Love & Mercy Sat 23/12 RTE2 @ 21.05
Brian Wilson, the brains and the heart behind 1960's supergroup The Beach Boys was the very definition of a troubled genius. This unique biopic is a look at his life in both the 1960's and the 1980's and the woman who could save him from the bad influences around him. Paul Dano (who I usually hate) & John Cusack but put in stunning performances as Wilson with Elizabeth Banks and Paul Giamatti offering fine support.
High-Rise Sat 23/12 Film4 @ 23.05
In an alternate version of 1975, the wealthy and bored inhabitants of an ultra modern tower block begin to lose the run of themselves. Ben Wheatley's adaption of the famous J.G. Ballard novel isn't always successful but it's very interesting, brutal, darkly comic and scary. The cast is fantastic though. Tom Hiddleston plays the lead with fine back up from Elisabeth Moss, Luke Evans and Sienna Miller amongst others.
Casablanca Sun 24/12 RTE2 @ 15.45
A true classic right here. Humphrey Bogart plays Rick Blaine, a nightclub owner in World War 2 era Morocco who has his finger in a number of pies. When an ex-lover appears it throws him for six. This is one of those famous movies that lives up to the hype. You'll recognise scenes and dialogue even if you've never seen it. Ingrid Bergman and Bogie are at the top of their game here. Oh and the Marseillaise scene is an all time memorable one.
North By Northwest Mon 25/12 RTE1 @ 07.45
One of Hitchcock's most entertaining and fast paced films. A case of mistaken identity leads to a innocent man fleeing for his life across the United States. Cary Grant is perfect in the lead role and Eva Marie Saint is great as the woman on the run with him. A cracking thriller, packed with suspense and fun. A perfect movie to open your Christmas presents too, especially if there's no kids around.
Toy Story 3 Mon 25/12 BBC1 @ 13.20
The Toy Story trilogy ends brilliantly as Andy leaves for college and Buzz and Woody and the gang find themselves trapped in a day care center full of terrifying babies. An emotion packed rollercoaster of a film. You'll laugh, you'll cry and you'll be flat out terrified in places. The best of film a trilogy is rarely the last one but this breaks that rule with aplomb. A masterpiece of animation and a flat out great film.
Brooklyn Mon 25/12 RTE1 @ 21.35
A young woman finds herself torn between the modern ways of 1950's Brooklyn and her dull life in Enniscorthy. Which route will she choose? Saoirse Ronan is magnificent as the lead in this film adapted from Colm Toibin's novel. Your heart will break for her as she struggles to decide between taking one step forward or two steps back. Excellent stuff, well written & acted and looking superb. Domhnall Gleeson & Julie Walters are good as always too.
Les Miserables Mon 25/12 More4 @ 20.00
Set in 19th century France, this musical is the story of a man on the run trying to create a new start for himself and the dogged policeman who'll never let him rest. Hugh Jackman and Russell Crowe give their all in a tale that will rip your guts out. TBH, it's not very christmassy but it's still a cracking film that's well worth a watch. Anne Hathaway and Amanda Seyfried aren't too shabby either.
Song Of The Sea Tues 26/12 CH4 @ 06.40
An undisputed Irish animated masterpiece. Imagine a Studio Ghibli film shot through with a huge dose of celtic mysticism. A brother and his little sister set off on a quest when sis falls ill. An enchanting, magical and in places heartbreaking exploration of grief and love that will make you cry, laugh and drop your jaw with awe in places. Watch on CH4 HD if you have it. It's just gorgeous looking.
Kingsman : The Secret Service Tues 26/12 RTE2 @ 21.30
Have you ever wanted to see Colin Firth murder a room full of people in hideous ways? This is the movie for you. A teenage tearaway from South London finds himself inducted into a ring of gentlemanly spies and chaos ensues as they try to save the world. Brilliant fun but maybe one to miss if you are easily offended. It's quite rough. Taron Egerton and Samuel L.Jackson are good fun but this is Firth's film.
The Red Shoes Wed 27/12 BBC2 @ 12.10
From the magical hands of Michael Powell and Emeric Pressburger, this tale of a ballerina torn between the twin loves of her life, ballet dancing and her husband, is an absolute stunner. This should be watched even if the subject matter doesn't appeal. It's astounding and looks fantastic. It's a movie that has been influencing movie makers from nearly 70 years now. Moira Shearer and Anton Walbrook are excellent.
The Guard Wed 27/12 RTE1 @ 21.30
In deepest darkest Connemara a strange type of policeman finds himself working with the FBI to stop a big drug deal going down. A brilliantly funny film shot through with that wonderful Irish darkness that will have you in tatters laughing one minute and upset the next. Brendan Gleeson is as good as he's even been and Don Cheadle supports him ably. Liam Cunningham is good craic as always as the baddie.
Birdman Thurs 28/12 RTE2 @ 21.30
After his once glorious career has gone stale an actor decides to reinvent himself by staging a play on Broadway. Things don't go quite to plan. This is bonkers stuff but in the best possible way. Dark, funny, magical, smart and filmed in such a way so it appears to be done all in one go. Of course it wasn't but its still fun to watch how it comes together. Michael Keaton, Emma Stone, Edward Norton and Andrea Riseborough all rock.
Slow West Thurs 28/12 Film4 @ 23.25
Set on the wild frontier of 19th century America this is the story of a young man travelling west to see the woman he loves and the people he meets on the way. A deep and thoughtful movie, more so than your usual western, about the good and bad that people are capable of. But one that still delivers the goods the genre is known for. Kodi Smit-McPhee & Michael Fassbender as the leads are both very convincing,
Rango Fri 29/12 TG4 @ 17.00
Rango is a pet chameleon who gets lost in the desert and eventually finds himself in a lawless town called Dirt. And Dirt is in need of a new sheriff. This is a creative,smart and lovingly made CGI homage to the westerns we all grew up watching. It's a joy spotting all the movie references inbetween the fun performances and exciting set pieces. A film for children and adults. Really worth a go.
Gone Girl Fri 29/12 BBC1 @ 21.45
On the day of the wedding anniversary a woman disappears off the face of the earth and suspicion falls on her husband. Is he guilty? David Fincher's adaption of Gillian Flynn's best selling novel is a good one. A stylish film, full of darkness and twists and turns that you won't see coming at all if you haven't read the book. Rosamund Pike, Ben Affleck and Carrie Coon are all give A+performances and really help sell a pretty silly but entertaining tale.
Now for the usual suspects ( Lil Casablanca nod there)
Miracle On 34 Street Sat 23/12 RTE1 @ 13.10
Home Alone Sun 24/12 RTE1 @ 14.10
Jingle All The Way Sun 24/12 RTE2 @ 13.05
ET Mon 25/12 RTE 2 @ 16.15
Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory Mon 25/12 RTE2 @ 18.05
Scrooged Mon 25/12 CH4 @ 14.35
Back To The Future Tues 26/12 RTE1 @ 13.35 (Parts 2 & 3 are on 27th & 28th)
Raiders Of The Lost Ark Tues 26/12 RTE1 @ 15.40 (2,3 & 4 27th,28th & 29th)
Mary Poppins Tues 26/12 BBC1 @ 15.45
Oliver! Wed 27/12 RTE1 @ 08.20
The Man Who Would Be King Thur 28/12 RTE1 @ 08.15
Dr Zhivago Fri 29/12 RTE1 @ 07.25
Up Fri 29/12 BBC1 @ 14.25
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