7 films worth seeking out for the week ahead

Saturday 15th Oct RTE 1 @13.45

The Bridges Of Madison County. The story of a fleeting romance in middle America in the 1960's between a photographer and an unhappy housewife. A different type of film for Clint Eastwood but he's very good in it. Meryl Streep as always though steals the show. She's just brilliant. 

Sunday 16th Oct BBC2 Midnight

The Magdalene Sisters. A film about religious repression and hypocrisy that will disturb and upset you and rightly so. The story of young women sent to a Magdalene laundry in 1960's Ireland and the appalling treatment they receive at the hands of the catholic church. Mighty acting all around but Eileen Walsh as Crispina will break your heart.

Monday 17th Oct TG4 @21.30

Heaven & Earth. The 3rd of Oliver Stones loose Vietnam trilogy. A harsh and grim but ultimately rewarding story of a woman fleeing the Vietcong during the Vietnam war. Hiep Thi Le is good in her 1st film role as the star of the film. Not a film to watch if you've had a crappy monday.

Tuesday 18th Oct Film4 @11.00

Double Indemnity. A classic slice of Film noir from master director Billy Wilder. An affair between a salesman and a married woman takes a murderous turn.  Barbara Stanwyck & Fred MacMurray are at the top of their game in this one but imo Edward G. Robinson robs the film out from underneath them as the man who wont let things go.

Wednesday 19th Oct Syfy @23.00

Planet Terror. A highly entertaining and gooey tribute to the ott horror and sci-fi b-movies of the 70's and 80's as a small town in Texas is overrun by monsters. Super cast in this one too. Squeamish folks should avoid this like the plague. Rose McGowan rocks as the heroine who overcomes her injuries with aplomb.

Thursday 20th Oct TCM @23.40

Three Kings. A group of US soldiers decide to rob a stash of gold during the 1st Gulf War. All goes well until pesky consciences rear their heads. George Clooney, Ice Cube & Mark Walhberg are all on form in this funny, violent and tense little thriller. Nice to see a US film with a somewhat sympathetic view of middle eastern characters too.

Friday 21st Oct Film4 @18.55

The Perks Of Being A Wallflower. A teen movie with actual substance that will stick with you for a long time. Charlie is a young man with mental health issues who finally makes a connection with his schoolmates in 1980's Pittsburgh. A cracking film full of great performances (Emma Watson & Ezra Miller especially), characters you'll care about and a superb soundtrack.