May 27, 2017
10 films worth watching on freeview TV this week
Whiplash Sat 27/5 RTE2 @ 21.20
A driven jazz musician is pushed to his very limits by his obsessive teacher. An Oscar winning film that really lives up to the hype. This is an intense study of how hard people will work on what they love. Powerful performances from Miles Teller and especially JK Simmons really sell the film. This is a tough watch and one that will actually leave you tired but wowed as the credits roll.
Quartet Sat 27/5 BBC2 @ 22.00
A lovely comedy drama set in a rest home for retired musicians. The residents are preparing a show when a new arrival shakes up the status quo. The always excellent Maggie Smith takes the lead in this very funny and poignant film with super turns from Billy Connolly, Tom Courtenay and Pauline Collins. TBH i expected to hate this when i saw it first but i fell for it big time.
The Damned United Sun 28/5 BBC2 @ 22.30
A biopic of the football manager Brian Clough covering his very short tenure as manager of Leeds United. Even if you aren't a footie fan you'll enjoy this one. Clough makes for a very interesting lead character, a ball of contradiction and great to watch. Michael Sheen is excellent in the lead role and the supporting cast is a who's who of well known British talent. Plus Colm Meaney who always delivers.
Jaws Sun 28/5 RTE2 @ 23.00
A killer shark terrorises a small summer resort and something has to be done about it. Still Steven Spielberg's masterpiece imo and the film that started the whole summer blockbuster scene. A perfect film. Scary as hell, tense, hilarious and full of characters you want to see make it to the end of the film. Plus the USS Indianapolis speech is probably my all time favourite film scene.
United 93 Sun 28/5 ITV4 @ 23.05
The true life tale of the heroic actions of the passengers of Flight 93 that was hijacked on September 11th 2001. Told in real time and using phone calls made from the plane as evidence this is terrifying but utterly compelling watch. With a cast of unknowns and fantastically directed by Paul Greengrass this is a film that will kick you in the stomach but one you won't be able to stop watching.
Millions Mon 29/5 Film4 @ 12.50
Two young boys come across a bag of money in the aftermath of a bank robbery. And they slowly find out what people are really like when it comes to money. Danny Boyle's film is one for all the family but but one that is far from sentimental and one that doesn't sugar coat the realities of life. Two superb performances from the young lads lift a heartwarming and thoroughly likeable little film that will make you think
Kind Hearts And Coronets Tues 30/5 TCM @ 16.45
A man sits in prison waiting to die and recounts the story that lead him to his current precarious position in a story that takes in royalty, murder and balloons. One of Ealing films most famous and enjoyable films. Alec Guinness steals the limelight in this playing not one, not two but eight different roles and he's fantastic in each of them. The perfect film to record and save for a rainy sunday.
Re-Animator Tues 30/5 Horror Channel @ 23.00
80's horror at its finest in this tale of a mad student scientist who has figured out the secret to re-animating dead flesh. Of course everything goes pear shaped. In the goriest way possible. A very entertaining film if you have a strong stomach and a willingness to just go with the bizarre onscreen events. Jeffrey Combs has the role of a lifetime as the man with the plan. Don't watch this if you are easily offended.
Small Soldiers Thurs 1/6 Film4 @ 18.50
Advanced missile technology accidentally causes a group of childrens toys to come to life. Not cute happy toys. Oh no, that would be too easy. This is exciting and funny stuff that is a spiritual sequel to Gremlins and packed full of knowing nods to older sci-fi, war & horror films. Plenty to keep the kids and adults happy. Superb cast too with Kirsten Dunst and Jay Mohr standing out.
Boyhood Fri 2/6 RTE2 @ 21.35
A masterpiece a decade in the making. A simple story of a boy and his mother growing up over the course of 10 years. Done over a few days in each year it's a magical experience watching two people grow up and age before your eyes. Minimal story but that's not what the film is about at all. Ellar Coltrane is fine in his debut appearance but Patricia Arquette owns the film with a stunning performance. A truly unique and utterly absorbing movie.
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