14 films on TV this week to enjoy

Man Up   Sat   30/7   BBC1 @ 23.20

A woman, sick & tired of love, finds herself mistaken for a blind date and decides to just go along with it to see what happens. A romcom but one that is pleasant and not sickly, one about people you will actually care about and not want to see go up in flames. This is all down to the lovely Lake Bell and Simon Pegg and the chemistry between them. Throw in a few big laughs and a few scenes you'll watch through your fingers and it's a grand way to spend 90 mins.

A Midnight Clear   Sat   30/7   RTE2 @ 23.45

1944. The Ardennes, the Battle of the Bulge. Six young American soldiers are sent on a recon mission to gather information. Near their camp are young German soldiers. German soldiers who see the writing on the wall. A powerful anti war tale that will make you despair at the utter pointlessness of violence while making you believe in the power of plain talking. Ethan Hawke, Gary Sinise and Peter Berg all do strong, believable work.

Kubo And The Two Strings   Sun   31/7   E4 @ 08.40

Kubo is living a happy life in his village when a horror from the past sends him off on a mission to follow in his father's footsteps. From 2016 comes a fine slice of animated fun that was sadly overlooked on it's initial release but if you give it a chance you'll love it. It's full to the brim with imagination, action and flat out beauty. First rate voice acting from Charlize Theron & Ireland's own Art Parkinson adds to the joy.

The Towering Inferno   Sun   31/7   ITV4 @ 09.35

The world's tallest building has just opened in San Francisco and the city's rich and famous are partying on top. Little do they know that the man in charge of all the electronics below them has been cutting corners. Probably the best disaster film of the 1970's and an exciting way to start off your day. This one actually contains characters you won't want to see perish for once. Paul Newman, Steve McQueen, Faye Dunaway, Jennifer Jones and Fred Astaire stand out in a star packed cast.

Maze   Sun   31/7   RTE1 @ 21.30

The IRA inmates of the Maze prison in Long Kesh have had enough. They want out. Nothing or no one is going to get in their way. The true story of Europe's biggest jailbreak is a desperately tense tale even when you know what's going to happen. Claustrophobic, suspenseful, scary and upsetting stuff for sure but a fantastic Irish cast lead by Tom Vaughn Lawlor and Barry Ward make it a very watchable Sunday night movie.

Shot Caller   Sun   31/7   Film4 @ 23.25

A stupid decision at a restaurant changes the course of Harlan's life and when he ends up in prison he has to make a decision that will change his family's life forever. Nikolaj Coster-Waldau does solid work in a damning indictment of the US penal system, a place where rehabilitation is a mere theory and violence is the only currency. A tough but worthwhile film. Lake Bell, Jon Bernthal and a scary Holt McCallany offer hefty support.

30 Days Of Night   Mon   1/8   The Horror Channel @ 22.45

Vampires descend on a small Alaskan town that is engulfed in darkness for the winter months. Things get bad fast. A full blooded roar of a horror film. As far from  the likes of Twilight as a vampire movie can get.Vicious, terrifying stuff. If you are easily freaked out don't apply but if you like your scares red raw and dripping you'll love it. Melissa George and Josh Hartnett are likeable leads but Danny Huston in a wordless role owns the film.

Apocalypse Now : Final Cut   Mon   1/8   BBC2 @ 23.15

Captain Willard has been tasked with going up the Nùng River to terminate a rogue American Colonel with extreme prejudice. What he sees on his journey will stay with him and you forever. Apocalypse Now is a nightmarish, drug fueled masterpiece. A harrowing, troubling, hilarious & psychotic look into the dark heart of man. If you haven't seen it yet I'm really jealous. Martin Sheen, Marlon Brando, Larry Fishburne, Robert Duvall, Frederic Forrest and Dennis Hopper will all amaze you.

Bad Dreams   Tue   2/8   Talking Pictures TV @ 01.40

An entire cult has immolated themselves and only one young girl survives but she's been in a coma for over a decade. She awakes a grown woman but terrifying flashbacks are plaguing her. Then the people around her start to die. An underrated 80's chiller that's built a (heh) cult following in the last few years and it's made worthwhile by a surreal, unsettling storyline and a villainous turn from the always unnerving Richard Lynch as a bad guy who'll pop up in your nightmares.

Monte Walsh   Thu   4/8   Great! Movies Action @ 15.40

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 the western genre but here they suit proceedings to a tee. Lee Marvin aces the title role and gets fine support from Jeanne Moreau and western stalwarts Jack Palance and Mitchell Ryan.

Some Like It Hot   Thu   4/8   BBC4 @ 22.15

Joe and Jerry have just witnessed the St. Valentine's Day massacre and now they're running for their lives. To get out of town they disguise themselves as women and join an all woman music troupe heading for Florida. A classic that truly lives up to the hype. It's a scream, hysterical in parts and touching in others. Marilyn Monroe, Jack Lemmon and Tony Curtis are all on fire. It's just a perfect movie.

A Good Woman Is Hard To Find   Thu   4/8   The Horror Channel @ 22.55

Sarah's been having a tough time of it. Her husband was murdered and the PSNI don't seem to care why it happened or who did it. Then criminality enters the place she and her son call home. That's the last straw. If you've a weak constitution you might want to give Abner Pastoll's Belfast set thriller a miss because it's extremely violent in parts but it's also a tense, stylish and very well acted movie with Sarah Bolger nailing the lead.

Rose Plays Julie   Fri   5/8   RTE1 @ 22.35

While studying to be a vet a young woman called Rose decides to track down the woman who gave birth to her and then gave her up for adoption. She finds her living in London, but the woman, an actress called Ellen, doesn't want to know her.  Ann Skelly and Orla Brady are both fantastic in a haunting, well thought out story that goes to some black places that some people might have issues with.

The Incident   Fri   5/8   Talking Pictures TV @ 23.30

Two Bronx hoodlums are looking for trouble and they find it onboard the southbound Lexington Avenue express heading through the New York night. The passengers just want to get home unharmed but they've a long journey ahead of them. Martin Sheen's movie debut is a dark and troubling watch, that nowadays might seem cliched in parts but a hell of an ensemble cast keep it all very compelling.

15 films on TV to delve into this week

The Great Debaters   Sat   23/7   TG4 @ 21.30

A debating squad made up of African American students set out to show off their prowess in their chosen field. Unfortunately they lived in the American south of the 1930's and the Jim Crow laws are hampering their efforts. It's a familiar tale but a hefty cast led by Denzel Washington and Forest Whitaker and a touching and humane storyline will ensure you'll stay an audience to the film's sadly still topical discourse.  

Afraid Of the Dark   Sat   23/7   Talking Pictures TV @ 23.00

A young boy is losing his sight and his only way to deal with what he's facing is to spy on people and let his imagination run riot wondering what they get up to. Then he starts seeing something monstrous praying on the blind people in his town. A bleak and creepy trip into the mind of a child facing something truly life altering. It's odd, a bit surreal, but it's atmospheric as hell and Ben Keyworth as the lead gets the job done.

Sputnik   Sat   23/7   Film4 @ 23.15

Russia, The early 80's. Two cosmonauts witness something strange outside their craft. Only one returns to Earth and he's being studied by a psychiatrist called Tatyana and she's about to have a strange aul time of it. A sombre looking slice of sci-fi that turns into something far more exciting and crunchy than it's exterior would lead you to believe. Oksana Akinshina and Pyotr Fyodorov work well together.

Escape From Alcatraz   Sun   24/7   BBC2 @ 00.30

In 1962 a prisoner called Frank Morris was sitting in his prison cell on Alcatraz island and he had itchy feet. He had a plan but was it a clever one or a one way ticket to a watery death? Don Siegel's 1979 thriller is a very entertaining watch, lean, taut, tense and surprisingly humorous in places. Patrick McGoohan's prison warden is a vile piece of work and Clint Eastwood as Frank does his cool as a cucumber routine to fine effect.

The Mask Of Zorro   Sun   24/7   RTE2 @ 18.00

Don Vega has waited a long time to get revenge for the death of his wife and plans to do so with the help of a man named Alejandro. Alejandro just needs to be tidied up a bit first. Martin Campbell's 1998 action comedy is an ideal Sunday evening film. Funny, lovely looking, tense, heartfelt, romantic and very very exciting. Antonio Banderas, Catherine Zeta-Jones and Anthony Hopkins all work wonderfully together.

The Mule   Sun   24/7   BBC1 @ 22.30

An elderly man is hired by a Mexican cartel to smuggle drugs across the border because the cops won't look twice at him. He turns out to be rather good at his job. Of course he does, he's played by Clint Eastwood for god sake. The man himself proves he still has what it takes in an enjoyable slice of wish fulfillment. It's far from perfect but its a fun way to pass a couple of hours. Dianne Wiest adds a touch of class to proceedings.

The American Friend   Mon   25/7   Film4 @ 01.20

Tom Ripley is a criminal living in Hamburg. Jonathan Zimmerman is a dying picture framer living in the same city. One day they meet...and you can find out the rest yourself. Wim Wender's 1977 adaptation of Patricia Highsmith's novel Ripley's Game is a stunner. A brooding, stylish and slow burning thriller that's definitely worth recording because it's on at stupid o'clock. Dennis Hopper does Ripley justice but Bruno Ganz is the one to watch here.

Revolutionary Road   Mon   25/7   BBC2 @ 23.15

April and Frank are a very unhappily married couple in 1950's America. The social mores of the day force them to keep their frayed marriage a secret and we bear witness to an unspoken side of the American dream. A tough and quietly devastating adaption of a 1960's novel of the same name. Kate Winslet and Leonardo DiCaprio reunite here and both give their all. It's as far from Titanic as you'll get though.

Valerie   Tue   26/7   TCM @ 19.15

Set during a murder trial in the old west, three very different testimonies are heard but which one is the truthful version? An unusual blend, a mystery western noir with a touch of Rashomon would be one way to describe it. Sterling Hayden and Anita Ekberg are believable leads, Hayden his usual briary persona and Ekberg as a woman who isn't what she seems. Or is she? Or is he? Or are they? What? Who knows? Where? Who? Huh? A compelling and surprising film.

Burnt Offerings   Wed   27/7   Talking Pictures TV @ 00.05

The Rolf's have rented a big country mansion for the summer for a bargain price. There's a catch of course. The owner's mother is there and they have to look after her. Easy enough you'd think. Wrong. Made during that golden era of American 70's horror cinema this agreeably creepy tale is one worth rediscovering and it's cast of Oliver Reed, Karen Black, Burgess Meredith and Bette Davis ensure you'll have a fun time doing so.

Mary, Queen Of Scots   Wed   27/7   BBC1 @ 22.50

Mary Stuart has become the Queen of Scotland. Her cousin Elizabeth is the Queen of England and is worried about Mary's claim to her throne. A worry that sets in motion a dark chapter in British history. Purists will whinge about inaccuracies in the story but when you have Saoirse Ronan and Margot Robbie both doing masterful work in a lovingly depicted past who cares? Be warned, some scenes will disturb

Come To Daddy   Thu   28/7   Film4 @ 02.00

Life is tough for Norvel Greenwood. Adulthood has not turned out the way he thought it would and when he takes a trip into the wilderness to reconnect with his long estranged father things really go off the rails. Once a week in this list there'll be a film that will offend some and here's this week's. But those who stick with it will be rewarded with an effective and blackly comic look at life's stranger relationships. Elijah Wood rocks the main role.

Whatever Happened To Baby Jane   Thu   28/7   BBC4 @ 21.00

Two aging sisters live together in their old, rotten Hollywood mansion and wage psychological warfare on each other as their mental and physical health deteriorates. Sounds depressing doesn't it. It's not. It's a crowd pleaser packed full of black humour and some of the most extreme sibling rivalry you'll ever see. Bette Davis & Joan Crawford are amazing as the sisters. 

The Last Right   Fri   29/7   RTE1 @ 22.35

A conversation on a plane has placed Daniel Murphy in a tricky situation. He's left with the body of a man he's known for only a few hours and he has to deliver him to his final resting place. An agreeable Irish comedy that will make you smile more than it makes you laugh but it's many touching moments give it plenty of heart. Michael Huisman, Niamh Algar and the mighty Colm Meaney do nice work.

Escape From New York   Fri   29/7   Film4 @ 23.55

Manhattan in the future is a walled off and scary place as Snake Plissken finds out when he's tasked to get in there and rescue the President who's plane has crashed. John Carpenter's cult thriller is a magnificent piece of escapism and while it may be dated ( the future is 2001) it's still excellent fun and has a wicked cast including Kurt Russell, Adrienne Barbeau, Donald Pleasance and Lee Van Cleef who are all on form.

14 films on tv this week to keep you out of that hot hell outside

Ad Astra   Sat   16/7   CH4 @ 21.00

It's the late 21st century. Earth is being struck by a strange power surge from beyond the stars and an astronaut heads into the great unknown in search of an answer. An answer to many things. James Gray's 2019 sci-fi drama opens on an epic scale and builds towards something far more intimate. It will annoy some but others will get sucked into it's strange quest. Brad Pitt, Limerick's own Ruth Negga and Tommy Lee Jones do fine work here.

Music Box   Sat   16/7   Talking Pictures TV @ 21.05

Ann Talbot is troubled. She's a defense attorney and she's about to take on her hardest case. She'll be defending her father, the man she adores, a man who's just been accused of committing atrocity during World War II. An interesting and strongly acted look at the rippling effects of violence that continue long after the bloodshed has stopped. Jessica Lange and Armin Mueller-Stahl work well together.

Spanglish   Sat   16/7   RTE2 @ 22.30

Flor has left Mexico looking for a better life for her and her daughter. She becomes a housekeeper for the Closky's. John is easy going, Deborah is the opposite. A rarity of a film, an Adam Sandler movie that's heartfelt and moving instead of mean spirited. A film about family and the joys of cross cultural friendship. Plus it has the recipe for one of the best sandwiches ever. Tea Leoni and Paz Vega are excellent too.

Little Women   Sun   17/7   CH4 @ 18.50

Jo March is in New York struggling to get her first novel published. A novel very much influenced by her childhood and her family back in Concord, Massachusetts. Greta Gerwig's 2019 adaptation of Louisa May Alcott's famous novel is an absolute success. Once you get used to the time skipping narrative you'll be pulled into a story that's 150 years old but still universal. Saoirse Ronan, Florence Pugh, Laura Dern and Meryl Streep are all superb.

Blade Runner 2049   Sun   17/7   BBC1 @ 22.30

Los Angeles. 29 years from now. A Blade Runner called K follows a lead to a farm and discovers something that could change human/android relationships forever. No one expected a belated sequel to the 1982 original to be any good but it really gets the job done. Stylish, intriguing, brutal, upsetting and in places quite beautiful looking. Ryan Gosling, Ana De Armas, Edward James Olmos and Harrison Ford all hit their mark.

American Woman   Sun   17/7   Film4 @ 23.05

A young mother has gone missing in a rural part of Pennsylvania and it's understandably taking it's toll on her mother Deb who's going out of her mind trying to figure out what's happening. A harsh watch about the parts of America you rarely if ever hear about and how poverty and lack of choice locks people into making terrible decisions. You won't enjoy it but a powerful turn from a never better Sienna Miller will keep you watching.

Buried   Mon   18/7   CH4 @ 00.55

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 in anyway claustrophobic I'd advise you avoid Buried 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.

Destroyer   Mon   18/7   TG4 @ 21.30

Undercover work years before has taken it's toll physically and psychologically on Erin Bell and when a face from the past appears she takes a chance to exorcise her demons once and for all. Oh man, this is a gruelling look at the dark underbelly of society but an extremely committed performance from Nicole Kidman will keep you going to the bitter end. A rotten Toby Kebbell and Tatiana Maslany do good things with their parts.

Chevalier   Tue   19/7   Film4 @ 01.55

Six Greek men head out into the Aegean sea to fish and take part in a series of games that will prove who among them is the manliest of the bunch. A darkly funny and in places disturbing look into the male psyche and the ridiculous lengths men will go to to one up each other. I haven't a clue who any of the actors are but they fill the movie with naturalistic performances that compliment and sometimes ruin the beautiful scenery. 

Seraphim Falls   Tues   19/7   Great! Movies @ 22.50

The American civil war is coming to an end but the violence is far from over. A knifeman named Gideon is wounded and being chased across the wilderness by a gang of men out for revenge. Why are they chasing him though? Liam Neeson and Pierce Brosnan have gone on record saying this was the best time they ever had making a film and it shows. It's an entertaining watch, laced with dark humour and a welcome side of weirdness. Angelica Huston & Tom Noonan add to the stew.

Now, Voyager   Thur   21/7   BBC4 @ 20.45

A repressed woman escapes her mother's influence and becomes a very different person. Bette Davis is fantastic in the lead role and turns in a far subtler and nuanced performance than some of her other better known roles. A film that's dark in places, complex and wonderfully acted and full of dialogue you will know even if you haven't seen it before.  BTW it has the coolest cigarette lighting scene in film history too.

Spring   Thu   21/7   The Horror Channel @ 22.40

A disastrous personal life has Evan in a tizzy so he does a legger from the United States to Italy and it's here he meets an unusual woman called Louise and a dalliance with her makes his existence back in America look rather normal. A film you want to watch knowing as little about it as possible. It's fun, atmospheric and it will lurk in your head for a while. The fact that it's on the horror channel will clue you in. Lou Taylor Pucci and Nadia Hilker create a nice chemistry.

Robocop   Fri   22/7   ITV4 @ 22.05

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 sci-fi thriller is still an amazing film. Darkly humorous, cynical, brutally violent and scarily prescient about the way society has evolved in the 35 years since it's release. Peter Weller as the man in the visor is perfect and Kurtwood Smith is a truly terrifying bad guy. 

Lawman   Fri   22/7   TG4 @ 22.30

A marshal arrives into a strange town to arrest the troublemakers who caused the death of an old man in his own town. The townsfolk aren't going to make things easy for him though. A hoary old revenge story is the basis of this blistering western and it's one that effortlessly bridges the gap between the old fashioned westerns of the 60's and the dark and violent ones of the 70's. Burt Lancaster, Lee J. Cobb, Robert Ryan and Robert Duvall, all old hands at this genre, are all in fine form.

15 films on TV this week to stop you getting sunburned

The Conjuring   Sat   9/7   BBC3 @ 21.00

The Perron's have moved into their new home but all is not well. They hire a pair of paranormal investigators to cure the sickness in their house and it isn't long before all hell breaks loose. A really effective old school haunted house film that's grounded by some super showings from Lili Taylor, Ron Livingston and Vera Farmiga. One to watch in a dark, quiet room with the curtains pulled. The best film in a franchise that went off the rails fast.

Frances   Sat   9/7   Talking Pictures TV @ 21.05

Frances Farmer. An actress. A rebel. Her's was a truly tragic tale. She marches to the beat of her own drum. She won't play the games Hollywood expects of a woman in the 1930's. She can't be trusted. She must be destroyed. Jessica Lange is astounding in a brutally upsetting true life story of institutional misogyny and power play. You won't leave this in happy form but you'll be glad you stuck with it. Sadly it's not hard to see parallels between now and then still happening.

Beautiful Boy   Sat   9/7   TG4 @ 21.35

Bill and Kate are about to have the worst day of their life. There's been a violent incident at their son's college and he wasn't just a victim.... Yup, the themes here are painfully topical and it's without a doubt a downbeat watch but it's compelling stuff that thankfully avoids showing any carnage, of the physical kind anyway, instead dwelling on the aftermath and the lingering effects no one really talks about. Maria Bello and Michael Sheen are both very effective.

Crawl   Sun   10/7   Film4 @ 21.00

Florida's about to get hit with a massive hurricane and Haley's father still hasn't left his house. She goes to find him but find him but instead finds their town flooded and the floodwaters full of alligators. Hungry alligators. Alexandre Aja's 2019 creature feature is massively over the top but it's also hugely entertaining as woman takes on nature in a battle to the death. Kaya Scodelario does well as our heroine.

A Beautiful Day In The Neighbourhood   Sun   10/7   RTE1 @ 21.30

Kindness is power. A solid message to get rid of the Glenroes on a sunday night. Mr Rogers was a famous American tv show host and when a skeptical journalist is tasked with interviewing him he discovers why America loved him. A true-ish life tale that shouldn't have worked but it does so beautifully, especially if you know the story behind it. Matthew Rhys is an admirable lead but Tom Hanks owns the film with one hell of a turn.

Thelma & Louise   Sun  10/7   BBC1 @ 22.30

A violent encounter in a nightclub parking lot sets into motion a trip across the south-western states of America that sees two women being chased by all the lawmen in the world. Ridley Scott's 1991 drama/thriller is a powerful statement about friendship between women. It's also wildly exciting, funny and quite moving. Susan Sarandon and Geena Davis are wicked leads with Harvey Keitel and Michael Madsen doing good work in the background.

Olga   Mon   11/7   CH4 @ 00.55

A wave of civil unrest is creating havoc in her home country and it's making a Ukrainian teenager's preparation for her upcoming gymnastics competition very hard to concentrate on. Olga's only 15. Life shouldn't be this hard. A tough watch, made tougher by real life events that have superceded the story onscreen but a riveting one nonetheless. Anastasiia Budiashkina, in her film debut, is excellent.

High Noon   Mon   11/7   Film4 @ 12.45

A quiet western town finds itself cowering in terror when a feared gang makes a reappearance. Only one man is brave enough to stand up to them and on his wedding day too. One of the quintessential films of the western genre & an early example of revisionism. Gary Cooper and Grace Kelly lead the film as the newly married couple and both are excellent. A gripping and exciting story all told in 85 minutes. What's not to love?

Call Northside 777   Tues   12/7   Talking Pictures TV @ 11.45

11 years after a seemingly cut and dried murder case wraps up the prisoner's mother, pleading that her son is innocent, puts up a reward for new info, prompting a reporter into the case again. At first it looks like the right verdict was met, until.... The great James Stewart leads this unusual and rather gripping blend of documentary style drama and film noir and does a fine job of course. Kasia Orzazewski and Lee J. Cobb offer nice support.

The Terminator   Tues   12/7   ITV4 @ 21.00

A killer robot from the future stalks a woman to kill her for reasons unknown. The synopsis always sounds silly but it is one of the best action film's, no sorry, best film's ever made. It's just perfect. Lean. Not a second wasted. A masterclass in tension and action and economical storytelling. Linda Hamilton hits the spot as Sarah Connor but Arnold Schwarzenegger is the boss here. I'm so jealous of anyone who hasn't seen it yet.

Lucy In The Sky   Wed   13/7   Film4 @ 21.00

Lucy's been to space and back and it's had a profound effect on her physically and psychologically. Normal life isn't enough for her anymore. Her husband isn't doing it for her either. She needs to get back into the black. A drama from 2019 that won't be for everyone but it's interesting approach to it's story and a hefty performance from Natalie Portman will keep you going until the end.

The Ladykillers   Thur   14/7   TCM @ 15.05

A motley crew of criminals pretend to be musicians so they can kill a little old lady and rob a bank. Things do not go to plan. Not one bit. Another classic from Ealing studios and one of the funniest English films ever made. A film that will make you laugh, proper big belly laughs. It's so much fun and with a killer cast to boot. Alec Guinness in the lead just nails it, and why wouldn't he be with top notch backing from Peter Sellers and Herbert Lom.

Florence Foster Jenkins   Thur   14/7   BBC4 @ 23.35

Florence Foster Jenkins was a rich New York heiress who only wanted one thing from life - to perform her songs onstage at Carnegie Hall. There was one issue though, Florence was a terrible singer. An amusing and surprisingly moving look at what can be achieved when you have enough money. Meryl Streep is tremendous as the eponymous character, I really wish she'd do more comedy. Simon Helberg and Hugh Grant as the men in her life do satisfying work too.

The Bridge To Terabithia   Fri   15/7   Great! Movies @ 16.30

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. A little beaut of a movie, one full of lessons about life, both the lovely and tragic sides of it. Anna Sophia Robb and Josh Hutcherson are both amiable leads. Be warned, this could/might/will upset you.

The Field   Fri   15/7   RTE1 @ 22.40

A field in 1960's Connemara becomes the catalyst for murder and heartbreak in this film version of the famous John B. Keane play. A staggering look into the dark heart of Irish country life and our primal ties to the land. Richard Harris gives a career best performance as the Bull McCabe, a one man force of nature and gets strong support from an almost silent Brenda Fricker, John Hurt and a very fresh faced Sean Bean.

15 films on TV this week to keep you in out of the rain

About Schmidt   Sat   2/7   TG4 @ 21.35

Schmidt is feeling adrift after his retirement and a tragic loss so he heads off on a trip to see his daughter and convince her not to make the mistakes he made. Alexander Payne's 2002 comedy drama won't be for everyone but if you can get on the same wavelength as the film's rather unlikable eponymous character you'll enjoy yourself. Jack Nicholson does seriously heavy lifting in the main role and the always brilliant Kathy Bates does wonders too.

The Void   Sat   2/7   The Horror Channel @ 22.50

A sheriff finds a man covered in blood on a lonely lane and brings him to hospital. Things get crazy fast. And gory. Oh so gory. This low budget 2016 horror thriller is a fun watch filled with inventive scares and some lovingly created practical special effects. If you are in anyway squeamish please do not watch! Or challenge yourself and go for it. Things happen to eyeballs and intestines that you'll never forget. The unknown cast do impressive work too.

Thirteen Days   Sat   2/7   RTE1 @ 23.15

October 1962. America learns of Russian plans to install nuclear weapons in Cuba. Then president John Fitzgerald Kennedy and his advisors must come up with a plan to curtail the danger these weapons pose without starting a world war. Even when you know things worked out ok it's still a tense and compulsive look at a terrifying time in world history. Bruce Greenwood, Kevin Costner and Steven Culp do fine work in a strong history lesson.

The Mummy   Sun   3/7   ITV4 @ 20.00

Cursed words are spoken aloud and the evil Imhotep arises from his tomb looking for the woman he loved thousands of years past. Only a brigand, a librarian and her weedy brother can stop him now in a battle that rages across the sands of Egypt. Stephen Sommers' 1999 blend of horror, action and comedy is a joy to watch, a perfect blend of scares and laughter with Brendan Fraser, Rachel Weisz and Arnold Vosloo all adding to the fun.

Dunkirk   Sun   3/7   BBC2 @ 21.00

Hitler has England beaten back to the coast of France. With their backs to the water there's nothing to do but wait to be rescued. Will the cavalry arrive on time? Christopher Nolan's 2017 war film is a good one, a tale both epic and intimate about terrified young men and the people coming to save their skins. Cillian Murphy, Barry Keoghan, Mark Rylance and Harry Styles among many others all play their parts well.

X The Unknown   Mon   4/7   Talking Pictures TV @ 15.30

A group of soldiers on patrol in Scotland find something dark, dangerous and bubbling in a crack in the earth. Scientists begin to investigate and bizarre theories are thrown around. From the pen of the prolific Jimmy Sangster comes an imaginative and unsettling slice of sci-fi that shows once again that less is always more when it comes to low budget movie making. Leo McKern and Dean Jagger are an effective central pairing.

Metal Heart   Mon   4/7   RTE1 @ 22.40

Twin sisters Emma and Chantal could not be more different if they tried. Emma is quiet, confused about life and channels her energy into her music. Chantal is adored by all, loves a party and has her future all planned out. Hugh O'Conor's debut feature film is a charmer, a funny and heartfelt look at growing up. Some lovely Dublin locations and effective turns from Jordanne Jones, Aaron Heffernan and Moe Dunford ensure you'll like this.

Cold War   Tue   5/7   Film4 @ 02.10

Wiktor is a musical director. Zula is a singer. They meet at work and fall for each other in post war Poland. Life is hard and they plan to defect to the west. But that's easier said than done. A stark and bittersweet love story that deftly portrays the lengths people will go to when they've fallen hard for someone. You'll probably feel awful when it's over but stunning turns from Joanna Kulig and Tomasz Kot will keep you watching.

Cold Creek Manor   Tues   5/7   Great! Movies @ 21.00

The Tilson's have moved to the country from the Big Apple and they've bought a big farm house to enjoy life in. But if you've ever seen a thriller or a horror you know that ain't going to happen. Mike Figgis's 2003 tale is a familiar one full of cliche but it's so well done and polished up you won't mind. Dennis Quaid and Sharon Stone do nice work as a father and mother who'll stand tall for their brood.

Gangster Squad   Thur   7/7   ITV4 @ 23.30

Totally ignored on it's release Gangster Squad is a brutal, pulpy and entertaining story of cops vs gangsters set in post war Los Angeles and it's well worth a watch. John O'Meara (My Da's name, I got a great kick out of this) played by Josh Brolin in full on tough guy mode, builds a team of cops to take down arch criminal Mickey Cohen. Bullets, blood and hard boiled dialogue fly across the screen. Just ignore it's rather loose take on historical fact and you'll be fine.

Lords Of Chaos   Thur   7/7   Film4 @ 01.15

In the early 90's the young men of Oslo took their metal music very seriously and efforts to one up each other led to a crime spree that made worldwide news. At the centre of it all were musicians Øystein Aarseth and Kristian Vikarnes. A true story so bonkers it will seem like fiction, laced with treacle black humour and some almost unwatchable bloodshed. It's not for the faint of heart but solid acting from Rory Culkin and Jack Kilmer add lightness to it.

The Wife   Thur   7/7   BBC4 @ 22.55

A writer called Joe is about to face the highlight of his literary existence and his wife Joan has sacrificed it all, her dreams, her work, her friends, to get him to this position in life. And now she's had enough. A powerful watch led by a stunner of a performance from Glenn Close as a woman who's had it up to *here* with the nonsense men can get away with. Jonathan Pryce as Joe puts in a mighty shift too.

Garage   Fri   8/7   Film4 @ 02.20

Josie lives a slow and solitary life in a small village in Offaly. One day a chance of friendship rears it's head but it doesn't take long for things to go sideways. Pat Shortt is a revelation in Lenny Abrahamson's quietly devastating tale of rural isolation. It sounds grim but it's a painfully real film that deserves to be seen. Anne-Marie Duff plays one of Josie's few friends and offers some respite from the darkness.

The Old Man And The Gun   Fri   8/7   RTE2 @ 22.30

Forrest Tucker knows life is catching up on him and so he decides to go out with a bang, escaping from jail, robbing banks and falling in love one last time. The last leading role of Robert Redford's before he retired from acting is a special one, wistful, nostalgic, full of reminders of why he's been famous for six decades now. The story itself is simple, elegant and well told and a lovely showing from Sissy Spacek gives it soul.

Pat Garrett And Billy The Kid   Fri   8/7   TG4 @ 22.35

Pat Garrett and William H. Bonney. Old friends and now new enemies. Garrett has taken the side of the law and he's chasing Bonney out of Lincoln county. Sam Peckinpah's 1973 western is a thing of beauty. A revisionist look at one of the Wild West's best known legends that never shies away from the brutality of outlaw life while paradoxically leaning into the romance of it all. Kris Kristofferson and James Coburn lead a cast absolutely packed with recognisable genre faces.

14 films to watch on TV this week

Borg V McEnroe   Sat   25/6   BBC2 @ 22.30

The year is 1980. The venue is Wimbledon. Bjorn Borg is king of the tennis world. 1980 could be his 5th consecutive victory. But a fiery American named John McEnroe is making waves. It's a little cheesy but it's a diverting look at a sporting rivalry that captured the imagination of the world and it's a film that you'll have fun with even if you don't get on with the sport it's about. Sverrir Gudnason and Shia LaBeouf both have a good time in the lead roles.

The Howling   Sat   25/6   The Horror Channel @ 23.00

After a traumatic incident a reporter goes to a mountain resort to relax and recover and here she discovers things are far from normal. An 80's horror classic that starts off creepy and ends up terrifying. Dee Wallace is a brilliant lead and the film is an absolute treat for film fans as it's packed full of in-jokes and famous faces from genre films. Plus Rick Baker's special effects rival any CGI you see in modern movies.

Attack The Block   Sat   25/6   Film4 @ 23.30

Guy Fawkes night. A council estate in south London. A mugging is prevented when a strange object falls from the sky. Now victim and villain must team up to fight something.....else. Joe Cornish's 2011 hybrid of comedy, science fiction and horror is a whole load of fun, tense in places, hilarious in others and with a cast led by Jodie Whittaker and John Boyega who all sell their parts perfectly.

The Thomas Crown Affair   Sun   26/6   5Star @ 22.55

Thomas Crown is a man who loves to steal. Catherine Banning is a woman who loves to get back what's stolen. One day they meet and oh my do sparks fly. John McTiernan's 1999 remake of the 1968 classic is enjoyable as hell and it easily recaptures the chemistry of the original courtesy of two compelling performances from a smouldering Rene Russo and a never more charming Pierce Brosnan.

God's Own Country   Sun   26/6   CH4 @ 23.55

Johnny Saxby despises his rural Yorkshire life and numbs himself with drink and anonymous sex. One day a Romanian farmhand named Gheorghe arrives and Johnny sees a chance for something new. This 2017 drama is a powerful watch, an earthy but moving paean to the wonders of love and taking chances. Josh O'Connor and Alec Secareanu both do phenomenal work while Ian Hart is aces in support.

The Red House   Mon   27/6   Talking Pictures TV @ 02.05

A teenage girl lives with her adoptive parents who've raised her since she was a baby. Now 15 years later she wants to explore the world and the building in the woods near her home that she's been warned away from has caught her eye. Edward G. Robinson, Allene Roberts & Judith Anderson provide serious heft to a murky and unsettling tale of past horror and it's rippling effects.

Tigerland   Mon   27/6   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. Here is 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. An excellent evocation of a very turbulent period. Watch out for Michael Shannon & Shea Whigham in early roles.

Enemy Of The State   Mon   27/6   ITV4 @ 23.25

A murder is accidentally caught on film and when the evidence is slipped to a lawyer without his knowledge, he finds himself running for his life while trying to uncover a conspiracy that reaches the higher echelons of Washington politics. Will Smith and Tony Scott combine their talents to give us a winning Saturday night watch. It's exciting, it's funny and it all leads to a satisfying climax. Gene Hackman, Regina King, Jason Lee, Lisa Bonet and many many more all do well.

Marie Antoinette   Tue   28/6   Great! Movies @ 03.40

A 14 year old girl from Austria is married to the future king of France to seal an alliance between the two countries. It is a life she is not ready for. Sofia Coppola's 2006 film is a feast for the senses and a dazzling look at the woman who supposedly uttered "Let them eat cake". Kirsten Dunst makes the eponymous role her own and is ably supported by a cast packed too full of famous faces to even begin to name.

Under The Skin   Tue   28/6   Film4 @ 23.10

There's a woman luring the men of Glasgow into her van with temptations of the flesh and well...... I'll be honest, you just have to see it for yourself. Jonathan Glazer's 2013 film is one that defies description. It's a haunting, terrifying, sensual and mesmerising tale that will worm it's way into your head and mingle with your dreams for weeks to come. Scarlet Johannson carries the film with a brave, deeply unsettling turn.

Death Race   Thu   30/6   ITV4 @ 23.15

In the near future (actually 2012!) prisoners with life sentences are forced to take part in murderous armoured car races for the entertainment of the televisual masses. One man decides to buck the system. Add a ridiculous concept, a dash of carnage, an agreeable Jason Statham performance and a barnstorming turn from Joan Allen as a prison warden and you get an agreeable 2 hrs of crash, bang, wallop.

Imitation Of Life   Fri   1/7   TCM @ 16.45

Sarah Jane has a secret and it's tearing her apart. She's an African American woman who can pass for white and in 1950's America it ensures an easier life for her. But what of the people she's left behind? Douglas Sirk's intense and emotional drama about race and class may be 63 years old but it still packs a hell of a punch. Susan Kohner, Juanita Moore and Lana Turner are truly wonderful in their parts.

House Of Whipcord   Fri   1/7   Talking Pictures TV @ 23.00

A model is arrested for indecency when her photographer boyfriend displays a photo of her at an exhibition. She finds solace with a sympathetic friend but soon realises she's stumbled into a hellish place. Pete Walker's psychological horror drama from 1974 is still disturbing 48 years after it's release. A grim and brooding treatise on morality and those who wish to police it. Penny Irving is a solid lead.

Finding Your Feet   Fri   1/7   RTE1 @ 22.40

A woman's retirement plans are blown to hell when she discovers her marriage is a long term sham and she legs it to London to stay with her sister. To say they are chalk and cheese is an understatement. This gentle comedy drama works because of it's realistic central pairing and watching Imelda Staunton and Celia Imrie tearing strips off each other is good craic, but there's plenty of heart behind the barbs too. Timothy Spall and Joanna Lumley in support add a lot.

15 films on TV this week to absorb into your eyeballs

Prince Of Darkness   Sat  18/6   The Horror Channel @ 21.00

Strangeness abounds in the basement of a Los Angeles church when a priest, a professor and a bunch of his students investigate something supernatural that's been found there. Danger lies within and soon enough outside too. John Carpenter's 1987 horror isn't one of his best but there's a whole lot of chaotic fun to be had here along with some really bizarre imagery. Donald Pleasance leads a game cast.

Ready Or Not   Sat   18/6   Film4 @ 23.40

Grace is about to be married to Alex, a member of the wildly wealthy Le Domas family, a rich, seemingly normal family. She gets invited to their estate to meet them and discovers they... well they are odder than she thought. A brilliantly enjoyable horror comedy from 2019 that earns it's 18 certificate with ease. Ready Or Not is one to go into cold so just lie back and enjoy the madness. Samara Weaving, Andy McDowell and Henry Czerny all add nicely to the mix.

Ghosts Of Mississippi   Sun   19/6   RTE1 @ 00.40

In 1963 Medgar Evers was fatally shot in the back by a white supremacist called Byron De La Beckwith. It being the deep south the murderer was found not guilty but Medgar's widow Myrlie wasn't giving up on justice. This true life tale is a harsh watch with James Woods very convincing (cough) as a hate filled bigot. Alec Baldwin leads the film as a prosecutor but it's Whoopi Goldberg's poignant turn as Myrlie that will stay with you.

Philomena   Sun   19/6   BBC1 @ 22.30

A woman searching for her long lost son hires a journalist to help her take on the might of the catholic church who forced her, as a teen, to give up her child. A heartbreaking true story about corruption and motherly love with an immense performance from Judi Dench in the title role. An upsetting, angry and poignant watch that still finds time for a touch of some much needed laughter amongst the rage.

Like Father, Like Son   Mon   20/6   Film4 @ 01.30

Ryōta , a Japanese architect, loves his job. So much so he's neglecting his wife and son, a son that he's about to find something out about that will change his family's life for good. A profound mediation on family and love and the invisible ties that bind us all and also an insight into the sides of Japanese culture that western audiences may be baffled by. Masaharu Fukuyama and Machiko Ono are strong leads.

Boy Erased   Mon   20/6   TG4 @ 21.30

Jared's a gay college student who just wants to be happy but living in the deep south and having a religious family makes it impossible, especially when he's sent to a conversion therapy camp. You'll probably finish this film in a vile mood but it's an important look at the horrors of fundamentalism and homophobia. Russell Crowe as Jared's father is a bit pantomime but Lucas Hedges and Nicole Kidman will break your heart.

The Bank Job   Tue   21/6   Great! Movies @ 21.00

Jason Statham. In a polo neck. In the 1960's. And he's called Terry Leather. Bank Robberies. Cups of tea. Royal porn. Toyah from Coronation Street. More cups of tea. Ham radio. A fun and tense thriller about a bank robbery in swinging 60's London and the chaos that hits in it's wake. A different type of Jason Statham film but well worth a watch. Did I mention he's called Terry Leather. Best name ever.

The Place Beyond The Pines   Tue   21/6   BBC2 @ 23.15

The existences of four men crash together in a small town tale of crime and corruption. Set over fifteen years it's a tale about the cyclical nature of life and how acts of violence have effects that take a long time to fade away. It's top flight cast includes Ryan Gosling, Mahershala Ali, Bradley Cooper, Eva Mendez and Ray Liotta who are all on mighty form. A long but gripping watch that feels like a mini series condensed into movie form. But in a good way.

The Exorcist III   Wed   22/6   The Horror Channel @ 22.55

Washington DC is being terrorised by a series of unsolved murders that are similar to the work of a dead man. An obsessed cop is on the trail and the clues are leading him to a psychiatric hospital where a different kind of patient is waiting. The second sequel to the 1973 classic is a messy affair but it's a genuinely scary and unsettling watch too. Plus it has THE best jump scare of all time. George C. Scott and Brad Dourif are a wicked pair of leads.

Honey Boy   Wed   22/6   Film4 @ 23.20

It's 1995. Otis Lort is a child actor who's star is on the rise. His father James is his manager but he's jealous of his son's success and he's a self destructive mess. Will Otis get eaten up by the twin influences in his life? A veiled biopic of star Shia LaBeouf's (he plays his father here) life. It's a tough going and eye opening look at the Hollywood machine and how it devours all that come in contact with it. LaBeouf and young Noah Jupe do powerful work as father and son.

Hell Drivers   Thu   23/6   Talking Pictures TV @ 16.30

An ex-con wants to leave crime behind so takes a job with a trucking company but it's dangerous work methods and bullying colleagues leave him wondering what exactly is the company agenda. A solid slice of British film noir from 1957 that packs it's lean running time with plenty of suspense, action and memorable characters courtesy of Stanley Baker, Patrick McGoohan, Herbert Lom and a young Sean Connery.

The African Queen   Thu   23/6   BBC4 @ 21.00

Rose is a missionary in Africa during the Great War. Her supplies are delivered by the rough and ready Charlie. Violence encroaches on her misson and she has to leave with Charlie. The pair are like chalk and cheese. And now they are alone on a boat. John Huston's 1951 comedy drama is still a highly entertaining affair. You know how it will end but all the fun here is in the journey and Katherine Hepburn and Humphrey Bogart are a great pair to spend time with.

The Thing   Thu   23/6   The Horror Channel @ 22.00

The men of a research station in Antarctica find things getting very creepy when a huskie arrives at their camp followed by the chopper that's been chasing it. John Carpenter's scifi/horror is a masterpiece of tension, paranoia and amazing practical special effects that 40 years later still put CGI to shame. Kurt Russell, Keith David, Donald Moffat and Wilford Brimley lead a cast that's second to none.

When Harry Met Sally   Fri   24/6   BBC1 @ 22.40

Harry and Sally have been friends forever. They chat first thing in the AM and last thing in the PM. They'd be fantastic together. Their friends think so. But they claim they can just be friends without other nonsense getting in the way. Rob Reiner's comedy drama is a classic. Endlessly amusing and quotable and full of moments you'll know even if you're new to the film. Meg Ryan, Billy Crystal, Carrie Fisher and Bruno Kirby are all superb.

Red Heat   Fri   24/6   Film4 @ 23.45

West and East clash in midtown Chicago when a cop-killing Russian mobster is hunted down by a hulking Moscow military agent and the wisecracking yank policeman he's teamed up with. Walter Hill's 1988 comedy thriller just nails that sweet spot of fun and crunching violence. James Belushi will annoy you but Arnold Schwarzeneggar does his usual thing wonderfully. Plus Ed O'Ross's bad guy is perfectly vicious.

15 films to enjoy on TV this week

The Fog   Sat   11/6   The Horror Channel @ 21.00

Director John Carpenter is in wicked form with a genuinely spooky and scary tale of ghostly pirates taking their revenge on a seaside town that let them down many years before. His 1980 horror has a lovely old fashioned feel with violence and gore kept to a minimum and atmosphere and creepiness ruling the roost. Horror legends Jamie Lee Curtis, Adrienne Barbeau, Janet Leigh and Tom Atkins all hit their mark in a genre classic.

21 Bridges   Sat   11/6   BBC1 @ 22.20

Five cops have just been viciously gunned down by two armed robbers and the full force of the NYPD is out to get them. Leading the fight back is Andre Davis who shuts down every way in and way out of Manhattan. You've seen everything here before but when it's this slick and well put together you won't really mind. Crunchy, fast moving saturday night fare powered by a strong turn from the late and much missed Chadwick Boseman.

Parked   Sun   12/6   RTE1 @ 01.00

After years away a man named Fred returns to Dublin and finds himself in financial trouble and living out of his car. Things are looking bad until he makes a new friend. Colm Meaney is, as always, on fire in a story of the recession and what it did to the normal people of Ireland. Dark and grim in some places, hilarious in others and well worth your time. There's fine support from Colin Morgan too.

Akeelah And The Bee   Sun   12/6   Film4 @ 12.50

Akeelah's a young girl from Los Angeles who's getting in trouble in school a lot lately but a propensity for spelling might just be what she needs to get back on the right track. Imagine the Karate kid but with spelling competitions and you'll get what this lovely and humane drama from 2006 is all about. It's a feel good film but one that isn't afraid to shine a light on systemic racism. Keke Palmer, Laurence Fishburne and Angela Bassett all do nice work.

Vertigo   Sun   12/6   RTE1 @ 13.40

An intense story of obsession sees a detective hired to investigate a woman who he soon becomes consumed by. One of Alfred Hitchcock's many masterworks and maybe even the best of them. It's wonderfully brought to life by Kim Novak & James Stewart with assured direction from the man himself and a plot full of complexity and twists and turns. 13.40 is an odd time for it though, Vertigo's a film for a dark evening with a glass of something strong.

The Desperate Hours   Mon   13/6   Talking Pictures TV @ 02.00

Three scumbags are on the run following a prison break and they hold up in a house belonging to the Hilliard family while they wait for the next part of their plan to arrive. 67 years old and it's still a nail bitingly suspenseful story due to a hateful and unpredictable turn from a sweaty and nervous Humphrey Bogart. A movie that will leave you thinking about what you'd do for your family in the same situation. So much better than the 90's remake.

Speed   Mon   13/6   ITV4 @ 21.00

There's a bomb on a bus. If the bus goes over 50 mph it arms. If it goes under 50 mph it goes boom. Only one man can stop it. 28 years after it was released Speed still rocks. Tense, crunchy, surprisingly funny, full of characters you'll actually give a damn about, a cool bad guy turn from Dennis Hopper and the heroic duo of Keanu Reeves and Sandra Bullock. It's a perfect summer action flick.

Silence   Mon   13/6   BBC2 @ 23.15

Two young Jesuit priests, Sebastião and Francisco, are sent to 17th century Japan to find Father Ferreira, who has renounced his faith. In Edo-era Japan though, their kind are far from welcome. Martin Scorsese's 2016 drama will definitely not be for everyone but it's a rewarding watch, if you can take it's pace. Andrew Garfield is so good as a man struggling against all odds to hold on to everything he believes in.

Romy And Michelle's High School Reunion   Tues   14/6   Great! Movies @ 21.00

Romy and Michelle. Inseparable. Best friends forever. They are off to their 10 year high school reunion and once again their quirkiness is catching the eyes of the mean girls who made their educational experience so miserable. They have a plan though. A really likable comedy, infectiously goofy and silly and propelled by Lisa Kudrow and Mira Sorvino and the brilliant chemistry bubbling between them.

Winchester '73   Tues   14/6   Film4 @ 17.10

The first and one of the best of a series of westerns James Stewart made with director Anthony Mann. Stewart stars as a sharpshooter who's gun is robbed from him and passes through many people's hands during the course of the next few years. A well crafted, perfectly paced and exciting film with a final shootout that is still influencing films today. Watch out for and cringe when you see a young Rock Hudson as a native American....

The Seventh Voyage Of Sinbad   Wed   15/6   The Horror Channel @ 12.00

Sinbad and his gang of sailors are on a quest to help a princess cursed by an evil wizard and their seventh voyage is about to be a memorable one. For all the wrong reasons. Here's a classic slice of cinema to bring your right back to your childhood, packed with brilliant monstrous creations from Ray Harryhausen, the master of special effects. The story is slight, the acting is slighter but the imagination on display here is through the roof.

The Colour Purple   Thu   16/6   BBC4 @ 21.00

Celie Johnson has grown up hard in the deep south of the early 20th century. First abused by her father and then her husband, she's lost all sense of self and family and it's only when she meets a singer called Shug does life begin to make sense. Steven Spielberg's 1985 drama is a harsh and painful look at the horrors of patriarchy that really makes you earn the film's powerful ending. Whoopi Goldberg, Oprah Winfrey and Danny Glover are mighty in their roles.

Concrete Plans   Thu   16/6   Film4 @ 23.20

A group of builders renovating a Welsh farmhouse find themselves in bother when matters of finance and jealousy clash and bubble over. Just like concrete itself this is a solid blend, but instead of sand, gravel and cement, it's Straw Dogs, Emmerdale and Blood Simple.  An intense and brooding tale with better than usual characterisation and fine performances from Steve Speirs, Chris Reilly and Goran Bogdan

Pineapple Express   Fri   17/6   Great! Movies @ 21.00

Pineapple Express, the name for the best weed in all of Los Angeles. Created by the government and loved by Dale Denton, a process server who witnesses a murder one night and who gets caught up in a dangerous and hazy conspiracy. If you are able for Seth Rogen you'll enjoy yourself here, there's some full on belly laughs, an unpredictable storyline and quite a bit of brutal violence. Gary Coleman, Rosie Perez, Danny McBride and Craig Robinson add fun support.

Once Upon A Time In The West   Fri   17/6   TG4 @ 22.20

A widowed woman, an almost hanged bandit and a man with a harmonica team up for revenge against a backdrop of the railroad construction era of America's wild west. If you haven't seen this Sergio Leone masterpiece I'm green with envy. If you have, here's an excuse to luxuriate in it again. It's excellent, the action, the music, the sweltering atmosphere, everything. Charles Bronson, Claudia Cardinale, Jason Robards and especially Henry Fonda all amaze.

15 films on TV this week you might like

Assault On Precinct 13   Sat   4/6   The Horror Channel @ 21.00

The LAPD has just come down heavily on the Street Thunder Gang. They want revenge. A father and his daughter are caught in the middle. Chaos ensues. John Carpenter's 1976 crime thriller might be a bit dated now but it's still a thrilling, nail biting movie that will definitely shock you if you haven't seen it before. Austin Stoker and Darwin Joston lead a mostly unknown cast in robust fashion.

Lullaby   Sat   4/6   BBC2 @ 21.00

Miriam has decided to return to work, a choice her husband isn't happy with. But she sticks to her guns and hires a nanny called Louise and well..... you'll just have to see. This 2019 French drama is a very watchable one but don't go into it expecting The Hand That Rocks The Cradle part deux. It's more intelligent and interesting than that and strong turns from Leïla Bekhti and Karin Viard keep things moving nicely.

Ford Vs Ferrari   Sat   4/6   RTE1 @ 21.25

Carroll Shelby and Ken Miles, designer and driver respectively of the Ford GT40, the car that will finally end Ferrari's superiority on the race track. Here's their story and it's as entertaining as Hollywood movies get, a film most viewers will enjoy even if they don't give a fig about the sport of car racing. Matt Damon, our own Caitriona Balfe, Christian Bale, Jon Bernthal, Tracey Letts, all are having fun here and that fun translates wonderfully to our screens.

The Cured   Sun   5/6   RTE2  @ 01.15

Dublin in the aftermath of a zombie plague is a strange place to live. It's even stranger for the zombies who have been cured because they can remember exactly who they killed and ate during their infection. It leads to some....issues. This 2017 Irish horror is a deadly twist on an old story. It's as bloody and gory as you'd expect but it's clever and subversive as well and a hefty cast including Tom Vaughn-Lawlor, Elliot Page and Sam Keeley do nice work.

Shenandoah   Sun   5/6   RTE1 @ 14.45

Charlie Anderson lives a quiet, peaceful and contented life on his Virginian farm with his six sons. The civil war soon encroaches, a conflict he wants no part of, but one he's forced into when his family get involved. A fine, handsomely mounted anti war western epic that takes it's time and nails it's ending. James Stewart leads a cast packed with dozens of faces you'll recognise from a hundred other westerns.

The Royal Tenenbaums   Sun   5/6   Great! Movies @ 23.05

Chas, Margot, and Richie Tenenbaum, three immensely gifted teenagers who succeeded wildly in whatever they tried. Nowadays they are three deeply broken adults, ruined by their father's actions. Wes Anderson's 2001 comedy drama is funnier than it sounds but there's also a vein of sadness and humanity running through it that will stay with you. It's also his last great film before he fell up his own backside. Owen Wilson, Gwyneth Paltrow, Gene Hackman and Angelica Huston all nail their parts.

The Ground Beneath My Feet   Mon   6/6   Film4 @ 01.40

Lola has a laser focus on her job. She's a perfectionist and it transfers over to her personal life as well. Everything is ordered, everything is in it's right place. Everything except the secret she keeps about her family, a secret that's about to ruin her. Made in Austria in 2019, it is an intense one, a twisting, noir-ish, gripping and intelligently told story that lets a stellar turn from Valerie Pachner digs its claws into you.

The Silence Of The Lambs   Mon   6/6   TG4 @ 22.15

Women are being killed and an imprisoned murderer may have the answers and it's up to a fresh faced FBI trainee to figure out the clues he's giving her. Aspects of Jonathan Demme's multi Oscar winning psychological thriller/horror have dated badly but it still packs one hell of a punch. A suspenseful, vicious and darkly funny story powered by exceedingly effective turns from Jodie Foster and Anthony Hopkins.

Only The Brave   Tues   7/6   Film4 @ 18.25

Eric Marsh is the superintendent of an Arizona fire fighting crew and he's taking a chance on Brendan McDonough, a young man who's let drugs ruin his life. It's wildfire season and now Brendan really has to step up. A tough tale, based on a real life story, about the underpaid, under-resourced heroes who put their neck on the line to save people every day. Josh Brolin, Jennifer Connelly and Miles Teller do well leading a packed cast. 

The Brood   Wed   8/6   The Horror Channel @ 02.40

A psychiatrist is using some rather unorthodox techniques to help his patients deal with their issues and the parents of one patient are realising it's doing more harm than good. David Cronenberg's 1979 horror is absolutely bonkers and it's premise will be too much for some to swallow but if you go with it you'll have some horrible, uncomfortable squirmy fun. Oliver Reed brings his usual intensity to bear as the doctor.

Goodbye Columbus   Wed   8/6   Talking Pictures TV @ Midnight

A man and woman meet and fall in love in late 60's New Jersey. He's an ex soldier and she's a student. Both are Jewish but they still come from different worlds and find that social classes are very much a thing. An adaption of Philip Roth's story that's a bitingly honest look at how love sometimes just isn't enough for a relationship to work. Ali McGraw does well in her debut movie but Richard Benjamin steals the show.

A Star Is Born   Thur   9/6   BBC4 @ 22.40

The 1954 version. Norman's career is on the ropes, drink has ruined him, but one night he meets a showgirl called Esther and spots a chance to help her and revitalise himself. But Hollywood is an unforgiving place and alcohol is an unforgiving drug. Judy Garland and James Mason are excellent in a heartbreaking cautionary tale. It's almost 154 minutes long but you'll be glued to every single one of them.

Overlord   Thur   9/6   Film4 @ 23.50

D-Day. 6th of June, 1944. Paratroopers are descending on Normandy to take on the might of the German army but little do they suspect what's lurking in the darkness under the small town they must infiltrate. Ok, this action/horror is probably the goriest WWII film you'll ever see so avoid if you are squeamish but if you enjoy seeing nazis dying horribly you'll have a whale of a time here. Jovan Adepo and Wyatt Russell do decent work as the guys in charge.

Creed   Fri   10/6   RTE1 @ 22.35

Adonis Creed wants to follow in his father's footsteps and to do so he looks up to the only man who could ever challenge him, Rocky Balboa. No one expected the 7th installment in the Rocky series to work but it's a fantastic achievement and one that sees Rocky stepping down to a supporting role as a new contender steps up. Michael B. Jordan, Tessa Thompson and of course Sylvester Stallone all do amazing work.

The Flesh And Blood Show   Fri   10/6   Talking Pictures TV @ 22.55

The stage of an abandoned theater beside the sea becomes stained red with blood when a group of actors brought together by a mysterious benefactor start dying in strange and ghoulish ways. Infamous horror maestro Pete Walker's 1972 horror thriller is as sleazy and silly as you can imagine but it's also a fun and inventively grisly friday night watch. Ray Brooks and Jenny Hanley are the standouts here.

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RIP Ray Liotta

"This unabridged version of Goodfellas contains strong language and extremely violent scenes." The reason i remember these words 28 years later is because I taped the film and watched it about 20 times.

Words that were like manna from heaven for a 15 year old film fan about to be introduced to the films of Martin Scorsese courtesy of RTE1 and their Easter Monday 9.30 pm film slot. 

It blew our minds.

Joe Pesci from My Cousin Vinny and Lethal Weapon 2. Robert De Niro from Midnight Run and The Godfather Part 2. But who was this guy playing Henry Hill? Ray Liotta?? With the fuck you demeanour and the kill you in a second eyes. Jesus he was brilliant. That clip clop walk across the road to pistol whip the schmuck who touched Karen. The fear in his eyes and then the relief spilling over during the "How am I funny?"speech. Coked up and paranoid as fuck in his final day as a gangster. How had I never seen him before and where could I see more? Turns out I had seen him in Field Of Dreams but his take on Shoeless Joe Jackson was a million miles from his Henry Hill.

But looking back on it now the intensity was there alright. That stare. Piercing, used to brilliant effect in Unlawful Entry, Something Wild, Narc, No Escape, Copland. He should have been a megastar off the back of Goodfellas but it never really happened. But his career was a lot more interesting than anyone pumping out blockbusters. Poor unfortunate Markie in Killing Them Softly. Getting to eat his own brain in Hannibal. Being the dictionary definition of venal in The Place Beyond The Pines. Brilliantly portraying one side of the law in The Iceman and the other in Observe And Report and always pinning you to the seat while he did it with ease.

And now he's gone. Passed in his sleep at 67. No age at all. Never reached the egg noodles and ketchup stage. Never once lived his life as a schnook. 

17 films on TV this week to keep you entertained for a few hours everyday

The Changeling   Sat   21/5   The Horror Channel @ 21.00

The aftermath of a horrible tragedy sees John move to Seattle and there he finds a long vacant house to live in. Of course something strange is lurking in the house's dark corners. A genuinely well crafted ghost story that thankfully relies on slowburn tension and proper scares instead of blood and guts. George C. Scott is the star of the show but keep and ear out for the soundtrack too, it's *chefs kiss*

Desperately Seeking Susan   Sat   21/5   TG4 @ 22.30

Roberta is living her worst life in New Jersey and to stave off the boredom she travels into New York to spy on a meeting between two people who's interactions she's noticed in a personal ad in the local paper. Things get wild. Madonna's film debut is a funny, exciting and invigorating love letter to New York City and the chemistry between her and Rosanna Arquette could power a small village.

Happy Death Day   Sat   21/5   Film4 @ 23.20

It's Tree's birthday and she's loving her college life. Until she's murdered. Then she wakes up again and has to relive her final day over and over again until she can change what's coming for her. A cross of Scream and Groundhog Day and a very entertaining one at that. It's tame for a horror movie but there's plenty of earned scares and a dark sense of humour running throughout. Jessica Rothe and Ruby Modine have a good time in charge.

Jackie Brown   Sun  22/5   Great! Movies @ 00.05

An air hostess arrested for smuggling money finds herself caught between a drug dealer and the law and decides to make things work for herself. Arguably Quentin Tarantino's most accomplished and mature film to date. It lacks the usual blood & fireworks of his films but makes up for it with glorious dialogue and acting and a stunner of a cast including Pam Grier as Jackie with Samuel L. Jackson, Robert Forster, Bridget Fonda & Robert De Niro in fine supporting form.

Cal   Sun  22/5   RTE2 @ 00.15

A young man acts as the driver during the assassination of an RUC member in 1970's Northern Ireland. A year later he meets the man's widow. There's attraction but there's also a horrible dark cloud looming over both. Pat O'Connor's 1984 drama is a compelling look at the sides of the troubles that tend to go unseen. Helen Mirren and John Lynch both do interesting work in a dark and gritty film about pain, regret and loss.

Coco   Sun   22/5   BBC1 @ 14.05

A little Mexican boy called Miguel wants to be a musician but his family are having none of it. When an accident sends him to the land of the dead he finds an ancestor who can help him with his problem. Pixar's 2017 animated film is a perfect Sunday family film that will leave you an emotional mess when it's over. Beautiful, humane, rib tickling, clever and very touching. Anthony Gonzalez and Gael García Bernal do strong voice work here.

Hustlers   Sun   22/5   RTE1 @ 21.30

The women of Moves, a New York City strip club, are struggling financially and they've come up with a plan; instead of being preyed on by the rich Wall Street elite, they're going to turn the tables. This 2019 comedy drama rocks, a funny, intelligent and surprisingly moving look at the unseen side of the 2007 financial crisis. Constance Wu is a wicked lead but Jennifer Lopez owns the movie and every single scene she's in.

No Country For Old Men   Mon   23/5   TG4 @ 21.30

A man chasing deer finds himself in a world of hurt after he absconds with money found after a drug deal gone wrong. This thriller from the Coen Brothers is a magnificent watch. A gripping tale from the pen of Cormac McCarthy that will have you on the edge of your chair as the hunter becomes the hunted. The cast is first rate too with Josh Brolin, Kelly McDonald, Woody Harrelson, Tommy Lee Jones and Javier Bardem all lashing into meaty roles.

Single White Female   Mon   23/5   Great! Movies @ 22.55

Allie's looking for a roommate after a breakup and Hedy's the one. Hedy's a bit clingy though, a bit intense and when the earlier break up is reconciled....Hedy isn't too happy about the fact. Some aspects of Barbet Schroeder's 1992 psychological thriller have dated in the preceding years but it's still a fine watch, tense in places and vicious in others. The pairing of Jennifer Jason Leigh and Bridget Fonda really works too.

The Innocents   Mon   23/5   Talking Pictures TV @ 23.50

When she's hired into the position of governess in a country estate, a woman called Miss Giddens begins to suspect something ghoulish is menacing the children she's supposed to look after so she sets out to protect them. A stylish and intelligent horror that's still creepy as hell after 60 years, evoking the power of suggestion in a brilliantly effective manner. Deborah Kerr and Michael Redgrave do great work.

We Own The Night    Tues   24/5   TCM @ 21.00

Brighton Beach, Brooklyn. 1988. Two brothers on either side of the law find their lives changed for the worse by their dealings with the Russian mafia. James Gray's crime drama is in my opinion one of the most underrated crime dramas of the century. A nail biting thriller and an intense family tale and all based on an (almost unbelievably) true story. Mark Wahlberg, Joaquin Phoenix, Robert Duvall and Eva Mendes are firing on all cylinders here.

The Handmaiden   Wed   25/5   Film4 @ 01.10

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 movie 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.

Went The Day Well?   Thu   26/5   Talking Pictures TV @ 18.10

A small English town is infiltrated by undercover German soldiers during World War 2. The villagers are having none of it though. Like a cross between Emmerdale and Where Eagles Dare, it's a unique little war film. Made in 1942 and quite brutal for it's time. Exciting stuff, properly surprising in places and well acted by Leslie Fields in particular. Really worth watching, an effective curio even if it is basically propaganda.

Catch Me If You Can   Thu   26/5   Film4 @ 18.15

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 mighty 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 enjoyable while bearing a dark cautionary edge.

Suspicion   Thu   26/5   BBC4 @ 21.00

Onboard a train a shy young, rich woman meets a charmer and it isn't long before she falls for him. But is he what he seems? From the master of thrillers Alfred Hitchcock comes another romantic and twisty/turny cracker that will keep you guessing. Joan Fontaine and Cary Grant are the leads and play off each other fantastically. Grant lashes on his usual charm and Fontaine deserves every award she won for her role.

The Long Riders   Fri   27/5   TG4 @ 21.05

A unique take on the tale of Jesse James and his gang of outlaws. Not the story, that's nicely told but nothing new, it's the casting that makes it stand out. The real life gang was made up of 4 sets of brothers and here they are played by real life brothers. The Carradines, the Keachs, the Quaids & the Guests. It's clever & ensures real chemistry. Walter Hill's film is violent, tense and underrated. There's lovely music from Ry Cooder too.

Terms Of Endearment   Fri   27/5   RTE2 @ 23.40

Aurora and Emma are a mother and daughter who've a love/hate relationship. Through life's ups and downs they wax and wane but blood will always connect them. This James L. Brooks Oscar winner from 1980 will strike a chord with many viewers and will upset you but it's rarely mawkish and never feels forced due to a trio of excellent performances from Shirley MacLaine, Debra Winger and Jack Nicholson.

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17 films to lash into on TV this week

Becky   Sat   14/5   The Horror Channel @ 21.00

A daughter and father with a strained relationship go on a holiday to reconnect. They have the misfortune to run into a group of escaped nazi prisoners. Or rather the nazis have the misfortune of running into Becky. Unfairly overlooked in 2020 because of covid but really worth rediscovering. An exceedingly violent black comedy action thriller starring Lulu Wilson and a rather different looking Kevin James.

Platoon   Sat   14/5   TG4 @ 21.20

A new recruit finds himself torn between two sergeants in the earlier days of the Vietnam conflict. One represents hope and humanity, the other the horrors of war and the dark side of the human psyche. Oliver Stone's 1986 war drama was one that made audiences stare in horror at America's complicity in the atrocities of war and it's still a scathing indictment 36 years later. Charlie Sheen. Tom Berenger and Willem Dafoe bring their best here.

This Is Spinal Tap   Sat   14/5   BBC2 @ 22.40

Spinal Tap are on the comeback trail and Marty DeBergi is along for the ride to film their exploits. The resulting documentary is glorious. The film that made mockumentaries a thing is a priceless couple of hours as David, Nigel and Derek make fools of themselves at every turn courtesy of spot on performances from Harry Shearer, Michael McKean & Christopher Guest. Stonehenge, all the way to eleven, dead drummers, even if you haven't seen it you'll know it.

Piranhas   Sun   15/5   BBC2 @ 01.00

The neighbourhood of Rione Sanità in Naples is a dangerous place, falling apart, rife with poverty and riddled with crime. A group of teenage boys see what the gangsters running the place have and they want it too. An award winner from 2019, it's a harsh, upsetting look at the abject misery that lies at the heart of one of Italy's most famous cities. The acting from a mostly amateur cast won't always convince but it's a substantial story nonetheless.

Rosie   Sun   15/5   BBC3 @ 20.40

The Davis family are in big trouble. They're homeless and spend their days in their car trying to sort out accommodation for the night. Their kids are having trouble in school and mam Rosie is feeling helpless. This recent Irish drama is a heartbreaking indictment of the appalling state of modern day Ireland and the disastrous agencies running it. Sarah Greene and Moe Dunford are flawless in an upsetting and thought provoking story from Roddy Doyle.

Official Secrets   Sun   15/5   RTE1 @ 21.30

A woman working for the UK government comes across a memo detailing blackmail being used to push countries into the post 9/11 invasion of Iraq. The only thing she can do is leak the document and it ruins her life. Based on a true story, Official Secrets is an angering and sobering look at government and media manipulation of facts and figures and the people who get shafted in the process. Keira Knightley does well leading a stacked cast of famous faces.

Ordinary Love   Sun   15/5   BBC2 @ 22.00

Joan and Tom have been married forever. Their love is strong but a health diagnosis is about to show them what their relationship is really made of. A real change of pace from Liam Neeson as kicks and headbutts are replaced by tenderness and affection but Lesley Manville owns the show as a woman dealing with a disease that will touch us all eventually. A tough and upsetting watch but you'll be glad you stuck with it.

Hallam Foe   Mon   16/5   Film4 @ 01.30

From his tree house in the woods Hallam loves to spy on people. He's a weird chap, he hates his stepmother and his problems stem from a tragedy in his past. A move to Edinburgh might be just what he needs. A dark and dreamlike coming of age film that might give you the ick but Jamie Bell is so good in the lead role that you'll eventually be able to look past his damage and see the broken heart trying to fix itself.

Re-Animator   Mon   16/5   The Horror Channel @ 22.55

80's horror at its best in a tale of a psychotic student scientist who has figured out the secret to re-animating dead flesh. Everything goes pear shaped of course. In the goriest way possible. A very entertaining film if you have a steel stomach and a willingness to just go with the bizarre onscreen events. Jeffrey Combs has the role of a lifetime as the man with the plan. Don't view if you are in any way squeamish.

The Graduate   Tues   17/5   BBC2 @ 23.15

"Here's to you Mrs Robinson". We all know the song but here is the film it's from. Dustin Hoffman is at his geeky best as a man who becomes involved with an 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.

Drag Me To Hell   Tues   17/5   BBC3 @ 23.40

Sam Raimi's hilariously gooey & crunchy tale of a young woman's mistake and her efforts to fix that mistake. Alison Lohman has a whale of a time in the lead role and certainly earns her pay as she gets thrown around the screen like the Coyote in the old Roadrunner cartoons. The ideal horror film for people who claim not to like horror. It's a load of laughs and you'll snort as much as you roar at the screen

The Blood On Satan's Claw   Wed   18/5   Talking Pictures TV @ 00.05

A rural village in 18th century England is thrown into upheaval when an evil looking skull is unearthed by a plough and sinister things start happening in the aftermath. A prime example of folk horror, a sub-genre from the early 70's that would still give you the chills nearly 50 years later. It's hefty stuff, that in places will offend but it's genuinely effective. Patrick Wymark, Linda Hayden and Barry Andrews all do nice work.

Demolition   Wed   18/5   Film4 @ 01.30

When his personal and work life are both turned upside down a banker decides to demolish his old way of living and start afresh. This 2015 drama was overlooked on it's initial release but it's a well crafted look at grief and the effects it can have both physically and mentally on a person. Jake Gyllenhaal is a reliable lead as always and gets solid backing from Naomi Watts, Chris Cooper and in his debut role, Jodah Lewis.

Crimson Tide   Wed   18/5   Great! Movies @ 21.00

An interrupted transmission to a submarine leads to confusion and eventually onboard civil war when the crew find themselves in a moral quandry that could affect the future of life on earth. Tony Scott's 1995 thriller is a claustrophobic & sweaty watch that still has the power to wrack your nerves even if you know how it ends. Denzel Washington and Gene Hackman are both on fire and get strong support from George Dzundza, Viggo Mortensen and the late James Gandolfini.

Citizen Kane   Thur   19/5   BBC4 @ 21.00

One of the richest men in America has just died and as he passed he uttered one final word. A word that has reporters delving into his past in a bid to uncover what they think is a mystery. Put your feet up and take in one of the finest films ever made, a classic that deserves it's place in every top 10 list of the past 80 years. A magnificently mounted drama, one years, decades ahead of it's time and one propelled by a stunner of a leading turn from it's writer/director/star Orson Welles.

Demolition Man   Fri   20/5   ITV4 @ 21.00

In San Angeles 2032 a good guy out of time is brought into action to deal with a bad guy out of time. A wickedly enjoyable action comedy, one of the best of the 90's. Sylvester Stallone is in peak form as the hero, Sandra Bullock sparkles in an early role and Wesley Snipes has an absolute ball as the baddest man in California. A superb vision of what's to come too, a bright, clean, friendly nightmare of a future.

Bringing Out The Dead   Fri   20/5   Talking Pictures TV @ 21.05

Frank's an ambulance paramedic in New York and he's having a bad run. He's not saved a life in months and he's on the verge of a huge burnout. Then he meets Mary. Martin Scorsese's 1999 drama is a desperately dark movie but it's a mesmerising, compassionate and hugely satisfying one too that paints the most famous city in the world as a hellish place populated by monsters wanting to be saved. Nicolas Cage, Patricia Arquette, Ving Rhames, John Goodman.... there's no weak link here.

As always retweets are appreciated if you spot something you like. Thank you.