7 films worth seeking out for the week ahead.

Sat 17th Ch4 @23.05

About A Boy. I've never been a fan of Hugh Grant and his foppish characters but then he goes and plays a prick and turns in a little cracker of a film! He plays a selfish care free chap who's whole life changes when he gets involved with a troubled single mother and her son. You'll laugh and then get dust in your eye, its effective without being mawkish or sappy. Great support from Toni Collette and Nicholas Hoult

Sun 18th RTE 1 00.20

In America. Jim Sheridan's lovely little autobiographical tale of an Irish family who emigrate to New York. Paddy Considine and Samantha Morton are good with a few iffy accent moments but the stars of this film are the 2 little girls who plays their daughters, real life sisters Emma & Sarah Bolger. They make the film something special. 

Mon 19th Film 4 @01.30

Before The Devil Knows You're Dead. A powerful tale of family, greed, betrayal and money. This feels like a Coen Brothers movie without the quirkiness and i mean that as a compliment. The late great Philip Seymour Hoffman (his loss still stings tbh) leads a super cast including Marisa Tomei and Albert Finney in a film that's hard to watch in places but well worth recording.

Wed 21st BBC2 08.35

The Flight Of The Navigator. If you were an 80's kid you'll remember this one. A young boy goes into the woods and reappears 8 years later. Scientists then try to figure out what happened to him. A thoroughly entertaining and charming sci-fi film that OK, looks a bit dated but its a great one to record and watch with the family.

Wed 21st TG4 @22.00

I'm Your Man. A timely showing of this documentary about the recently deceased music legend Leonard Cohen. You get a fierce entertaining talking head interview with the man himself that's interspersed with cover versions of his most famous songs from the likes of Jarvis Cocker and Nick Cave. Even non fans will enjoy this one.

Thur 22nd Film 4 @00.45

A Prophet. A young muslim man finds himself thoroughly unprepared for life in a french jail. To survive he finds himself going to very dark places. A superb film but one that you will need to prepare yourself to watch. Very violent in places and with a few scenes of tension that you'll gnaw your hand off during. Super acting all around but Tahar Rahim as the lead is mesmerizing.

Fri 23rd RTE 1 @23.45

Jagged Edge. A woman is murdered and her husband finds himself the main suspect despite proclaiming himself innocent. A modern day film noir starring the always reliable duo of Jeff Bridges and Glenn Close as the lawyer who defends him in court plus Robert Loggia is very entertaining in a supporting role. A scary, tense and twisty thriller that mightn't keep you guessing but you'll certainly enjoy it. Perfect late night viewing.