7 films for the week ahead

Sat 11/2 TG4 @22.20

Maps To The Stars. A trip into the slimy and sleazy underbelly of the rich and famous of Hollywood courtesy of David Cronenberg. The stories of a young tourist, a limo driver, a psychiatrist and 2 actors, 1 on the way up and one on the way down become intertwined. Great performances from Julianne Moore and John Cusack anchor an intriguing and compelling drama. Carrie Fisher makes a welcome appearance too.

Sat 11/2 Film4 @23.15

The Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2. The absolutely bonkers sequel to the 70's cult horror classic. A radio DJ teams up with a Texas ranger to take on a cannibalistic family of murderers. The results are both hilarious and hideous. It's the kind of film you watch with your jaw dropped until you realise you are in tatters laughing. Dennis Hopper gives one of his most crazed performances in this and that's saying a LOT.

Sun 12/2 CH4 @23.00

127 Hrs. A man gets trapped whilst exploring in the desert and must summon great inner strength to free himself. Danny Boyle directs James Franco in this thrilling, absorbing and Ill be honest, at times disgusting and hard to watch survival drama. I know Franco gets on a lot of peoples nerves but this is a career best performance right here. And its all based on a true story.

Tues 13/2 Film4 @21.00

Le Weekend. A couple having their 30th anniversary decide to go away to Paris to try and inject a bit of life back into their relationship. Of course things don't go to plan. An engaging film that's warm but still spiky and dark in places and with the added bonus of great acting from Jim Broadbent and Lindsay Duncan. If you liked '45 Years' from last year this will be right up your street.

Wed 14/2 Syfy @21.00

The Faculty. Something very strange is happening inside a Texas high school and a band of teenagers get together to figure out what it is. Full of early turns from now well known actors like Elijah Wood, Clea Duvall, Famke Jannsen and Josh Hartnett, this is well worth a watch. Its thrilling, scary, crunchy, gooey and funny. Just like secondary school really.

Thurs 15/2 3E @23.00

Miami Vice. Michael Mann's stylish and action packed update of the famous 80s TV show about cops taking on drug dealers. Bristling with testosterone, this is a moody grown up thriller full of suspense, action and neo-nazi's getting shot in the face. Whats not to like about that? Colin Farrell & Jamie Foxx are solid as the leads but Naomie Harris steals the film with one small scene in a mobile home. Great soundtrack too.

Fri 16/2 TCM @22.55

Centurion. One of Michael Fassbender's last films before he became a household name, this is a cracking action film set in Scotland nearly 2000 years ago. A Roman legion is massacred by a Pict tribe & a handful of survivors find themselves fighting for their lives. A thrilling,vicious (seriously rough, beware!)and action packed film with a super cast. Olga Kurylenko is a highlight as a mute blood thirsty warrior & Liam Cunningham is always great.