10 films worth watching on TV this week

The Damned United   Sat   19/5   BBC2 @ 22.35

A biopic of the football manager Brian Clough covering his very short tenure as manager of Leeds United. Even if you aren't a footie fan you'll enjoy this one. Clough makes for a very interesting lead character, a ball of contradiction and very enjoyable to watch. Michael Sheen is superb in the lead role and the supporting cast is a who's who of well known British talent. Plus Colm Meaney who always delivers. 

Tin Cup   Sun   20/5   RTE2 @ 01.05

An ex golfer turned driving range owner is dragged back into his former life when his competitive nature is awakened by a new love interest. One of the most underrated films of the 90's right here. A highly entertaining and charming comedy drama led by 3 charming performances from Kevin Costner, Rene Russo and Don Johnson. It's a bit long but when it's over you may have a new favourite film.

The Heat   Sun   20/5   Film4 @ 21.00

Whilst on the trail of a big time drug dealer an uptight FBI agent gets paired with a Boston cop who couldn't possibly be more different to her. Sandra Bullock and Melissa McCarthy make a fine mismatched pair in this entertaining and profane comedy thriller. It's broad, crude and will offend some but it's well worth a watch.J ane Curtin and the always solid Michael Rapaport are fun in support.

The Perks Of Being A Wallflower   Mon   21/5   Ch4 @ 00.15

Charlie is a young man with mental health issues who struggles to make a connection with his schoolmates in 1980's Pittsburgh. Here's a rare teen movie with actual substance that will stick with you for a long time. A lovely film full of super performances (Logan Lerman, Emma Watson & Ezra Miller especially), characters you'll care about and a lethal soundtrack. One of my favourite films of the past 10 years.

American Psycho   Mon   21/5   TG4 @ 21.30

Patrick Bates has a perfect life. He works on wall street. He has money to burn. He has all the connections. He is also murderously insane. Mary Harron's adaption of Brett Easton Ellis's classic book massively tones down it's violence but keeps it's razor sharp wit and cutting commentary on 1980's America. Christian Bale in the lead role is immense and gets super support from Chloe Sevigny and Reese Witherspoon.

The Serpent And The Rainbow   Mon   21/5   The Horror Channel @ 22.55

In the mid 80's a Harvard doctor travels to Haiti to investigate a report of a man who has come back from the dead. Voodoo and revolution conspire to make his job tricky. From the mind of Wes Craven this is a genuinely scary and unnerving horror film that filled with some very effective sequences. Anyone with claustrophobia should probably give it a miss. Bill Pullman is a fine lead and Zakes Mokae is a seriously ghoulish villain.

Silent Running   Wed   23/5   Film4 @ 11.00

A compelling and intelligent drama from John Carpenter set aboard a spaceship holding what's left of the earth's plant life. When the order comes through to come home one astronaut doesn't take it very well. Bruce Dern is at his best in this and has a brilliant supporting cast of 3 robots. Yes, i know it sounds terrible but it's a remarkable film, both funny and sad.

Jane Got A Gun   Thurs   24/5   Film4 @ 22.40

When her husband finds himself in trouble with a deadly gang of outlaws, a woman has no choice but to ask an old fiance for help. Things get bloody. Much was made of this film's troubled genesis but it's actually a exciting and well made western and much better than it deserved to be. A lot of this is down to Natalie Portman's committed lead performance and a stellar supporting cast including Ewan McGregor and Joel Edgerton.

The Purge   Fri   25/5   E4 @ 21.00

In the near future, for one night a year all crimes are legal, and people use this night to settle all their scores. Ethan Hawke and Lena Headey find themselves and their family under siege. A great original premise that will make you think about what you would do in this situation, convincing acting and some brutal action turn this into a very intriguing and watchable thriller. 

Wild Bill   Fri   25/5   TG4 @ 21.05

Walter Hill's wonderful film about the last days of the legendary Wild Bill Hickok, a man dogged by his reputation all of his life. Set in the infamous mining camp of Deadwood, South Dakota. Jeff Bridges is perfect in the lead role and succeeds in turning Wild Bill into a sympathetic and broken character who was haunted by his past. Ellen Barkin as Calamity Jane is excellent as always.