Nowhere To Run Sat 2/6 TCM @ 21.00
While on the run from a jailbreak, an escaped convict finds himself caring about and getting close with a family under pressure from a developer to sell their land. Jean Claude Van Damme's modern western from 1993 is clearly influenced by classics like Shane but it's still a very entertaining watch and far less silly than his usual movies. Rosanna Arquette, Ted Levine and Joss Ackland tackle the acting duties and JCVD kicks ass well.
Platoon Sat 2/6 ITV4 @ 23.00
Vietnam. 1968. Chris Taylor is having a tough time acclimatising to war and things get tougher when he finds himself caught between two of his superiors. Oliver Stone's war film is heralded as a classic and rightly so. A nail bitingly tense and brutal depiction of the true horrors of war with an amazing cast including Charlie Sheen, Willem Dafoe, Tom Berenger, Forrest Whitaker and many others.
The Spectacular Now Sun 3/6 BBC2 @ 23.15
A young chap on the downward slope to alcoholism meets a girl who is his exact opposite. They both want different things while slowly beginning to want each other. Trailers made this look like American Pie but its a much better film than that. Realistic and far grittier than the usual teen-flick and also well acted all around with Miles Teller and Shailene Woodley in great form.
Antiviral Mon 4/6 The Horror Channel @ 02.15
In the near future a new obsession is deliberately infecting yourself with germs taken from celebrities in order to feel closer to them. An industry has built up around this and one employee wants to make more money for himself. An icky and disturbing film from Brandon Cronenberg, son of David about the dangers of celebrity obsession and how far it can go. Underneath all the blood and goo this is smart stuff
Monte Walsh Mon 4/6 TCM @ 15.40
Monte is an aging cowboy realising that he doesn't have a place in the world anymore due to the rapid pace at which the west is changing. A beautiful and tragic tale of loss and alienation, themes rarely touched upon in this genre but which happen to suit it to a tee. Lee Marvin is perfect in the title role and gets fine support from Jeanne Moreau and western stalwarts Jack Palance and Mitchell Ryan.
Batman Begins Mon 4/6 TV3 @ 21.00
A young boy is orphaned by violence and grows up in search of something that will give his life meaning. Protecting his city hits the spot. Christopher Nolan's 2005 take on the world's best detective is a stunner. Terrifying, mature, exhilarating and packed full of brilliant action set pieces. A cracking cast including Christian Bale, Liam Neeson, Katie Holmes, Gary Oldman, Michael Caine & Cillian Murphy makes it all come together perfectly
Once Upon A Time In America Mon 4/6 TG4 @ 21.30
Sergio Leone's film is an honest to god masterpiece while being a troubling and problematic watch too. A deep and complex tale of a man and his friends and their life of crime spanning 5 decades. This is a film that demands your attention and your time as it's nearly 4 hours long. Ya, its a slog but it's never ever boring. It's an experience. Robert De Niro is astounding in the lead role. He's utterly repellent but you can't look away from him.
10 Cloverfield Lane Tues 5/6 Film4 @ 21.00
After a car accident a woman wakes up in an underground shelter. The man in there swears he is holding her there for her own good but she's suspicious of his motives. This pseudo sequel to 2007's Cloverfield is an initially confusing film that turns into a nail chewing thriller before turning into something else altogether. Mary Elizabeth Winstead and John Goodman are both excellent.
Eyes of Laura Mars Thurs 7/6 The Horror Channel @ 00.40
A fashion photographer develops psychic abilities that allow her to see through the eyes of a serial killer as he does his dodgy deeds. A bizarre film but one filled with some real suspense and one that gives us a superbly authentic look at New York in the 70's. Faye Dunaway is great in the lead and Tommy Lee Jones gives good support. Nice cast too with Brad Dourif and Raul Julia in tow.
The Town Fri 8/6 TV3 @ 21.00
Excellent Boston set crime drama with Ben Affleck and Rebecca Hall. A bank robber tries to go straight but circumstance and old acquaintances won't let him. Affleck acts and directs with skill, is supported by a great cast that includes Blake Lively and Jeremy Renner and it's a story full of tense action set pieces. If your tv has a subtitles option turn it on because the Southie accent is a tough one to follow.
Regression Fri 8/6 Film4 @ 23.35
While investigating an abuse case, a cop and a doctor begin digging into details and uncover evidence of something very sinister. Ethan Hawke and Emma Watson take the lead in this dour and disturbing look at the evil things men are capable of. A gripping and well acted film but one you might need to be in the right form to watch. The always reliable David Thewlis rounds out the cast nicely.
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