reporter to drive him from Seoul into a warzone. A lot of money is offered for the trip. Too much money to turn down really. But will the cash outweigh the hassle? Led by a mighty turn from Kang-ho Song, star of last year's Parasite, this is a look at part of history unknown in the west and one that isn't afraid to let it's warmth and humanity shine through it's darker moments.

Atomic Blonde   Mon   25/1   TG4 @ 21.30

Lorraine Broughton is a British spy on a mission in Cold War Berlin. An SIS agent has been murdered and she must use her special set of skills to figure out who did the deed and why. The film itself is a little muddled and messy but Charlize Theron is on fire here and a couple of spectacularly violent and brilliantly put together action scenes will pin you to your chair. James McAvoy is fun as a fellow man at arms.

The Day Of The Locust   Mon   25/1   Talking Pictures TV @ 22.00

The film where Donald Sutherland plays Homer Simpson. Yup. The 1930's were a bad time in America and people flooded into Hollywood to find fame and fortune away from the Great depression. It worked out for some and not for others. A vicious and biting satire of the film industry. Flamboyant and extravangant in places, downright horrifying in others. It's excellent though and packed full of famous faces.

American Animals   Tues   26/1   Film4 @ 21.00

Warren, Chas, Spencer and Eric. 4 bright young college students. 4 young men who really should have known better than to plan a heist from their own university. A story about pretentious fools who think the world revolves around doesn't sound like fun but this is one really gripping film and one that mixes  in documentary footage to great effect. Nicely shot, wicked soundtrack and our own Barry Keoghan in the mix. How could you go wrong?

Eyes Of Laura Mars   Wed   27/1   Sony Movies @ 00.50

A fashion photographer develops psychic abilities that allow her to see through the eyes of a serial killer as he does his dodgy deeds. Somehow she has to figure out a way to use this skill against him. An unusual but well put together story and one filled with genuine suspense that also gives us an authentic look at New York in the 70's. Faye Dunaway nails the lead and Tommy Lee Jones is reliable as always. Nice supporting cast too with Brad Dourif and Raul Julia in tow.

Crimson Peak   Thur   28/1   CH4 @ 01.45

After a horrible tragedy, Edith finds herself living a new life in an old mansion with her new beau. Strange occurrences have followed Edith her whole life though. A gorgeous gothic tale from the mind of Guillermo Del Toro. Scary in places, gruesome in others and atmospheric as hell. Record it and keep it for a dark spooky night. Or just watch it at 1.45am! Mia Wasikowska, Jessica Chastain, Tom Hiddleston and Charlie Hunnam all deliver the goods.

Searching   Thur   28/1   Film4 @ 21.00

When his daughter Margot goes missing, John is understandably freaked. The cops aren't finding anything so John gets to work himself and the first place he looks for clues is on her laptop. Searching takes an age old tale and puts a modern spin on it and the result is a wonderfully unique and twisty turny experience. It won't age the best but it's very of the now. John Cho does fine work in the lead role.

Joe   Fri   29/1   Sony Movies @ 21.00

Joe owns a tree felling company. A boy called Gary asks him for a job. The two get on well. Then everything goes to hell for both of them. This 2013 drama is a tough but compelling watch about the parts of America and the people living in them that tend to be forgotten about. You won't leave this one in a good mood but you'll be glad you watched it. Nicholas Cage and Tye Sheridan are good in their roles but unknown Gary Poulter who died just before this came out puts in a stunner of a shift.

Almost Famous   Fri   29/1   RTE1 @ 23.30

A young wannabe music journalist blags his way into a concert to write an article about a rock band and soon finds himself way out of his depth. This film rules. Ye are going to love it. Cameron Crowe's 70's set comedy drama is a glorious evocation of the period and it's filled with unreal music. It doesn't hide from the darker side of the times either. Patrick Fugit rocks the lead but Frances McDormand and Kate Hudson own this film.

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