Before Midnight Sat 16/12 RTE2 @ 21.00
While on a holiday in Greece a couple begin to question the decisions that brought them together and to this place in their lives. This is the third in the Before Trilogy and it's an excellent way to finish the story of Jesse & Celine. It's a sharp and exceedingly well written story that feels painfully real. Julie Delpy & Ethan Hawke are magnificent as the leads and Richard Linklater's direction is the icing on the cake.
Universal Soldier : Day Of Reckoning Sat 16/12 ITV4 @ 23.20
After his family is tragically killed in an attack a man sets out for revenge that brings him into contact with a strange warrior cult. The 3rd official sequel to the 1992 film is far better than it has any right to be. The action scenes are immense, fantastically choreographed and vicious. Scott Adkins plays the lead and while his acting mightn't be the best, he definitely looks the part. Jean Claude Van Damme & Dolph Lundgren make welcome appearances.
Shadow Of The Vampire Sun 17/12 BBC2 @ 00.45
During the making of the horror film classic 'Nosferatu', actors on the set start to wonder if the person playing the film's vampire is in fact the real thing. A curious film, an indepth look at the process of film making crossed with a genuinely unnerving horror film and you know what, it really works due to two cracking performances from John Malkovich and Willem Dafoe. Funny in places and terrifying in others. Well worth a watch.
Cardboard Gangsters Mon 18/12 TV3 @ 21.00
Four young men with dreams of grandeur decide to try and take over the drug trade in Darndale. But the existing dealers don't suffer newcomers gladly. Mark O'Connor's thriller is fantastic stuff. A terrifying,tense and unforgiving look at the underbelly of modern day Ireland. John Connors headlines the film and gives an immense performance. You can check out my review of this here. Film of the week for me.
Up In The Air Mon 18/12 TG4 @ 21.30
A man who spends his life travelling from place to place makes a connection with a woman who does the same and for the first time in his life thinks about settling down. George Clooney and Vera Farmiga lead this drama that's equally funny and sad. A film about people who think they have it all and have nothing at all. A film about the silliness of valuing your work life above all else. Well worth a watch.
The Hurt Locker Mon 18/12 TCM @ 22.45
Kathryn Bigelow directs this story of an unorthodox soldier who joins a bomb disposal unit during the second Iraq war. This is mighty stuff and it's definitely not for the faint of heart. Packed full of nail chewing tension and meaty performances from a cast that includes Jeremy Renner, Anthony Mackie, David Morse and Ralph Fiennes. A film that shows both the hell and the mind numbing boredom of battle.
Carol Tues 19/12 Film4 @ 21.00
In 1950's New York, two women of very different social status meet and fall in love. But the social mores of the day are a major barrier to their happiness. A magnificent film that fully deserves the critical acclaim it received. It's a compelling and utterly heartbreaking watch that contains two fantastic performances from Cate Blanchett and Rooney Mara. Kyle Chandler in support adds a touch of class too.
The Descent Wed 20/12 The Horror Channel @21.00
Six female friends go on a potholing expedition into an underground cavern. Things of course go absolutely arseways. First off, if you are claustrophobic don't even bother with this. You'll be terrified and out of breath before the horror elements of the film even hit. If you are able for it you're in for a treat though. A terrifyingly intense treat. Shauna McDonald and Natalie Mendoza are excellent and Neil Marshall's direction is first class.
An Ideal Husband Fri 22/12 BBC2 @ 13.20
A rising politician is bribed into a move he doesn't want to make and attempts to correct things see him getting further and further into trouble. Based on an Oscar Wilde play and containing all the wit and cleverness he was famous for, this is a seriously entertaining watch. A story that's over 120 years old that's still relevant to this day. Jeremy Northam is a perfect lead and gets great back up from Minnie Driver and Rupert Everett.
True Grit Fri 22/12 TG4 @ 21.05
After her father is murdered a young woman hires a US marshall to hunt down his killers. The Coen Brother's fiercely entertaining remake of the classic John Wayne western is a rare beast. A remake that surpasses the original. Funny, quirky and in places quite touching. The cast is top notch too with Hailee Steinfeld superb in her debut acting role & Matt Damon in fun form but the film belongs to Jeff Bridges as Rooster Cogburn. He's so good.
A man loses his family to Union soldiers during the America Civil War and whilst out for revenge ends up gaining another. My favourite western of all time. It's a pretty much perfect movie. Epic in sweep, action packed and laced with understated humour, immensely quotable and just full of super performances. Clint rocks it and John Vernon & Sam Bottoms are at their best. Give it a go. It's poetry in motion.
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