7 films worth seeking out for the week ahead.

Sat 10th BBC2 @13.30

Lust For Life. Kirk Douglas gives a phenomenal performance as Vincent Van Gogh, an artist who while tortured by his own demons still managed to create a number of masterpieces. A great film, lovely to look at as all technicolor films tended to be and for the time it was made, a considered and upsetting look at mental illness. Cracking support from Anthony Quinn too.

Sun 11th RTE 1 @00.20

The Ref. (Also known as Hostile Hostages). A funny & profane tale of a burgler who breaks into the wrong house and gets caught up in the mother of all domestic disputes. Denis Leary is his usual ascerbic self and leads a good cast including Kevin Spacey and Judy Davis. Plus its set at Christmas so perfect for December viewing!

Mon 12th Ch4 @00.50

The Iceman. Michael Shannon is on blistering form as always in this true-ish tale based on the exploits of Richard Kuklinski, allegedly the most prolific mafia hitman ever. As you can imagine its grim and bloody stuff but is buoyed by a (very small) streak of black comedy running through it and a super supporting cast including Ray Liotta, Winona Ryder, David Schwimmer and Chris Evans.

Tues 13th Film 4 @13.10

Butch Cassidy & The Sundance Kid. Butch & Sundance are a pair of thieves who push their luck once too often and find themselves on the run to South America. A brilliantly entertaining western (Southern?) starring Paul Newman & Robert Redford. Great chemistry between the leads, snappy dialogue, funny scenes and exciting chases and gunfights all add to the fun. Throw in a love story, a famous tune and one of the best endings ever & what more do you need?

Wed 14th 3E @22.00


The Sweeney. An entertaining and action packed update of the famous 70's London set cop show. Ray Winstone has fun as D.I. Regan and leads a solid cast of well known UK & Irish faces. Don't expect anything remotely resembling realism and you'll enjoy this. Its standard cops vs robber stuff but contains a couple of super action set pieces, one being a brilliantly staged shoot out on Trafalgar Square.

Thur 15th Channel 4 @01.00

You're Next. Remember how Scream both homaged & reinvented slasher films in the 90s. Well this is the 21st century version but sadly no one saw it. A family party in a country house goes to hell but one guest isn't going to take it lying down. An exciting, grisly and thoroughly satisfying little horror film. Definitely not one for the squeamish amongst ye.

Fri 16th TG4 @21.05

Heaven's Gate. The film that brought down an entire studio. An epic western in every sense of the word. A slow burning but enthralling account of a real life war between cattle ranchers and poor farmers. Headlined by Kris Kristofferson & Christopher Walken, it's a downbeat and brutal masterpiece who's pace will put a lot of people off but it's really worth sticking with.