10 films worth watching on TV this week

Mean Streets   Sat   15/9   BBC2 @ 23.40

Charlie is a small time wannabe gangster in New York's Little Italy. But guilt, love and friendships are all conspiring to make life difficult for him. The film that put Martin Scorsese on the map bears little resemblence to his flashier films but it's just as solid as any of them in its own way. Harvey Keitel is a deadly lead but there's huge joy to be had in watching Robert De Niro as the crazy Johnny Boy putting in the performance that made him a superstar.

The Master   Sun   16/9   CH4 @ 00.45

In post war America a naval veteran leads a chaotic and troubled life until a charismatic cult leader takes him under his wing. Paul Thomas Anderson's 2012 drama is not going to be to everyone's taste but stick with it and you'll be mesmerised before long. Joaquin Phoenix, Amy Adams and the much missed Philip Seymour Hoffman all act out of their skin. The kind of film you'll be thinking about for days after.

Byzantium   Sun   16/9   Film4 @ 22.55

Two women on the run turn up a quiet beach town and it isn't long before their centuries old secret is out and they find themselves in danger again. Neil Jordan directs Saoirse Ronan and Gemma Atherton in this intelligent, well written and pretty bloody horror. Not a film for the squeamish amongst us but if you can stick with it you'll be very satisfied by this unique take on an overcrowded area of the horror genre.

Cowboys And Aliens   Mon   17/9   TG4 @ 21.30

The frontier town of Absolution is ruled by fear but it's populace and the people who hold them down must come together to face off against a threat from the skies. Yes it's sounds utterly ridiculous and tbh it is but it's also an entertaining and gritty western and one that despite it's subject matter feels pleasingly old fashioned. Harrison Ford, Daniel Craig, Olivia Wild and Sam Rockwell all add to the fun.

Crimson Peak   Mon   17/9   Film4 @ 22.45

After a horrible tragedy, Edith finds herself living a new life in an old mansion with her new beau. Strange occurrences have followed Edith her whole life though. A gorgeous gothic tale from the mind of Guillermo Del Toro. Scary in places, gruesome in others and atmospheric as hell. It's just great. Record it and keep it for Halloween. Mia Wasikowska, Jessica Chastain, Tom Hiddleston and Charlie Hunnam all deliver the goods.

Ravenous   Tues   18/9   The Horror Channel @ 02.35

In the 19th century a frostbitten stranger turns up at an army fort claiming to be the only survivor of a wagon train that got lost in the mountains. Antonia Bird's darkly comic horror thriller is a ferociously enjoyable watch but it might be too much for some. There's a superb cast too. Robert Carlyle as the stranger is brilliant and Guy Pearce, Jeremy Davies and John Spencer are all on first rate form.

Mechanic : Resurrection   Thur   20/9   Film4 @ 21.00

What time is it? Why it's Statham O'Clock. The Mechanic is back and this time he has to carry out three tasks in a globe trotting mission to save the life of the woman he loves. Take no notice of the reviews of this one, it's good craic, yes it's silly as hell but it's also inventive, crunchy and very satisfying. Statham does his thing well and Tommy Lee Jones as one of his marks is fun. What more do you need?

Christine   Fri   21/9   The Horror Channel @ 21.00

Awkward and bullied Arnie leads a miserable existence but everything changes when he buys a Plymouth Fury that he names Christine. Things don't change for the best though. This John Carpenter adaption of the Stephen King novel is one of the better films made from his books. It's a fun watch and one where you'll probably end up rooting for the bad....guy. The always cool Harry Dean Stanton is the only really recognisable face here.

Nurse Betty   Fri   21/9   RTE1 @ 23.55

After witnessing a murder, Betty suffers a mental breakdown and decides to travel across America to meet a soap opera actor she's certain she has a connection with. Neil La Bute's film is an unusual watch, mixing comedy with psychological drama and lacing proceedings with a dash of bloody carnage. Renee Zellweger is excellent as Betty and gets fine support from Morgan Freeman, Chris Rock and Greg Kinnear.