7 films worth seeking out for the week ahead

Sat 22nd Rte 2 @21.25

Shutter Island. A very good mystery thriller from Martin Scorsese. 2 cops investigate a disappearance in a psychiatric hospital and of course nothing is what it seems. DiCaprio is solid as always, its tense, full of disturbing imagery and its atmospheric as hell. Plus my favourite actress Patricia Clarkson turns up in a small role and she is always worth watching.

Sun 23rd Film4 @21.00

Master And Commander : The Far Side Of The World. Russell Crowe stars in this brilliant adaption of the Patrick O'Brian book as the captain of a ship tasked with chasing a French battleship during the Napoleonic wars. A cracking story full of tension and action, gorgeous scenery and great acting. This is still Crowe's finest role (imo) but Paul Bettany more than holds his own as the ship's doctor. Really worth a watch.

Mon 24th TG4 @21.30

Once Upon A Time In America. Sergio Leone's last masterpiece is problematic in places and magnificent in others and totally baffling in yet others but is always worth watching. An epic gangster film, a story of 4 friends spanning 5 decades. Robert De Niro and James Woods are great as a pair of absolute scumbags.

Tues 25th ITV4 @22.00

Tremors. Giant underground worms attack a small desert town. So so much better than it sounds. An affectionate throwback to 1950's creature features, it's great, gooey and inventive fun. Kevin Bacon and Fred Ward are the lead pair and have a whale of a time doing it. The ropey special effects all add to the charm.

Wed 26th Film4 @23.15

Wake In Fright. The craziest Australian film you'll ever see. A teacher gets stranded in a small outback town and finds himself drowning in alcohol and rapidly going insane. A film that will leave you feeling very grubby after you watch it. Oh, do not watch if you were a fan of the tv show Skippy.

Thurs 27th 3E @22.00

Goon. Doug is a friendly dope who is good with his fists and he finally finds his way in life when he ends up playing ice hockey. A funny comedy that manages to be very sweet despite being brutally violent in places. Seann William Scott is great in the lead role.

Fri 28th ITV4 @00.25

Death Wish 3. One of the most entertainingly trashy films of the 80's. New York city is overrun by gangs and Charles Bronson and his ridiculous gun have had enough. But this time around the citizens have had enough too. All out war occurs. Its as subtle as it sounds but its great splattery fun. Plus the main baddie is played by an Irish actor too ( Gavin O'Herlihy ).