7 films worth seeking out for the week ahead

Sat 29th BBC2 14.00

Vertigo. A big statement but i think this is Alfred Hitchcock's masterpiece. An intense story of obsession as James Stewart is hired to investigate a woman and becomes consumed by her. Superbly acted by Stewart & Kim Novak with assured direction from Hitchcock, full of complexity and twist and turns. 2pm is an odd time for it though, this is a film for a dark evening with a glass of something strong.

Sat 29th TV3 @23.20

Layer Cake. Daniel Craig is ice cold as a drug dealer looking to move up in the criminal underworld in this very good, stylish, bloody and action packed gangster film set in London. Great support from Colm Meaney and Michael Gambon. The best English gangster film of this century in my opinion. Plus this is the film that got Craig the role of James Bond.

Sun 30th TCM @16.50

The Searchers. One of the finest, most thoughtful westerns ever made in my opinion. John Wayne searches for years for his niece who has been kidnapped by a Comanche war party. But what are his intentions? A gorgeous looking and highly influential western (one shot of Wayne framed by a doorway has been homaged in dozens of films and shows), well acted by all especially Wayne and Vera Miles.

Mon 31st Film4 @22.45

Fright Night. A really fun vampire flick for Halloween night. Charlie's new neighbour is dodgy, and no one will believe him but his friend Evil Ed. Made in 1985, its a little bit dated but its still hilariously creepy gory gooey thrilling fun. Chris Sarandon is perfect as the smooth as hell baddie but Stephen Geoffreys absolutely steals the film as Ed with a bizarre and very memorable performance.

Tue 1st ITV4 @22.00

Double Jeopardy. Ashley Judd is in top form as a woman who's life is thrown into turmoil after she gets betrayed by her husband in the worst possible way. It's a fairly straight forward thriller and you can see the ending coming a mile away but its definitely worth a watch. Nice chemistry between Judd and Tommy Lee Jones who plays his usual grumpy persona well as always.

Thurs 3rd E4 @21.00

Chronicle. A very underrated superhero film from 2012. No wait, come back, its a far cry from the Marvel (I love Marvel btw) and DC films inundating the cinemas at the moment. 3 young chaps find themselves with otherworldly powers. Its mad fun at first but then.....? A fast moving, scary, funny, sad and exhilarating film. Dane DeHaan & Michael B Jordan are excellent as 2 of the leads.

Fri 4th TV3 @21.00

Man On Fire. Cracking thriller from the late great Tony Scott. Denzel Washington is never better as a bodyguard with an awful past who is tasked with protecting a young girl in Mexico City. A lovely friendship blossoms and then of course gets ruined. Dakota Fanning is lovely as his young ward and there's a very effective cameo from Christopher Walken too. Brutally violent in places but a very absorbing film.