7 films worth watching on TV this week. A film a day keeps the doctor away.

Sat 31/12 ITV4 @22.00

Gangs Of New York. Never considered amongst Scorsese's best as it's very choppy but this Leonardo DiCaprio led tale of gang warfare in 19th century New York is still a blistering watch due to some ferocious scenes of battle and Daniel Day Lewis acting out of his skin as Bill "The Butcher" Cutting, the man who ran the 5 points district of lower Manhattan. It's tough stuff but well worth a watch. Looks fantastic too. The budget is all on the screen.

Sun 01/01  RTE 1 @02.40

The Graduate. "Here's to you Mrs Robinson". We all know the song but this is the film it's from. Dustin Hoffman is at his geeky best as a man who becomes involved with a older woman and her daughter. Complications ensue. A funny, wry, sarcastic and cynical film that rightly sits highly in many Top 10 of All time lists. It's dated but somehow ageless and it's one worth setting your box to record. Plus Anne Bancroft rules.

Mon 02/01 RTE 2 @21.30

Patrick's Day. The story of a young man in Dublin with schizophrenia who meets a suicidal woman and what happens next. Yes, it's sounds terribly sad but it's much more than that. Super performances all around but Moe Dunford brings the lead character of Patrick to life in a way that you genuinely care for him. It's a film that will kick you in the heart a few times but you'll be glad you watched it. Also it's about time RTE started showing little known Irish films at prime time. Good stuff, keep it up.

Tues 03/01 Film 4 @23.25

The Stag. 6 lads go on a stag weekend in the west of Ireland. 5 of them are very sensible. 1 of them is the total exact opposite of sensible. Madness ensues. A very funny film with a lot of heart. The main character played by Hugh O'Connor is such a wet rag you'll want to slap him but the characters played by Peter McDonald and Andrew Scott more than make up for him. Oh, BTW the Raglan Road scene will choke you up.


Wed 04/01 RTE 1 @21.35

12 Years A Slave. The heartbreaking true story of a man torn from his family due to the slavery of the American south. Chiwetel Ejiofor is superb in the lead role and is ably supported by a fantastic cast. This is a very harsh film, as it should be, to soften it would feel like an insult but the brutality will put a lot of people off. But if you are able for it though it's a thoughtful & powerful film that will enrage you.

Thurs 05/01 RTE2 21.30

Inglourious Basterds. A ragtag group of killers is put together to rip apart the Nazi war machine. Tarantino's war epic is one that is bafflingly overlooked. I think it's one of his best after Jackie Brown & Reservoir Dogs. Uproariously entertaining, horrific in places, hilarious in others and with an opening scene that's up there with the best ever. Brad Pitt is good fun but Christoph Waltz steals the entire film.

Fri 06/01 ITV4 @23.40

The Assassination Of Jesse James By The Coward Robert Ford. The well known and oft told story of the James gang but this time told from the perspective of Robert Ford, a young wannabe outlaw. This is a deep, complex and contemplative western with a pace that will be off putting to some but the acting, especially from Brad Pitt & Casey Affleck is immense. In fact the entire cast is fantastic and the score from Nick Cave is one that you will download when the film is over. A beautiful film.