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.

7 films worth watching over Christmas week

Plus see the bottom for a quick list of classic Christmas staples, when and where they are on.

Sat 24th TV3 @15.35

The Princess Bride. The best fantasy film of the 80's. No hyperbole just fact. A grandad reads his sick grandson a fairy tale. And it's the best fairy tale ever. Cary Elwes rocks as the hero. You'll fall in love with Robin Wright as the princess and you will be in tatters laughing at everything else while you are not cheering at the screen. You may have noticed that i adore this film. Oh and the soundtrack is beautiful. 

Sun 25th RTE 1 @07.05

North By Northwest. One of Hitchcock's most entertaining and fast paced films. A case of mistaken identity leads to a chap fleeing for his life across the united states. Cary Grant is perfect in the lead role and Eva Marie Saint is great as the woman on the run with him. A suspenseful yet very funny film and you'll know whole scenes from this even if you've never seen it. A perfect movie to open your Christmas presents too.

Mon 26th TG4 21.35

Magnolia. A group of seemingly disparate people in Los Angeles come together in strange, upsetting and wonderful ways over the course of one day. Paul Thomas Anderson's third film is a weird, bizarre, sad, hilarious masterpiece with a cast that is on fire. Tom Cruise is a definite stand out playing totally against form. Its 3 hrs long but man it's worth it.

Tues 27th RTE 2 @23.50

Jump. A young woman is saved from suicide and has her life changed. OK, i haven't seen this one as i couldn't get my mitts on it but it's an Irish film and I love seeing Irish films on TV and especially ones that weren't written by Roddy Doyle. We have a wealth of wonderful writers, directors and actors and sadly all that seems to be shown is The Snapper 46 times a year. Give it a whirl, i'm going to.

Wed 28th TG4 21.45

Dolores Claiborne. A woman digs into her mother's past when she is accused of murder and because it's a Stephen King film is horrified by what she finds. A lot of King's books have translated poorly to film but happily this ain't one of them. It's dark stuff, slow paced but atmospheric as hell and full of super acting from Jennifer Jason Leigh, Kathy Bates as the titular character and David Strathairn.

Thurs 29th TG4 @22.15

Jimmy's Hall. A man in 1930's Ireland gets ideas above his station and anger the powers that be. Set after the civil war in an era i knew very little about, this is a thoroughly affecting little film full of great performances from actors who's names you won't know but who's faces you'll recognise. You'll laugh and get angry in equal measure watching this.

Fri 30th RTE 1 @13.40

The Sting. The king of the con artist film and arguably the best team up of Paul Newman & Robert Redford as a pair of Depression era con artists out to get revenge for the death of a friend. An hilarious, tense & clever and fantastic looking little film with a cracking turn from Robert Shaw as the baddie. Oh and the music is just great.

Quick picks

Willy Wonka TV3 @17.25 24/12
Scrooged 3E @22.00 24/12
Home Alone CH4 @18.00 25/12
Its A Wonderful Life CH4 14.20 25/12
Casablanca RTE2 @16.30 25/12
Back To The Future RTE1 13.55 26/12
The Great Escape RTE1 07.45 26/12
Raiders Of The Lost Ark BBC1 @13.35 27/12
Titanic Film4 @14.40 27/12

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.

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.

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.

A week of movies to keep an eye out for.

Sat/Sun 26th BBC1 @00.20

Shifty. A cracking London set drama about a drug dealer struggling with friends, family and rivals. A harsh yet likeable film that's superbly lead by Riz Ahmed and one of my favourite British actors; Daniel Mays. Well worth staying up for. Made for pennies and better than most films with a 1000 times the budget.

Sat/Sun 27th TV3 @00.20

Borstal Boy. A ropey Irish accent from Shawn Hatosy aside this is a good little biopic of the early stages of the life of Brendan Behan from his part in the IRA, through the time he spends in borstal after he is arrested, to where he finds himself making friends with people he once claimed to hate. Plus (trust me on this) a decent, non annoying performance from Danny Dyer.

Mon 28th TCM @18.25

The Treasure Of The Sierra Madre. A true classic. The type of film where you'll recognise the story and dialogue even if you haven't seen it. 3 Americans band together in Mexico to find a buried treasure but problems inside and outside their little group cause major trouble for them. Humphrey Bogart and Walter Huston are just fantastic in this thrilling little film.

Tues 29th Film 4 @21.00

Horns. A young man wakes up one morning with horns growing from his head and the ability to get people to admit their darkest secrets. Daniel Radcliffe is well able to shake off his Harry Potter persona to star in this gory and surreal tale that will upset you in places and make you snort laughing in others.

Wed 30th BBC4 @22.00

Starter For 10. Thoroughly entertaining and charming comedy drama about a young man feeling out of place in a UK college who finds himself on a University Challenge team. Great cast in this with fun early performances from James McAvoy, Rebecca Hall & Dominic Cooper.

Thur 1st E4 @21.00

Salt. Angelina Jolie kicks ass in this twisty, turny and fast moving spy thriller about a CIA operative who has to go on the run after she is accused of being a Russian sleeper agent. Great turns from Jolie & Liev Schreiber help make this a very entertaining and action packed film.

Fri 2nd TV3 @22.00

Clear & Present Danger. There has been 5 film adaptions of Tom Clancy's Jack Ryan novels and this is by far the best. Harrison Ford stars in a thrilling, complex and intelligent tale of government dodginess and Colombian drug cartel nastiness loosely ( very loosely ) based on the story of Pablo Escobar. Joaquim de Almeida steals the film with a great slimy performance plus it contains one of my all time favourite action scenes.

7 films worth seeking out for the week ahead.

Sat 19th BBC2 @22.45

Boyz In The Hood. A 90's classic about a young man trying to live a normal life in a neighbourhood where life is cheap. The film that brought Black cinema back to life in the early 90s. A brilliant, brutal, funny, upsetting film thats well acted by everyone especially Laurence Fishburne. 

Sun 20th RTE1 @01.15

They Shoot Horses, Dont They. Disclaimer. This film will traumatise you. A dance contest held during the depression attracts a group of desperate people. The rules, you stop dancing and you lose. Sounds fun right? Its not. Jane Fonda gives an amazing performance in a role that made her famous. A bleak but rewarding watch.

Mon 21st TG4 @21.30

This Boys Life. A baby faced Leonardo DiCaprio plays a young man who's turbulent life takes a bad turn when his mother marries a bully and moves them to a small town. Ellen Barkin is super but the film belongs to Robert De Niro who plays a hateful bastard to a tee. A tough going but very good little film. Keep an eye out for a young Tobey Maguire and Eliza Dushku too.

Tues 22nd Film4 @16.50

The Hound Of The Baskervilles. The quintessential version of the famous Sherlock Holmes tale about the famous detective investigating a family curse. Starring Hammer Horror's 2 greatest stalwarts, Peter Cushing and Christopher Lee as Holmes & Sir Baskerville respectively. A fabulous looking film, with great acting and as per usual with Hammer productions, bucketloads of atmosphere.

Wed 23rd BBC4 @22.00

My Week With Marilyn. A week in the life of Marilyn Monroe while she was shooting a film in London as seen through the eyes of a young film student. Eddie Redmayne is grand as the student but Michelle Williams is luminous as Marilyn Monroe. A real starmaking role, she brings the screen legend to life. Kenneth Branagh has a ball playing Laurence Olivier too. 

Thur 24th Film4 @16.50

The Sons Of Katie Elder. 4 brothers come together to get some good old fashioned family revenge in this classic western with John Wayne & Dean Martin. A highly enjoyable and lovely looking technicolor western shot in Colorado and Mexico, it just looks BIG. A perfect film to record and watch on a rainy sunday beside the fire.

Fri 25th TV3 @21.00

Shooter. Mark Wahlberg plays an ex army sniper who gets caught up in a massive government conspiracy and finds himself on the run. An entertaining and exciting thriller that a lot of people look down their nose at for some reason. If it had been made in the 80's and starred Arnie it would be considered an action classic by now.

7 films worth seeking out for the week ahead.

Sat 12th BBC2 @22.00

Mandela: Long Walk To Freedom. A biopic of Nelson Mandela spanning 6 decades from his childhood in South Africa, through his politicization and incarceration and eventually his release. Superb acting from Idris Elba and Naomie Harris as Nelson & Winnie. A big important film, warm in places and brutal in others but one that should be watched.

Sun 13th Film4 @23.00

The Last King Of Scotland. A young Scottish doctor played by James McEvoy finds himself wildly out of his depth when he enters into a friendship with the infamous Idi Amin. Forest Whitaker is masterful as Amin. A deservedly oscar winning performance in a film that's exciting, disgusting, funny and tense as hell. 

Mon 14th TG4 @21.30

South Central. The story of a man in South Central Los Angeles trying to stop his son making the same mistakes he did as a young man. Released in the early 90's when black cinema underwent an amazing resurgence, this film was overlooked but is more thoughtful and well acted than some of its contempories. Glenn Plummer is top notch in the lead role.

Tues 15th Film4 @13.00

The Black Narcissus. The story of frustrated nuns in a Himalayan convent and the effect their surroundings and a man in their midst has on some of them. Sounds like a dodgy porn film but its an absolute masterpiece. A fantastic looking film that's sensual in places and terrifying in others. Technically astonishing for the time too and highly influential.

Wed 16th Syfy @23.00

Strange Days. Made in 1995 but based in a dystopian and frankly horrifying version of 1999. Ralph Fiennes is a ex cop turned criminal who finds himself drawn into a wide criminal conspiracy. Super supporting cast in this with Angela Bassett being brilliant as always. Heart-pounding, violent, scary stuff that is not for everyone. Also for a film made 20+ years ago it's surprisingly topical in places too.

Thur 17th CH4 @02.00

Silent Running. Compelling and intelligent drama set aboard a spaceship holding whats left of the earth's plant life. When the order comes through to come home one astronaut doesn't take it very well. Bruce Dern is at his best in this and has a brilliant supporting cast of 3 robots. Yes, i know it sounds terrible but it's a remarkable little film, funny and sad.

Fri 18th TG4 @21.05

The Missouri Breaks. A dark and strange and stunning western starring Jack Nicholson as a rustler who steals the cattle and daughter of a rancher and Marlon Brando as the regulator hired to kill him. Violent, funny and surreal with a career best performance (IMHO) from Marlon Brando as a character you will enjoy with while simultaneously hating. Nicholson as always rocks.

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.

7 films worth seeking out for the week ahead

Sat 29th BBC2 14.00

Vertigo. A big statement but i think this is Alfred Hitchcock's masterpiece. An intense story of obsession as James Stewart is hired to investigate a woman and becomes consumed by her. Superbly acted by Stewart & Kim Novak with assured direction from Hitchcock, full of complexity and twist and turns. 2pm is an odd time for it though, this is a film for a dark evening with a glass of something strong.

Sat 29th TV3 @23.20

Layer Cake. Daniel Craig is ice cold as a drug dealer looking to move up in the criminal underworld in this very good, stylish, bloody and action packed gangster film set in London. Great support from Colm Meaney and Michael Gambon. The best English gangster film of this century in my opinion. Plus this is the film that got Craig the role of James Bond.

Sun 30th TCM @16.50

The Searchers. One of the finest, most thoughtful westerns ever made in my opinion. John Wayne searches for years for his niece who has been kidnapped by a Comanche war party. But what are his intentions? A gorgeous looking and highly influential western (one shot of Wayne framed by a doorway has been homaged in dozens of films and shows), well acted by all especially Wayne and Vera Miles.

Mon 31st Film4 @22.45

Fright Night. A really fun vampire flick for Halloween night. Charlie's new neighbour is dodgy, and no one will believe him but his friend Evil Ed. Made in 1985, its a little bit dated but its still hilariously creepy gory gooey thrilling fun. Chris Sarandon is perfect as the smooth as hell baddie but Stephen Geoffreys absolutely steals the film as Ed with a bizarre and very memorable performance.

Tue 1st ITV4 @22.00

Double Jeopardy. Ashley Judd is in top form as a woman who's life is thrown into turmoil after she gets betrayed by her husband in the worst possible way. It's a fairly straight forward thriller and you can see the ending coming a mile away but its definitely worth a watch. Nice chemistry between Judd and Tommy Lee Jones who plays his usual grumpy persona well as always.

Thurs 3rd E4 @21.00

Chronicle. A very underrated superhero film from 2012. No wait, come back, its a far cry from the Marvel (I love Marvel btw) and DC films inundating the cinemas at the moment. 3 young chaps find themselves with otherworldly powers. Its mad fun at first but then.....? A fast moving, scary, funny, sad and exhilarating film. Dane DeHaan & Michael B Jordan are excellent as 2 of the leads.

Fri 4th TV3 @21.00

Man On Fire. Cracking thriller from the late great Tony Scott. Denzel Washington is never better as a bodyguard with an awful past who is tasked with protecting a young girl in Mexico City. A lovely friendship blossoms and then of course gets ruined. Dakota Fanning is lovely as his young ward and there's a very effective cameo from Christopher Walken too. Brutally violent in places but a very absorbing film.

7 films worth seeking out for the week ahead

Sat 22nd Rte 2 @21.25

Shutter Island. A very good mystery thriller from Martin Scorsese. 2 cops investigate a disappearance in a psychiatric hospital and of course nothing is what it seems. DiCaprio is solid as always, its tense, full of disturbing imagery and its atmospheric as hell. Plus my favourite actress Patricia Clarkson turns up in a small role and she is always worth watching.

Sun 23rd Film4 @21.00

Master And Commander : The Far Side Of The World. Russell Crowe stars in this brilliant adaption of the Patrick O'Brian book as the captain of a ship tasked with chasing a French battleship during the Napoleonic wars. A cracking story full of tension and action, gorgeous scenery and great acting. This is still Crowe's finest role (imo) but Paul Bettany more than holds his own as the ship's doctor. Really worth a watch.

Mon 24th TG4 @21.30

Once Upon A Time In America. Sergio Leone's last masterpiece is problematic in places and magnificent in others and totally baffling in yet others but is always worth watching. An epic gangster film, a story of 4 friends spanning 5 decades. Robert De Niro and James Woods are great as a pair of absolute scumbags.

Tues 25th ITV4 @22.00

Tremors. Giant underground worms attack a small desert town. So so much better than it sounds. An affectionate throwback to 1950's creature features, it's great, gooey and inventive fun. Kevin Bacon and Fred Ward are the lead pair and have a whale of a time doing it. The ropey special effects all add to the charm.

Wed 26th Film4 @23.15

Wake In Fright. The craziest Australian film you'll ever see. A teacher gets stranded in a small outback town and finds himself drowning in alcohol and rapidly going insane. A film that will leave you feeling very grubby after you watch it. Oh, do not watch if you were a fan of the tv show Skippy.

Thurs 27th 3E @22.00

Goon. Doug is a friendly dope who is good with his fists and he finally finds his way in life when he ends up playing ice hockey. A funny comedy that manages to be very sweet despite being brutally violent in places. Seann William Scott is great in the lead role.

Fri 28th ITV4 @00.25

Death Wish 3. One of the most entertainingly trashy films of the 80's. New York city is overrun by gangs and Charles Bronson and his ridiculous gun have had enough. But this time around the citizens have had enough too. All out war occurs. Its as subtle as it sounds but its great splattery fun. Plus the main baddie is played by an Irish actor too ( Gavin O'Herlihy ).  

7 films worth seeking out for the week ahead

Saturday 15th Oct RTE 1 @13.45

The Bridges Of Madison County. The story of a fleeting romance in middle America in the 1960's between a photographer and an unhappy housewife. A different type of film for Clint Eastwood but he's very good in it. Meryl Streep as always though steals the show. She's just brilliant. 

Sunday 16th Oct BBC2 Midnight

The Magdalene Sisters. A film about religious repression and hypocrisy that will disturb and upset you and rightly so. The story of young women sent to a Magdalene laundry in 1960's Ireland and the appalling treatment they receive at the hands of the catholic church. Mighty acting all around but Eileen Walsh as Crispina will break your heart.

Monday 17th Oct TG4 @21.30

Heaven & Earth. The 3rd of Oliver Stones loose Vietnam trilogy. A harsh and grim but ultimately rewarding story of a woman fleeing the Vietcong during the Vietnam war. Hiep Thi Le is good in her 1st film role as the star of the film. Not a film to watch if you've had a crappy monday.

Tuesday 18th Oct Film4 @11.00

Double Indemnity. A classic slice of Film noir from master director Billy Wilder. An affair between a salesman and a married woman takes a murderous turn.  Barbara Stanwyck & Fred MacMurray are at the top of their game in this one but imo Edward G. Robinson robs the film out from underneath them as the man who wont let things go.

Wednesday 19th Oct Syfy @23.00

Planet Terror. A highly entertaining and gooey tribute to the ott horror and sci-fi b-movies of the 70's and 80's as a small town in Texas is overrun by monsters. Super cast in this one too. Squeamish folks should avoid this like the plague. Rose McGowan rocks as the heroine who overcomes her injuries with aplomb.

Thursday 20th Oct TCM @23.40

Three Kings. A group of US soldiers decide to rob a stash of gold during the 1st Gulf War. All goes well until pesky consciences rear their heads. George Clooney, Ice Cube & Mark Walhberg are all on form in this funny, violent and tense little thriller. Nice to see a US film with a somewhat sympathetic view of middle eastern characters too.

Friday 21st Oct Film4 @18.55

The Perks Of Being A Wallflower. A teen movie with actual substance that will stick with you for a long time. Charlie is a young man with mental health issues who finally makes a connection with his schoolmates in 1980's Pittsburgh. A cracking film full of great performances (Emma Watson & Ezra Miller especially), characters you'll care about and a superb soundtrack. 

7 films worth seeking out for the 7 days ahead

Saturday 8th ITV4 @21.00

Cliffhanger. The early 90's were a great time for action films and this is one of the best. Sly Stallone is a mountain rescue climber who faces off against a team of murderous thieves in the Rocky Mountains. Some super action and scenery and John Lithgow at his hammy best as Stallone's nemesis.

Sunday 9th UK Gold @21.10

Passport to Pimlico. Wonderful gentle comedy from Ealing studios about the explosion of an old WW2 bomb in Pimlico and the discoveries made after it. Really captures the charm and grit of post war London. Dame Margaret Rutherford is hilarious here and the supporting cast is full of faces you'll recognise.

Monday 10th TG4 @ 21.30

Crazy Stupid Love. A lovely little comedy about the intertwined love lives of a group of folks in Los Angeles. Not my usual type of film but it's so charming that it hooks you in. Emma Stone is great and Ryan Gosling's usual smug git act works very well in this.

Tuesday 11th 3E @23.00

An Everlasting Piece. A thoroughly enjoyable oddity from Northern Ireland about 2 chaps from opposite sides of the fence getting together for a bit of business. Its not often you see a comedy set during the troubles and its well worth watching. Brian F O'Byrne is great in this.

Wednesday TCM @23.00

Se7en. A maniac is killing people and 2 detectives are out to catch him. Magnificently dark thriller that still lands a fair few gut punch's even if you have seen it before. If you haven't, prepare to have your jaw drop. Morgan Freeman is super as the weary detective who realises he hasn't seen it all.

Thursday 13th Film4 @23.25

Hanna. Ireland's own Saoirse Ronan stars as a girl who has been brought up by her Da to do one thing. And she's very good at that one thing. Excellent action thriller full of surreal little moments with good support from Eric Bana and Cate Blanchett.

Friday 14th Syfy @21.00

The Mist. A heavy mist enshrouds a small town in Maine. And inside that mist is......Ill leave that to ye to find out. Based on the Stephen King short story, this is a cracking sci-fi/horror hybrid. Marcia Gay Harden is the MVP in this film, she's terrifying as a religious fanatic who reacts very badly to the whole situation. And the ending. Well you won't forget the ending for a long long time.

7 films worth seeking out for the 7 days ahead

Saturday 1st RTE 2 @19.25

Raiders Of The Lost Ark. Magnificent piece of escapism as archaeologist Indiana Jones tries to find the Ark of the Covenant before the nazi's can use it for evil. Brilliant fun, hilarious, vicious, suspenseful and terrifying in places. Might be a bit too much for younger children though. Probably the nastiest PG film ever made. But nasty in a fun way!

Sunday 2nd Film4 @15.45

Tea With Mussolini. A lovely little film about a group of English women living in pre-war Florence soaking up the culture. Their idyllic life is soon disrupted when World War 2 takes hold of Europe. Its pretty slight stuff but carried by 3 powerhouses of acting, Judi Dench, Maggie Smith and Joan Plowright. Plus Florence just looks fantastic.

Monday 3rd TCM @17.20

Rio Bravo. A highly influential western starring John Wayne and Dean Martin as a sheriff and the town drunk who team up to take on the baddies. You'll recognise the story-line straight away but its so well done you won't care. Has been remade and homaged a number of times over the years but none of them hold up to the original. A super film with some great tunes courtesy of Dean Martin.

Tuesday 4th ITV4 @22.00

American Gangster. Denzel Washington is magnetic as Frank Lucas, the biggest heroin importer of the 60's and 70's in New York City. Russell Crowe is the cop who is tracking him down. A very underrated Ridley Scott drama with a great supporting cast included Chiwetel Ejiofor, Josh Brolin and Carla Gugino.

Wednesday 5th 3E @22.00

Blitz. Jason Statham versus Aiden Gillen. A different film for Statham, no martial arts, no epic gun battles, just a cop versus a serial killer. Violent but entertaining and worth watching just for Statham's explanation of hurling in the opening scene alone.

Thursday 6th Film4 @01.25

The Player. Robert Altman's cracking Hollywood satire about a young studio executive and a disgruntled script writer. Tim Robbins is at the top of his game in the main role. The supporting cast is insane, chock full of great little cameos. Plus the ending is hilarious.

Friday 7th Ch4 @01.45

Ek Tha Tiger. India's top spy travels to Ireland to observe and report on a scientist suspected of sharing information with Pakistan. Ok confession time, i haven't actually seen this but its a Bollywood action film partly set in Dublin so has to be worth a watch! 

7 films worth seeking out in the next 7 days.

Saturday/Sunday 24th BBC4 @00.20

Bicycle Thieves. A man's bicycle is stolen and he needs to get it back. A simplistic synopsis for a heartbreaking story of poverty & honour in World War 2 Italy. Once voted the best film ever made and its certainly a contender. The type of movie that when you bring it up in conversation you instantly look like a cineaste.

Sunday 25th RTE2 @21.00

Up In The Air. George  Clooney & Vera Farmiga are top notch in this comedy/drama about two people who make a connection while living very lonely lives due to work. Cracking supporting cast in this too.

Monday 26th TG4 @21.30

Contagion. A star studded, intelligent and terrifyingly realistic depiction of what happens during and after a deadly pandemic decimates the human population. This one will make you hesitate the next time you reach for the antibiotics to cure your cold.

Tuesday/Wednesday 27th Film 4 @0.55

Synecdoche, New York. In a nutshell, a theatre director becomes obsessed with his work. Philip Seymour Hoffman is immense in this. It won't be for everyone but its a very rewarding watch and even better on the second viewing. Touching, humane and ambitious and with a superb supporting cast.

Wednesday 28th ITV4 @23.15

Bullitt. Steve McQueen. That car. That car chase. That music. A witness is killed. A cop sets out to take down the killer. A simple story done with style and verve. You'll recognise parts of this classic thriller even if you've never seen it.

Thursday 29nd 3E @22.00

Bullet To The Head. Sylvester Stallone plays an aging hitman out for revenge in New Orleans. Not well received by critics but very enjoyable stuff. Perfect film to record for some day when you are in a vile mood and want to see numerous baddies get bloodily gunned down.

Friday 30th Film4 @11.00

Forty Guns. Barbara Stanwyck as a tough as nails rancher facing off against the law. For the time (1957) this was an unusual but very good little western. Certainly different from the films of the time, it has a pretty straight forward story line but it full of surreal and odd 
touches. Stanwyck is great plus it looks fantastic.

7 films worth seeking out in the next 7 days. Couple of bona fide classics included this week.

Saturday 17th  BBC 2 @23.25

A Serious Man. A Jewish man's life goes into a downward spiral in 1960's Minnesota in this pretty black comedy. Far more interesting than it sounds. Full of typical Coen Brothers quirkiness. You mightn't enjoy this but you'll be glad you watched it.

Sunday 18th Syfy @21.00 

Eternal Sunshine Of The Spotless Mind. A heartbroken man undergoes a procedure to remove his memories of his ex-girlfriend. That's a very simple explanation for this bizarre and beautiful little film. Kate Winslet is good as always but Jim Carrey is superb, a career best ( so far) performance in a film you wont want removed from your head.

Monday 19th TG4 @21.30

Sweeney Todd. Tim Burton's beautiful looking and spectacularly bloody musical version of the Victorian tale of murder and cannibalism and haircuts. Depp is good but the star if this is imo, Helena Bonham Carter. She steals the show. Not for the faint of heart or the squeamish, this is the polar opposite to musicals like The Sound Of Music.

Tuesday 20th Film 4 @11am

High Noon. 85 minutes of pure tension as an about to be married sheriff has his past come back to haunt him and has his friends and colleagues let him down when he needs them most. Gary Cooper got an Oscar for his role in this classic western and thoroughly deserved it.

Wednesday 21st ITV 4 @22.00

Jaws. Cinematic perfection. Man vs nature. If you've seen it you know its a masterpiece, if not i'm jealous because you are in for a massive treat. Brilliant characters, some great tension & scares and some lovely little moments of comedy to relive the suspense.

Thursday 22nd Film 4 @14.40 

For Whom The Bell Tolls. A wartime romance, once again starring Gary Cooper as an American soldier fighting in the Spanish civil war who falls in love with Ingrid Bergman, a guerrilla fighter with a horrific past. Its a long film, nearly 3 hrs but the acting, both from the leads and the super supporting cast, the scenery and the score make sure the time flies by.

Friday 23rd RTE 2 @22.00

Heat. A crime masterpiece. Pacino & De Niro plus a glorious supporting cast. Cops and robbers on an epic scale. Couldn't get with this at all when i saw it first but i love it now. Everything about this film is quality. Best bank robbery scene ever too. IMHO.

A Date For Mad Mary. A lovely little Irish gem.

Mary has no place in the world. She's just out of jail and her friends are leaving her behind, turning into adults and getting married and all she wants to do is dance and have a few laughs. The wild teen has grown into a wild woman and her friends are ashamed of her. Now she has 3 weeks to find a date to her best friend's wedding and is out to prove she can gets herself one to spite her friends who have wrote her off as undateable.

From the tone of the trailers and what i'd heard i was expecting a full on comedy but this was much better than that. Yes, there's a lot of laughs but there's also a bucket-load of heart. Sad in places, poignant in others and even room for a spot of tenderness. Its a film that's not afraid to wear its heart on its sleeve.

Seana Kerslake is fantastic in the title role. Hardy but fragile. She makes you genuinely care for Mary. Also Denise McCormack as Mary's Mam Suzanne is top notch too. Doesn't have much screen time but still manages to show us that she loves yet is frustrated by her daughter and that she has her own romantic issues. Actually the cast is all round good, not a dud note. Even the bit parts seem lived in. Loads of familiar faces from Love/Hate and Moone Boy on show. Even that chest shaving eejit from a recent McDonalds ad shows up.

A thoroughly entertaining film. No big flashy plot-line and nothing we haven't seen before but it's so well done that it doesn't matter. You'll laugh and probably get a little misty eyed. Plus it's just great to go to the cinema and see an Irish film with accents and places you'll recognise. 

Finally as the icing on the cake, it's only 82 minutes long. Perfect length for a film like this. Manages to do more in that time than a Judd Apatow film can do in twice the time.