A decision made by a young boy in Afghanistan in the 1970's has repercussions for the next 3 decades of his life. A very well told tale about guilt and redemption seen in flashbacks and flash forwards and one that might be too harsh for some people in places. But if you can stick with it I think you'll like it a lot. The cast is mostly unknown but there isn't a weak link amongst them.
The Guest Sat 30/12 Film4 @ 23.10
A family is totally changed when a war veteran claiming to have been a friend of their dead son turns up at the door and wiggles his way into their life. A thoroughly entertaining and knowing homage of 90's action films and home Invasion thrillers with a little splash of horror thrown in for good measure. Funny, nasty and totally absurd. A super way to spend 2 hrs. Maika Monroe and Dan Stevens are perfect in the lead roles.
The Sting Sun 31/12 RTE1 @ 14.20
One of the all time classics right here. Set during the great depression of the 1920's in Illnois, two grifters team up to pull off a massive conjob on a criminal who has wronged them. This is an absolute joy to watch as the intricate pieces of a genius plan fall into place. Funny, tense, thrilling and packed with superb acting from Robert Redford, Paul Newman, Robert Shaw and Eileen Brennan.
Into The Woods Sun 31/12 BBC2 @ 20.00
Do you like the Grimm brothers fairy tales ye all read as a child? Ever wondered what a modern twist on them would be like? If so this is a film for you. A baker is tasked by a witch with collecting famous fairytale items for her evil purposes. A dark and fun film sprinkled with music and fine performances from Meryl Streep, Anna Kendrick, Emily Blunt and if you can take him, Jame Corden.
An American Werewolf In London Sun 31/12 Film4 @ 23.35
Two American tourists ignore the warnings of locals and hike through the Yorkshire moors where they are attacked by something supernatural. In my opinion this is the best horror comedy ever made. A film that gets the balance just right. The comedic aspects are hilarious but the horror stuff is flat out terrifying. A brilliant movie with David Naughton and Jenny Agutter excellent as the leads.
Hugo Mon 1/1 CH4 @ 13.10
Hugo is a young boy who lives in Paris with his father. A tragic incident then sees his life change for the worse and then the better. Martin Scorsese's first foray into family films is a fantastic watch, full of wonder and the occasion spot of darkness. It's also a love letter to cinema. Nerdier film fans will get a right kick out of this. Asa Butterfield as Hugo is spot on and leads a fantastic cast of recognisable faces.
Noah Mon 1/1 BBC2 @ 22.00
Darren Aronofsky's telling of the famous biblical tale is unlike any other version you've seen. Or will probably ever see. It's the story of Noah and his ark by way of JJR Tolkien and much better than the reviews made it out to be. Well I think so anyway. It's certainly interesting. Russell Crowe does fine work as Noah with solid support from Jennifer Connelly, Ray Winstone and Emma Watson.
The Naked Spur Wed 3/1 TCM @ 15.00
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
Albert Nobbs Fri 5/1 TV3 @ 23.25
In 19th century Dublin a woman makes some choices considered unorthodox at the time to be allowed live the life she wants to live. Glenn Close is excellent in the lead role of this well acted, intriguing and deeply sad story. It's not a film to watch if you've got the post holiday blues but if you're able for it it's very rewarding. Along with Close, Mia Wasikowska, Maria Doyle Kennedy and Aaron Taylor Johnson give fine support.
The Thing Fri 5/1 Syfy @ 22.00
Something strange is going on at an Antarctic research base and no one knows what or who is responsible. John Carpenter's 1982 chiller is one of the best films of the 1980's. If you can stomach it that is. An exceedingly well made film, stuffed full of nail biting tension, visceral nastiness and some of the best practical special effects you'll ever see. While still finding time for memorable characters & a spot of comedy. Kurt Russell is great in the lead.
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