10 films worth watching on TV this week

Two Lovers   Sat   6/10   TG4 @ 23.20

Leonard is a Jewish man living in Brooklyn. Suicidally depressed and suffering badly, his life takes a sudden turn when he meets two very different women. Director James Gray's third collaboration with Joaquin Phoenix is a dark watch in places but it's ultimately a rewarding one as well as being an interesting insight into Jewish American culture. Gwyneth Paltrow and Vinessa Shaw as the women in his life are both excellent.
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Screamers   Sat   6/10   The Horror Channel @ 22.50

A self replicating robot designed to hunt and kill enemy life on a remote mining planet decides to turn on it's creators. This might be based on a lesser work by famous sci-fi author Philip K.Dick but that doesn't stop it being an entertaining and clever watch. Suspenseful, gory, silly and darkly funny with a fine performance from Peter Weller topping it off. Oh and the final shot is one for the ages.

Postcards From The Edge   Sun   7/10   RTE2 @ 00.55

Meryl Streep is on top form as a film star trying to rebuild both her career and her relationship with her mother after a cocaine overdose nearly kills her. The late great Carrie Fisher wrote this funny and moving film from her own novel which was kinda sorta based on her own life. Super cast too including Shirley Maclaine, Gene Hackman & Richard Dreyfuss amongst others. 

The Man In The White Suit   Sun   7/10   BBC2 @ 14.25

Sidney has developed a fabric that's both stain resistant and doesn't fall apart. He's happy to share his invention with the world but clothing manufacturers who stand to lose out are not happy. Alec Guinness is a joy in the lead of this very amusing Ealing comedy production that will not only make you laugh but also make you think. A perfect lazy Sunday afternoon watch.

A Walk In The Woods   Sun   7/10   CH4 @ Midnight

Two men decide to hike the Appalachian trail. 2000 miles of wilderness. One is an aging writer and the other is a walking heart attack. Comedy ensues. Robert Redford's adaption of Bill Bryson's book of the same name is just a lovely film. If you like your comedy gentle but with a hint of a profanity then this is the film for you. Redford in the lead role is grand but Nick Nolte as his hiking partner Katz steals the show.

The Court Martial Of Billy Mitchell   Tues   9/10   Film4 @ 16.30

Based on a true story, this film is about the trial of an Army general during World War 1, who when disillusioned by his superiors lack of belief in aerial warfare decided to question the system. An absorbing film about standing up for what you believe in from Otto Preminger led by an quality showing from Gary Cooper in the title role. Rod Steiger as a lawyer facing off against him steals the show though with a blistering performance.

Somebody Up There Likes Me   Wed   10/10   TCM @ 07.05

A young man treated appallingly by both his father and various systems of law joins the army and eventually realises he can challenge his aggression into boxing. This very solid watch has all the classic sporting tropes but you can't call it cliched because it did it all before nearly everything else. Paul Newman as always is a fantastic lead and Pier Angeli and Sal Mineo are compelling in supporting roles.

Black Swan   Thur   11/10   CH4 @ 00.35

Darren Aronofsky's blackly funny and utterly terrifying tale of obsession and jealousy in the world of ballet. Natalie Portman plays a career best role as a Ballerina who's success is threatened when a younger Ballerina played by Mila Kunis appears on the scene. The perfect film to watch when you want to break your brain and feel squeamish, uncomfortable, nauseous and disorientated all at once. Magnificent stuff

Welcome To The Punch   Fri   12/10   Film4 @ 01.40

A career criminal returns to London after a long absence to deal with a family matter. This gives the policeman who's been chasing him for years one final chance to nail him. So far so cliched but two winning performances from Mark Strong and James McAvoy and a few ludicrously enjoyable and surreal action sequences make this a worthwhile watch. The supporting cast is a who's who of British talent as well.

Prizzi's Honour   Fri   12/10   RTE1 @ Midnight

Irene is a freelance assassin. Charley is a mob hitman. When Irene is hired by Charley's gangster associates their paths cross and things get rather complicated for them. John Huston's comedy thriller is a joy to watch. Funny, violent, suspenseful, romantic and led by two superb showings from Kathleen Turner and Jack Nicholson who for once plays a different kind of part.