7 films worth seeking out for the week ahead

Sat 5th RTE2 @21.50

The Town. Excellent Boston set crime drama with Ben Affleck and Rebecca Hall. A bank robber tries to go straight but circumstance and old acquaintances wont let him. Affleck acts and directs with skill, is supported by a great cast and it's full of tense action set pieces. If your tv has a subtitles option turn it on because the Boston accent is a tough one to follow.

Sat 5th TG4 @23.45

The King Of Comedy. One of Martin Scorsese and Robert De Niro's finest films and one you will watch through your fingers while trying not to die from cringing. A failed comic goes to extreme lengths to achieve success. A superb black comedy. But one you'll need to be in the right mood to enjoy.

Mon 7th TCM 23.50

Excalibur. A stylish, sexually charged and bloody retelling of the story of King Arthur and the knights of the round table. Parts of this were filmed in Wicklow and Tipperary and it's full of Irish actors in the supporting roles. Keep an eye out for a very young Liam Neeson. Helen Mirren is the star of the show as Morgana Le Fey. A very entertaining film.

Tues 8th ITV4 23.15

From Dusk Til Dawn. A gory and hilarious mish mash of crime thriller and splattery horror. A pair of scumbags on the run from a crime spree take hostages and end up in a bar that makes them look like a pair of angels. Of course all hell breaks loose. Not for the squeamish. Salma Hayek is very memorable in a small role. Plus it was once banned in Ireland!

Wed 9th Film4 @01.25

Mona Lisa. An ex con gets work driving a prostitute from job to job and finds himself disgusted by what he sees. Bob Hoskins and Cathy Tyson are excellent in this dark blend of love story and crime drama and surprisingly enough there's even a few laughs in here too. Directed by Neil Jordan. Plus its good to see the vile side of Michael Caine.

Thur 10th 3e  @23.00

2 Guns. Denzel Washington and Mark Wahlberg have a whale of a time as two criminals who get into shady dealings with mexican drug dealers. The plot is very convoluted but good fun. Washington is great though and on the strength of his performance in this I'd love to see him in more comedies.

Fri 11th Film4 @21.00

The Guest. A thoroughly entertaining and knowing homage of 90's action films and home Invasion thrillers. A war veteran turns up a a family's doorstep and changes their lives. Funny, nasty and totally absurd. A super way to spend 2 hrs. Dan Stevens is perfect in the lead role.