11 Films to watch on TV this week

Munich   Sat   5/8   TV3 @ 22.00

In the aftermath of the 1972 Munich Olympic games fiasco a squad of Mossad spies is sent out to get revenge for the Jewish athletes murdered by Palestinian hostage takers. Steven Spielberg's action thriller is an absolute cracker of a film and a fine history lesson into the bargain. Fast moving, complex, bloody, thrilling stuff thats well acted by a superb cast including Eric Bana, Ciaran Hinds and a pre Bond Daniel Craig.

The Field   Sat   5/8   RTE1 @ 22.30

A field in 1960's Connemara becomes the catalyst for murder and heartbreak. This film version of the famous John B. Keane play is immensely powerful stuff and a look into the dark heart of Irish country life and it's ties to the land. Richard Harris gives a career best performance as the Bull McCabe, a one man force of nature and gets cracking support from Brenda Fricker, John Hurt and a very fresh faced Sean Bean.

The Master   Sun   6/8   Film4 @ 01.10

A WW2 veteran struggling to adjust to civilian life finds solace in the arms of a religious movement that accepts him for what he is. Paul Thomas Anderson's movie is definitely not for everyone but if you can stick with it you'll find it a very rewarding experience. Joaquin Phoenix is super in the lead but the film belongs to the much missed Philip Seymour Hoffman as the man in charge. Amy Adams is also pretty much perfect in this.

The Kings Speech   Sun   6/8   Channel 4 @ 21.50

The story of King George VI, the man who did not want to be king and the man who helped him overcome his physical afflication so he could lead his country in war time. A brilliantly entertaining film, one that will make you laugh and choke up, sometimes at the same time. Colin Firth & Geoffrey Rush are great as the King and his therapist and Helena Bonham Carter gives a lovely warm performance as Queen Elizabeth. 

The Secret Of Kells   Mon   7/9   RTE2 @ 09.35

A young boy finds himself on a mystical quest when he agrees to help an artist finish an ancient and magical book. A wonderful piece of animation from Irish studio Cartoon Saloon. A perfect film for all the family and a lovely introduction to Irish history for younger children.In these days of nonstop CGI films it's really refreshing to see a hand drawn film too. Great voice work by Evan Maguire & Brendan Gleeson is the icing on the cake.


American History X   Mon   7/8   ITV4  @ 22.00

A former skinhead is released from prison and sets out to stop his younger brother from making the same mistakes he did. But his past still haunts him. Edward Norton is excellent in this harsh, nasty, gripping but at times very hard to watch look at the evils of racism and bigotry and its far reaching effects. Beverly D'Angelo and Edward Furlong are on fire in supporting roles too.  

Black Rock   Wed   9/8   CH4 @ 01.30

3 lifelong friends go for a girl's camping weekend to a deserted island to become close once again. It's not a spoiler to say things go seriously wrong for them. A survival thriller and one that actually seems pretty realistic for once. Tense, exciting, well acted stuff and with well developed characters that you will actually want to see survive. Managed to mostly avoid cliche too. Lake Bell, Kate Bosworth and Katie Aselton are 3 very solid leads.

Run All Night   Wed   9/8   RTE1 @ 21.35

An Irish mob enforcer in Brooklyn finds his allegiances tested when his work life and family life become intertwined. Liam Neeson is in fine bone crunching form is this very entertaining, fast moving and violent thriller. Ed Harris as always is a menacing baddie and they get fine support from Joel Kinnaman and Common. This one washes the bad taste from the Taken sequels away in a jiffy.

Wild   Thurs   10/8   Film4 @ 21.00

In an effort to jolt herself back to life after her mother dies and his life goes haywire, a woman embarks on a hike along the full length of America's west coast with no previous experience. Reese Witherspoon is absolutely fantastic in this, as good as she's ever been. Darkly funny in places and harrowing in others but a film that will suck you in and demand you watch and all based on a true story. 

Murder Most Foul   Fri   11/8   TCM

After she causes a mistrial in a murder case due to disagreeing with the rest of the jury, Miss Marple joins a local theatre group to snare the person whom she thinks it the real culprit. A great whodunnit, funny and well made with a lovely little story. You can't beat a Miss Marple film, they are just pure comfort food for the eyes. Margaret Rutherford as always is excellent in the lead role with a super cast of British faces in support.

Demons   Fri   11/8   The Horror Channel @ 22.55

A group of people find themselves trapped in a cinema in Rome when the film onscreen begins to bleed into the real world. A brilliantly entertaining piece of 80's euro horror. Cheesy as hell, full of plot holes, ropey acting and disgusting gore but so much fun and with a cracking soundtrack. Bobby Rhodes and Geretta Geretta as Tony The Pimp and Rosemary give performances you will literally never forget. Hahaha. A perfect beer film.