Freedom Writers Sat 14/10 TG4 @ 21.30
A wet behind the ears teacher begins her job at a Californian high school beset by gang issues. Can she inspire her student to strive for more? Hilary Swank is great in the lead of this updated version of Dangerous Minds. A moving, hopeful picture that looks at bigotry from a myriad of angles and the work that is needed to escape the mire. Scott Glenn, April Hernandez and Imelda Staunton are fine in support
Everly Sat 14/10 Film4 @ 23.20
After she gets on the wrong side of a criminal boss a kidnapped woman faces down wave after wave of assassins who come for her in her apartment. Salma Hayek is in fine form as the lead of this action film that is in places nasty, funny, relentless and inventive. The entire film is set in one place but it never ever gets boring. Be warned. Parts of this may disturb some.
The World's Fastest Indian Sun 15/10 BBC2 @ 13.00
In 1967 a New Zealand man set out to break a speed record using his old motorbike. This film is all about the effort and time and money he put into realising his dream and also the people he meets on his journey. Anthony Hopkins played Burt Munro in an immensely likable film about never giving up on your dreams no matter what life throws at you. A perfect film for a rainy Sunday afternoon.
Tammy Sun 15/10 RTE2 @ 21.00
After both her job and her marriage hit the skids a woman decides to go on a roadtrip and brings her one of a kind grandmother along for the ride. A warm, funny, profane journey ensues. Melissa McCarthy as always is an entertaining lead and Susan Sarandon is in great form as her granny. Alison Janney, Dan Ackroyd and the always reliable Kathy Bates round off a fine cast.
Leave To Remain Sun 15/10 BBC2 @ 23.20
Three teenage asylum seekers, Omar, Abdul and Zizidi, enter the UK to start their new life. But then find themselves caught up in the nightmare that is the UK home office. A grim, challenging and upsetting look at a process that should make life better for people but one that often fails them. A film that avoids cliche which is always good. The cast of unknown actors all do a fine job.
Eden Lake Mon 16/10 The Horror Channel @ 22.50
Whilst on a romantic weekend away a couple find themselves getting hassle from a pack of teenagers and instead of backing down, challenge them and things go very wrong. Michael Fassbender and Kelly Reilly are very good in a disturbing and terrifying tale of everyday horror. The sort of film that would have you on edge everytime you see a young lad in a hoodie. A baby faced Jack O'Connell plays a ruthless bastard with scary ease also.
3.10 To Yuma Tues 17/10 Film4 @ 14.25
A struggling rancher accepts the job of getting a wanted criminal to a train on time but the criminal's gang has other ideas. The original and best version of the tale, this 1957 film is a far more down to earth and believable tale than the remake and has a better cast too. Glenn Ford as Ben Wade makes for a great anti hero and Van Heflin as Dan once again shows how good he was at playing salt of the earth characters. A true western classic.
The Big Red One Wed 18/10 TCM @ 23.10
The story of a Sergeant and his squad as they fight in Africa and Europe during the second half of World War 2. Sam Fuller's take on war is one of the best. A frightening, funny (in places), intense and at times surreal look at battle and and the lasting effects it has on a person's psyche. The cast is superb. Lee Marvin, Robert Carradine and Mark Hamill amongst others are all at the top of their game here.
War Of The Worlds Thurs 19/10 3E @ 21.00
A stevedore from New Jersey battles to save his family when the people of earth find themselves under attack by a vicious enemy. Tom Cruise is in great form as Joe Everyman is this genuinely scary and effective bit of science fiction from Steven Spielberg. One of the best post 9/11 disaster films. Cruise is reliable as always, Dakota Fanning as his daughter too but Tim Robbins steals in the show in a terrifying little vignette.
The Hills Have Eyes Fri 20/10 The Horror Channel @ 22.45
A family take a shortcut across the desert and soon find themselves fighting for their lives in the middle of an old nuclear testing ground. A rare remake that outshines the original and a blisteringly violent watch that will test anyone with a nervous disposition. Alexandre Aja directs with panache and a solid cast including Ted Levine, Emilie De Ravin & Aaron Stanford inject a nice believability into proceedings.
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