7 films worth seeking out for the week ahead.

Sat 3rd TG4 23.35

The Visitor. Richard Jenkins is a favourite actor of mine and he's been never better than in this lovely little tale of a lonely teacher and his budding friendship with 2 immigrants in New York. A charming, witty and sad film with characters that you will genuinely care about and wonder about when the film is over.

Sat 3rd BBC2 13.30

Rebecca. Alfred Hitchcock's fantastic adaption of the Daphne Du Maurier novel about a new bride trying to deal with the presence of her husband's dead wife in her new home. A beautiful looking and very atmospheric film full of great performances from Laurence Oliver, Joan Fontaine and especially Judith Anderson. Quite different to Hitchcock's other films in tone and all the more enjoyable for it.

Sun RTE2 @21.30

Hot Fuzz. Simon Pegg & Nick Frost lead a superb cast in this very entertaining action comedy that plays like an episode of Midsummer Murders that has been directed by Michael Bay. Except that its good. Chock full of laughs and knowing references to well known horror and action films. Plus it has the BEST evil old woman getting fly-kicked in the face scene ever.

Mon 5th Film4 @11.00

Robin & Marian. A different but very enjoyable take on the legend of Robin Hood. Set a few decades after the original story, Robin has returned from the middle east crusade to renew his relationship with Maid Marian but things are just never easy are they. Sean Connery & Audrey Hepburn are great and lead a fantastic cast including Richard Harris. The aul romantics among ye will adore this film.

Tues 6th TG4 @21.30

Under Siege. I know people will scoff at this one (especially you Moomin!) but i genuinely love this film and its still one of my favourite of the numerous Die Hard clones of the early 90's. A simple story of a cook fighting terrorists. Its a funny, silly, brutal and highly entertaining film with a blazing Tommy Lee Jones performance and Steven Seagal is good value too. Plus Colm Meaney rocks a serious polo neck in this.

Wed 7th BBC4 @21.00

The Ipcress File. Michael Caine is great as always as Harry Palmer, a spy tasked with investigating the disappearance of government scientists. A 60's spy film that is a million miles from the glamour of a Bond film but is still stylish as hell in its own way. It's a complex and gripping film with good support from recognisable faces like Gordon Jackson and Nigel Green.

Thurs/Fri 9th Film4 @01.00

Blue Valentine. A non linear tale of the birth and death of a relationship. Grim and upsetting viewing sprinkled with moments of levity and with acting so good that you'll be totally absorbed. Lead by Ryan Gosling and Michelle Williams. Gosling is good but Williams is stunning. As with nearly everything she acts in these days she's the best thing onscreen. You just can't take your eyes off her. Highly recommended.