11 films worth watching on TV this week

Sommersby   Sat   27/10   TG4 @ 21.50

When her husband returns home from the American Civil war a woman has her suspicions as to his intentions, especially when he's a lot nicer than the man who left. This 1993 romantic drama sounds like a drag but a fiercely committed performance from Jodie Foster makes sure you'll be glued to it throughout. Richard Gere and Bill Pullman offer fine support in this solid depiction of the post antebellum south.

Pale Rider   Sat   27/10   ITV4 @ 23.00

Clint Eastwood stars as a mysterious preacher who rides into frontier town upon a pale horse to help the inhabitants fight back against a big time miner who wants their land. So far so cliched but beautiful scenery, a splendid atmosphere plus a wee dab of the supernatural liven up proceedings no end. Classic western fans will love it but it's eerieness suits it to this time of year too.  

Inferno   Sun   28/10   Film4 @ 01.10

Video Nasty time. A pair of siblings either side of the Atlantic ocean are affected by supernatural violence. The second film in Dario Argento's Three Mother's trilogy is an unsettling watch. It makes very little sense but it's brilliantly surreal, very atmospheric and downright beautiful in places. Irene Miracle and Leigh McCloskey are interesting leads and a nightmarish Central park set-piece will stay with you long after the film is over.

Dr Strangelove   Sun   28/10   TCM @ 18.00

General Jack. D. Ripper is trying to start World War 3 and it's up to a war room full of egotastical politicians and soldiers to just a stop to everything. Stanley Kubrick's insane masterpiece is a film that lives up to the hype. Hilarious in places, surreal in others and downright terrifying all over. The cast is amazing too and includes Peter Sellers, George C.Scott, Peter Sellers, Sterling Hayden, Slim Pickens and....Peter Sellers.

Eye In The Sky   Mon   29/10   Film4 @ 21.00

The ethics of modern warfare are up for debate when a drone strike on a house containing terrorists is interrupted by the unexpected arrival of a young girl. A brutally tense watch that will leave you with a pain in your face from clenching your jaw. Far from enjoyable but very compelling. Helen Mirren leads a nice cast getting back up from Aaron Paul and the much missed Alan Rickman.

The Big Lebowski   Mon   29/10   TG4 @ 21.30

The Dude's carpet has been ruined and this aggression will not stand, man. So he sets out to right some wrongs and gets tangled up in a bizarre web of intrigue. The Coen Brother's 1997 comedy is a masterpiece of mistaken identity, bowling, strongly vaginal art and some very angry people all wrapped around a superb cast that includes Jeff Bridges, Steve Buscemi, Julianne Moore, Philip Seymour Hoffman and a never better John Goodman.

The Descent   Mon   29/10   The Horror Channel @ 22.45

Six female friends go on a potholing expedition into an underground cavern. Things of course go absolutely arseways. First off, if you are claustrophobic don't even bother with this. You'll be terrified and out of breath before the horror elements of the film even hit. If you are able for it you're in for a treat though. A terrifyingly intense treat. Shauna McDonald and Natalie Mendoza are excellent and Neil Marshall's direction is first class.

The VVitch   Wed   31/10   Film4 @ 21.00 

The America's of the 1600's were a strange and scary place as one family finds out when they are shunned from their religious community and try to start a new life at the edge of a forest. Now this is a film that will leave you on edge for a long time before it truly frightens the life out of you.  Nothing better than a horror movie that fully commits to it's premise. Eek! Anya Taylor-Joy, Ralph Ineson and Kate Dickie are all superb.

Event Horizon   Fri   2/11   Syfy @ 21.00

A spacecraft assumed lost in a black hole reappears and when a rescue team boards it they find things have gotten very strange indeed. Paul W. Anderson's horror sci-fi was unfairly maligned on release but it's effective stuff and full of moments that will linger in your dreams long after you finish it. Deadly cast in this too including Joely Richardson, Laurence Fishburne, Sam Neill and Jason Isaacs amongst others.

Drugstore Cowboy   Fri   2/11   TG4 @ 21.35

A group of drug addicts fund and fuel their lifestyle through a series of pharmacy robberies. For a while life is wild and carefree but all good things must come to an end. Gus Van Sant's 1989 drama is a horribly depressing watch but it's also full of heart, energy and oddly enough a shot of humour. Matt Dillon is magnetic in the lead and Kelly Lynch and a baby faced Heather Graham are pretty great too.

A Walk Among The Tombstones   Fri   2/11   RTE2 @ 21.45

Matt Scudder is an ex NYPD cop turned private eye who's world takes a black turn when he's hired by a drug dealer to find out who killed his wife. This is a lurid and queasy watch, far from the action movies Liam Neeson has become known for in this latter part of his career. It's pretty good though and it's depiction of the darker side of NYC is gripping. Dan Stevens, David Harbour and Boyld Holbrook all put in a grand showing.