Everest Sat 24/3 CH4 @ 21.00
In 1996 two expert mountain climbers led an ill advised expedition up Mount Everest while a massive storm front was bearing down on them. Things did not end well. Jason Clarke and Jake Gyllenhal lead a starry cast in a pretty damn good film that will both terrify you and piss you off. Rich stupid people and their death defying hobbies always makes for gripping viewing.
The General Sat 24/3 RTE2 @ 21.20
The real life story of Martin Cahill, a scumbag criminal who somehow attained mythical status in 1980's and 90's Dublin. John Boorman's film is far nicer to him than he deserves and a superb performance from Brendan Gleeson turns him into someone you'll end up enjoying despite yourself. Stellar support from Adrian Dunbar, Maria Doyle-Kennedy and Sean McGinley is the icing on the cake.
A Late Quartet Sat 24/3 BBC2 @ 22.00
A classical music quartet is upset when a medical diagnosis is announced and repressed resentments bubble to the surface and threaten their future. Catherine Keener, Christopher Walken, Imogen Poots and the late and much missed Philip Seymour Hoffman headline this wonderfully acted tale of friendship and human weakness. Plus the music is as good as you'd expect.
Some Mother's Son Sun 25/3 RTE2 @ 00.45
Kathleen and Annie were two women caught up in the Northern Ireland conflict when their sons took part in the 1981 hunger strike led by Bobby Sands. You mightn't agree with the political convictions of the characters but you'll be hard pressed not to be moved by this touching and in places hard to watch film. Super acting from Helen Mirren and Fionnula Flanagan as the mammies.
Bringing Up Baby Sun 25/3 BBC2 @ 13.20
A paleontologist stressed out by his impending nuptials and his museum's urgent need for a donation finds his life getting complicated by a woman who sets her sights on him and her unusual pet. This high entertaining screwball comedy directed by the great Howard Hawks is 80 this years and still feels fresh as a daisy. Katherine Hepburn and Cary Grant are perfect in the lead roles.
Prisoners Sun 25/3 TV3 @ 21.00
When his daughter goes missing a father's frustration with police efforts leads him to take matters into his own hands. Hugh Jackman is absolutely ferocious in this dark and disturbing thriller and Jake Gyllenhall as a detective investigating the case isn't too shabby either. It's a tough film, claustrophobic and harrowing in places and one that won't be for everyone. If you can stick with it though you'll be rewarded.
Tyrannosaur Tues 27/3 Film4 @ 23.40
A deeply troubled man forms a friendship with a kind woman who works in a local shop but her friendly exterior hides her own dark secrets. This is an excellent and brutally realistic watch but it's desperately harsh stuff that will disturb you no matter how tough you think you are. Olivia Colman and Peter Mullan are perfect in the lead roles and the usually hilarious Eddie Marsan plays the part of an utter bastard to a tee..
Crank Wed 28/3 ITV4 @ 22.00
After he's poisoned by Chinese gangsters a man has to keep his heart rate up high to survive. This film is insane. And absolutely brilliant. Jason Statham plays Chev Chelios with gusto. Whether zapping himself with electric paddles, ODing on red bull, starting fights he can't win or having very very public sex, he'll do anything to stay alive. Hilarious stuff but stay away if you are squeamish or easily offended. This is not for the weak of heart.
The Raven Thurs 29/3 CH4 @ 01.30
Baltimore. 1849. A deranged criminal is using the works of Edgar Allen Poe to inspire themselves to murder. To stop the killings a young detective must team up with Poe himself. This bloody horror drama is silly but great fun that looks fantastic and has a superb cast including John Cusack as Poe, Alice Eve, Luke Evans and the always reliable Brendan Gleeson. Very watchable fluff.
Black Narcissus Thur 29/3 BBC2 @ 13.00
Deborah Kerr headlines this classic story of frustrated nuns in a Himalayan convent and the psychological effect their surroundings and a newcomer in their midst has on some of them. Sounds like a dodgy porn film but its an absolute masterpiece. A fantastic looking story that's sensual in places and terrifying in others. Technically astonishing for the time too and highly influential.
Dead Man's Shoes Fri 30/3 Film4 @ 23.10
A man returns to his hometown to get revenge on the people who tormented his brother. Yes yes i know it sounds cliched as hell but this is just magnificent stuff. It's like if Emmerdale was crossed with a slasher film and then stained with a dollop of very black humour and some horribly realistic carnage. Paddy Considine is just immense in this tense, nauseating, gripping and funny (in places) film.
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