7 Films to watch on TV this week

Ignore Wednesday

Some movies worth tracking down on tv this week



Guilty By Suspicion   Sat 4/3 TG4 @23.35

A film director finds himself caught up in the communist witch-hunts of 1950's America. Does he sell out his colleagues or stick to his principles? A chilling and compelling and very well made portrait of an era America would rather forget about.  Full of superb acting but Robert De Niro is the main man here. Back when he made proper films and looked like he still gave a fig.

First Blood   Sat 4/3 ITV @22.55

Most people roll their eyes and picture a one man killing machine when they hear the name Rambo but the 1st film in the series is a genuinely powerful and thought provoking story of a Vietnam veteran suffering from severe PTSD. A tense, exciting, sad and beautiful looking film with Sylvester Stallone on absolute fire as John Rambo & Brian Dennehy in full on bad bastard mode as his nemesis.

Papillon   Sun 5/3 BBC2 @23.30

Steve McQueen headlines this 70's classic about petty criminal who finds him imprisoned on an inescapable Island. Or is it? Steve was the king of cool in the 60's and 70's and brings that coolness to this too yet still finds the film robbed from under him by Dustin Hoffman who is just excellent as a fellow inmate. A grim, tense and violent but ultimately uplifting story about the strength of the human resolve. It's a long one but it's really worth watching.

Mary, Queen Of Scots   Mon 6/3 Film4 @16.10

The story of two of the most powerful Women in British history, Mary, Queen Of Scots & Queen Elizabeth Tudor and their conflicts during their reigns in the 16th century. Starring Vanessa Redgrave & Glenda Jackson, this is fantastically acted stuff that will draw you in even if the politics of the film don't really interest you. 

Harvey   Tues 7/3 Film4 @11.00

Has there ever been an easier actor to watch and enjoy than James Stewart? I think not. And he's on great form in this lovely little film about a man who's new friendship causes his family to think he has utterly lost the plot. A charming and very funny way to spend a couple of hours. Well worth recording to introduce your kids or whoever to the golden age of Hollywood in a way that won't alienate them.

Dawn Of The Dead   Thurs 9/3 ITV4 @22.45

Zombies have risen and are devouring the living. A small group of survivors find themselves holed up in the safest place they can find. No it ain't the absolute masterpiece original but it is the unexpectedly excellent 2004 remake. This film shouldn't have worked at all but somehow it has. A thrillingly crunchy & exciting carnival ride of a film with a great cast lead by Sarah Polley & Ving Rhames. Avoid if squeamish!

The Hunting Party   Fri 10/3 TG4 @21.30

In the early 70's relaxed censorship rules & the influence of Spaghetti westerns lead to a spate of extremely brutal and grim westerns being released. This is one of the better ones. A rancher's wife is kidnapped and he sets out to get her back. A well made & well acted film with a gorgeous soundtrack but also fierce nasty and one that may upset you. This is a film without heroes. Everyone is a scumbag. Gene Hackman is great as always.