11 films on TV this week worth watching

The General   Sat   1/12   RTE2 @ 21.30

The story of Martin Cahill. A man raised in poverty who went on to become one of Dublin's most infamous criminals. An infamy that brought him to the attention of many. Brendan Gleeson is astounding in the role but he's such a good actor that you end up siding with the scumbag instead of the cops, who aren't exactly painted in a nice light either. John Boorman's biopic is a very enjoyable watch with a supporting cast full of familiar faces.

Hail, Caesar!   Sat  1/12   CH4 @ 23.35

Hollywood, the 50's. Eddie Mannix is a studio problem solver and when the star of a big film goes missing he's the man tasked to sort it out. The Coen brothers 2016 comedy isn't their best but it is a very entertaining slice of hokum that will astound you with some of it's movie setpieces. The cast is second to none too. Josh Brolin, Scarlet Johannsen, George Clooney, Channing Tatum & Frances McDormand all add to the fun.

Enough Said   Sun   2/12   RTE1 @ 01.35

Eva is dreading the thought of her daughter going to college but then she meets both an interesting fella and a new friend through work. Little does she know both of them share a past. This is a joy of a film, warm and funny and filled with people who feel genuinely real. Julia Louis Dreyfus and the late James Gandolfini are both excellent as the leads and the always reliable Catherine Keener offers fine back up.

Local Hero   Sun   2/12   Film4 @ 11.00

A representative of a huge American oil company arrives in the far reaches of Scotland looking to buy up an entire village. Small villages have a way of charming visitors though. A really lovely little gem from 1983 full of fun performances, sly asides on the nature of big businesses and small communities and of course some glorious scenery. Burt Lancaster, Peter Reigert, Jenny Seagrove and a very young Peter Capaldi all add to the mix.

They Live   Sun   2/12   The Horror Channel @ 22.45

Aliens have taken over society and only one man can see them with the help of a special pair of sunglasses. He's mad as hell about it and he ain't going to take it anymore. On the surface John Carpenter's action/sci-fi might seem loud and silly but it's actually an intelligent and frighteningly prescient story and the dangers of advertising and apathy. Roddy Piper and Keith David are mighty as the leads.

Colombiana   Tues   4/12   E4 @ 22.00

After witnessing a brutal crime as a child Cataleya grows up to be a vicious killer on the streets of Bogota and every day she gets closer and closer to justice. Zoe Saldana makes for a solid lead in this crunchy and bloody action thriller from the pen of Luc Besson and director Olivier Megaton (WHAT A NAME!) It doesn't get many points for originality but if you want to see some nasty bastards make their maker you won't go wrong here.

Mars Attacks   Wed   5/12   Syfy @ 21.00

Earth is invaded by an army of cruel little skull faced aliens with evil senses of humour and it's up to a star studded cast of earthlings to fight back against them. Tim Burton directs this brilliantly surreal & amusing film with his usual sense of disturbing humour. The first scene will let you know if this film is for you or not. Pam Grier, Jack Nicholson, Annette Bening, Glenn Close, Pierce Brosnan and Tom Jones (yep him) lead the attack.

The Odd Couple   Thur   6/12   TCM @ 18.45

Felix's marriage has hit the skids and he's feeling low. His buddy Oscar asks him to stay with him for a while. But Felix and Oscar are two very different people and before long thing's get awkward. An absolute joy of a comedy from Neil Simon. A film that will cheer anyone up. Jack Lemmon & Walter Matthau are both electric and the chemistry between them is just priceless. 

The Fury   Fri   7/12   Film4 @ 01.30

When his son is kidnapped by scumbags intent on exploiting his psychic powers, a former CIA agent goes all out to get him back. Brian De Palma's 1978 sci-fi/horror is a bonkers affair. A vicious but very engaging watch that contains THE best ever bad guy death scene. Even 40 years later it will still take your breath away. Kirk Douglas is in full on tough guy mode and gets good back up from Amy Irving and John Cassavetes.

Mammal   Fri   7/12   TV3 @ 22.30

An unusual and absorbing Dublin set drama from director Rebecca Daly about a woman coping with the loss of her estranged son through unorthodox means. A story of motherhood that is quite tough to watch at times but really worth sticking with. Rachel Griffiths is superb as the lead and is supported by a fine Irish cast including Michael McElhatton and Barry Keoghan.

Tin Cup   Fri   7/12   RTE1 @ 23.55

An ex golfer turned driving range owner is dragged back into his former life when his competitive nature is awakened by a new love interest. One of the most underrated films of the 90's imo. A delightfully charming comedy drama led by 3 great performances from Kevin Costner, Rene Russo and Don Johnson. It's a bit long but when it's over you may have a new favourite film.