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, Emily Watson 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.
Hard Target Sat 4/8 ITV @ 23.20
Jean Claude Van Damme. Lance Henriksen. John Woo. The essence of new Orleans captured perfectly and the finest mullet ever seen on film. This 1993 action thriller is a thrill a minute watch as we follow Chance Boudreaux as he tracks down and takes on the bad men who are hunting homeless men in the Cajun capital. Very very violent but very very entertaining.
Florence Foster Jenkins Sun 5/8 BBC1 @ 20.15
Florence was a member of New York City royalty in the 1940's, an heiress who dreamed of singing at Carnegie hall. The only problem was the fact that she was truly awful. Meryl Streep is as always amazing in the lead role of this film that is at times hilarious and and at others quite upsetting. An elegant and charming look at the problems that can be bypassed by money. Simon Helberg and Hugh Grant in support play their parts perfectly too.
Nightcrawler Sun 5/8 BBC2 @ 22.00
Jake Gyllenhall gives a career best performance in this dark and intense tale of a desperate crime journalist willing to go outside the law to further his career prospects. This is gripping and compulsive viewing but Gyllenhall's character is so seedy and creepy that you'll need a shower afterwards. Strong back up from Rene Russo and Riz Ahmed too. This film will put you off ever going to Los Angeles.
Chevalier Mon 6/8 CH4 @ 02.15
Six Greek men head out into the Aegean sea to fish and take part in a series of games that will prove who amongst them is the manliest of the bunch. A darkly funny and in places disturbing look into the male psyche and the ridiculous lengths men will go to to one up each other. I haven't a clue who any of the actors are but they fill the movie with naturalistic performances that compliment and sometimes ruin the beautiful scenery.
Tigerland Mon 6/8 TG4 @ 21.30
A young infantry recruit training for Vietnam in 1971 Louisiana tries to fight back against the system but the system is having none of it. The film that made Colin Farrell a star. He's just magnetic in the role of the rebellious Boz and IMO no film since has used his potential as much as this one did. A funny, sad & tense film that evokes a great 70's atmosphere. Watch out for Michael Shannon in a early role.
Twelve Monkeys Tues 7/8 BBC4 @ 22.00
A convicted criminal is sent back in time to gather information to help stop a plague that has decimated the earth of the future. But he gets sent back further than he should have been. Terry Gilliam's time travel thriller is absolutely bonkers and utterly compelling with an ending that will have you drawing diagrams to understand it all. Bruce Willis is at his best in the lead but Brad Pitt steals the film as a psychiatric patient he meets on his travels.
Cherry Falls Thur 9/8 The Horror Channel @ 02.30
A serial killer is targeting virgins in a small town. The only way to survive? Lose your virginity as fast as possible. Sounds crass doesn't it? It's far from it. A funny, intelligent and subversive satire on modern horror that really works if you go with the concept. The late Brittany Murphy is very solid in the lead and gets fine support from Michael Biehn and Jay Mohr. Totally ignored on it's original release but worth a re-evaluation.
Grave Of The Fireflies Fri 10/8 Film4 @ 01.20
World War 2 is coming to a close and 2 siblings, Seita and Setsuko who live in Kobe, Japan find themselves alone and hungry after U.S forces firebomb their city. This animated story is in my opinion the best and most effective anti war film you will ever see. It's a masterpiece that will kick you in the heart and pretty much ruin your day. Don't let that stop you watching though because it really is something special.
My Brother The Devil Fri 10/8 BBC2 @ 23.35
Mo and Rashid are two Muslim brothers growing up in Hackney. Rashid is in a gang and doesn't want that life for his brother. Rashid also has a big secret thats not exactly compatible with his religion. A beautiful looking film that tells a familiar story but with it's own unique slant on things. James Floyd and Fady Elsayed as the brothers both give committed, genuine performances.
Patrick's Day Fri 10/8 RTE1 @ 23.40
A young Dublin man with mental health issues who meets a suicidal woman. Yes, it's sounds terribly sad but it's much more than that. Super performances all around but Moe Dunford brings the lead character of Patrick to life in a way that makes you genuinely care for him. It's a film that will kick you in the heart a dozen times but you'll be glad you watched it. Rewarding stuff.
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