October 28, 2017

11 Films worth watching on TV this week.


Killing Bono   Sat   28/10   TG4 @ 21.30

2 brothers looking for fame in the world of rock look on in jealousy when their schoolmates start a band called U2 and things take off rapidly for them. A very funny and entertaining Irish film that was mostly overlooked on its release. It's well worth a watch. It has a fine cast too. Robert Sheehan has fun in the lead, Martin McCann does a hilarious Bono impression and it also sadly features the final role of Pete Postlethwaite who as always is great.

Dead Calm   Sat   28/10   W @ 21.00

Following an awful tragedy a couple on a boating holiday at sea take in the survivor of a boat wreck. Of course things go sideways. A cracking thriller that never gets boring despite being mostly set onboard a small ship. Good writing, some super acting and a lot of tension make this a gripping watch. Nicole Kidman and Sam Neill are in cracking form as the couple and Billy Zane makes for a memorable baddie.

Animal Kingdom   Sun   29/10   CH4 @ 01.10

When his mam dies a young man goes to live with his gran and his uncles. It doesn't take him long to find out that they are an unsavoury bunch. This 2010 Australian thriller is a beast of a film, wrenchingly tense in places and totally unsettling all over. Superb cast too with Jackie Weaver and Joel Edgerton standing out but the film is owned by Ben Mendelsohn who creates a character who will haunt your dreams.

What We Do In The Shadows   Sun   29/10   BBC2 @ 23.15   (Changed to BBC2 Wales for some reason, most freeview boxes have it)

A documentary crew films the lives of a group of vampires in a house share in Wellington, New Zealand. Sounds odd right? It is but it's also great fun. A laugh out loud comedy in parts thats sprinkled with some surprisingly bloody horror, some social commentary and even a touch of pathos. Jermaine Clemant and Taika Waititi ( also the director) are perfect as two of the main vamps. Give this a go.

The Mist   Mon   30/10   The Horror Channel @ 21.00

Frank Darabont's fantastic adaption of the Stephen King story about a mysterious fog that descends on a small American town. On the surface a monster movie but also a look at the dangers of religious extremism. Thomas Jane is solid in the lead but Marcia Gay Harden steals the film with a terrifying performance. A scary, thrilling and very effective film with an ending that.........well you need to see it for yourself.

The Ring   Mon   30/10   TG4 @ 21.30

While investigating a death, a journalist comes across a videotape that seems to have dire consequences for anyone who views it. This is a rare remake of a cult original that works well due to a genuinely unsettling atmosphere and horror that is hinted at and not seen until the end of the film. Naomi Watts is very solid in the lead and gets good support from Martin Henderson and Brian Cox.

Prevenge   Tues   31/10   Film4 @ 22.40

In the seventh month of her pregnancy a woman starts doing things pregnant women don't usually do. Written by, directed by and starring Alice Lowe ( who was really pregnant) this a cracking bit of low budget black comedy/horror. A clever and unique film too that will keep you guessing at its twists and turns. Hard one to talk about without giving the plot away so just believe me when I say it's worth watching. 

American Ultra   Wed   1/11   Film4 @ 21.00

A permanently stoned store clerk finds himself the target of numerous assassination attempts and he has to clear his head to try and figure out why. Jesse Eisenberg is fun as the clerk in question and far less annoying than usual. A funny and in places pretty vicious bit of silliness that will keep you entertained for 100 minutes. Kirsten Stewart, Connie Britton and Walton Goggins are solid too.

The Naked Spur   Thur   2/11   TCM @ 16.55

Whilst pursuing a killer, a bounty hunter is forced to hire partners who don't exactly rate highly on the trustworthy scale. A gripping, exciting and for the time, pretty nasty western that was yet another successful partnership between director Anthony Mann and star James Stewart. Western stalwart Robert Ryan is a great baddie and the climax of this 64 year old film is still influencing movies to this day.

Severance   Fri   3/11   The Horror Channel @ 21.00

Whilst on their way to a company retreat in the wilds of Hungary the employees of a weapon company find themselves fighting for their lives. OK, I know the fact that Danny Dyer is in this will put a lot of people off but if you can get over your hatred for him you'll find this to be a highly entertaining comedy/horror/thriller that subverts cliches and tropes cleverly. Andy Nyman and Laura Harris in support add to the fun.

California Suite   Fri   3/11 RTE1 @ Midnight

4 groups of guests check into a Beverly Hills hotel and have all manner of misadventures, some dramatic, some slapstick, all entertaining. Writer Neil Simon adapted his own stage play for film and the result is well worth watch and has a starry dream of a cast. Jane Fonda, Alan Alda, Maggie Smith, Michael Caine, Richard Pryor, Elaine May amongst others. The Smith/Caine segment is the best one imo. 











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