10 films on TV this week worth watching.

A Walk Among The Tombstones   Sat   25/5   RTE2 @ 21.25

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 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 shift.

Magic Mike   Sat   25/5   TG4 @ 22.10

Mike has big plans but a combination financial difficulties, his job as a stripper and a cocky new co-worker combine to put his future dreams in doubt. Steven Soderbergh's 2012 drama looks like fluff on the surface but it's actually a genuinely affecting look at problems faced by everyone. A superb cast carries it all off with aplomb but the standouts are Channing Tatum and a scene stealing Matthew McConaughey.

Morgan   Sat   25/5   Film4 @ 23.05

Morgan is a genetically engineered woman. Lee is the risk specialist who's going to decide if Morgan gets to live or die. Morgan doesn't like having choices made on her behalf. A compelling slice of science fiction that does get rather silly and OTT near the end but it's intriguing premise will keep you watching until the end. Fine showings from Ana Taylor-Joy,Rose Leslie and Kate Mara will keep it mostly grounded.

West Side Story   Sun   26/5   BBC2 @ 16.35

Maria and Tony are two New York city teenagers who fall in love. There's a problem though. Both are connected to rival gangs. It won't end well. This 1961 updating of Shakespeare's Romeo & Juliet is a masterpiece of musical cinema. Even of you haven't seen it before you'll know the songs and how it all ends but that won't take away from the joy of watching it. Natalie Wood & Richard Beymer are excellent leads.

Arrival   Sun   26/5   CH4 @ 21.00

The planet has been invaded by huge alien ships and a professor of language called Louise Banks is sent out to try to understand them. This film is fantastic. A look at the science of communication and the highs and lows of the human experience. Don't go in expecting Independence Day style fireworks. You won't get them here. You will get something special though. Amy Adams & Jeremy Renner are both great.

Locke   Mon   27/5   TG4 @ 21.30

On the eve of a momentous job challenge a man receives a phone call that makes everything else pale into insignificance. Your enjoyment of this film will very much depend on whether you like Tom Hardy because the entire film is him in a car by himself for 85 minutes but there's no denying he is outstanding in this economical and nail biting race against time thriller.

The Guest   Tues   28/5   Film4 @ 01.05

A family is totally changed when a war veteran claiming to have been a friend of their dead son turns up at the door and wiggles his way into their life. A very entertaining and knowing homage to the action films and home invasion thrillers of the 90's with a little splash of horror thrown in for good measure.  Funny, nasty and totally absurd. A very enjoyable way to spend 2 hrs. Maika Monroe and Dan Stevens are both deadly.

Ravenous   Wed   29/5   The Horror Channel @ 00.45

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 entertaining watch but it might be too much for some. There's a cracking cast too. Robert Carlyle as the stranger is brilliant and Guy Pearce, Jeremy Davies and John Spencer are all on first rate form.

Grandma   Thur   30/5   Film4 @ 23.00

A teenage girl called Sage finds herself in bother and the only person she can turn to is her granny Elle. Family issues make it all very awkward though as they try to raise the money Sage needs. This starts off light and funny before leaving you shaken and dazed. Lily Tomlin as Elle is amazing in the part and gets to display the kind of range that most actors can only dream of. A heartfelt and very topical watch.

The Boxer   Fri   31/5   RTE2 @ 22.30

Danny Flynn returns to a very divided Belfast after a long time away and sets about rebuilding his life and his community. Sectarian hatred doesn't like change though. Jim Sheridan's drama is dark, grim stuff and a damning indictment of the troubles and the pointless chaos caused by it all. Daniel Day Lewis as always is immense and here he gets exceptional support from Emily Watson and a detestable Gerard McSorley.