June 01, 2019
11 films worth watching on TV this week
Thelma Sat 1/6 Film4 @ 23.05
A socially inexperienced young woman leaves the safety of her home for the first time and when trying to struggle with new found feelings discovers something very unusual about herself. This 2017 Norwegian drama is a great one to go into cold. Just let it's beauty and it's interesting story wash over you. Elli Harboe as Thelma and Kaya Wilkins both work perfectly together.
The Thomas Crown Affair Sat 1/6 BBC1 @ 23.40
Thomas Crown is a man who loves to steal. Catherine Banning is woman who loves to get back what's stolen. One day they meet. This remake of the 60's classic is a very entertaining watch and one that almost captures the chemistry of the original due to two compelling performances from a smouldering Rene Russo and a never more charming Pierce Brosnan.
California Split Sun 2/6 RTE1 @ 00.30
Bill and Charlie become friends in a casino and decide to go on a gambling trip together. At first it's a casual thing for Bill but Charlie starts to influence his ways. 70's Robert Altman movies were always outstanding and this is a prime example of his work. A comedy that slowly turns into a look into the darker side of America. George Segal and Elliot Gould put in amazing work here.
Oranges And Sunshine Sun 3/6 BBC1 @ midnight
In Northern England in the early 90's a social worker delves into the scandal of children who were forcibly separated from their parents and sent to institutions in Australia. Emily Watson as always is superb in the lead role. This is a fine watch but one you should psych yourself up for as not surprisingly it's a desperately upsetting look at a shameful era of Britain's history. Good support from Hugo Weaving and David Denham.
Fruitvale Station Mon 3/6 CH4 @ 01.20
The true story of a young man called Oscar Grant III and the last 24 hrs of his life in California's Bay Area before he fell foul of white America. Director Ryan Coogler and star Michael B. Jordan both do brilliant work in this microcosmic look at the daily pressures of life as an African American male. A scary and heart breaking tale. Octavia Spenser and Kevin Durand are excellent in back up.
The Secret Scripture Mon 3/6 RTE1 @ 21.30
Roseanne has lived in a psychiatric home for most of her life and as it closes a doctor delves into her past and is troubled by the path that led her to this place in her life. This is an upsetting and in places disturbing watch that paints a vivid image of Ireland's wrought pat and it's treatment of women. Rooney Mara does well and leads a worthy cast that includes Adrian Dunbar, Jack Reynor and Vanessa Redgrave.
Super 8 Mon 3/6 TG4 @ 21.30
A group of teenage wannabe filmmakers witness a train crash and what happens afterwards will change their lives forever. JJ Abram's homage to the sci-fi films of the 1980's is a splendid way to spend a couple of hours. The young cast are first-rate and their likability and believably help the film through the sillier scenes. Elle Fanning and Joel Courtney are the stand outs and Kyle Chandler in support is always dependable.
Suntan Tues 4/6 Film4 @ 01.00
Kostis is the doctor on a tiny Greek island that only comes alive in the summer. When the holiday crowds arrive he meets and rapidly becomes obsessed with a young woman who reminds him of his youth. This is tough going and genuinely unsettling in places but it's a very good insight into the minds of men struggling with middle aged. Superior acting too from Makis Papadimitriou and Elli Tringou.
The Butterfly Effect Wed 5/6 Syfy @ 21.00
A man uncovers the power of time travel and uses it to right wrongs in his past. But every change he makes to his history results in a new and horrifying future catastrophe. This Ashton Kutcher led take won't stand up to the likes of Looper and Primer but some of it's unpredictable and dark twists and turns make for a surprisingly engaging watch. Melora Walters and an evil turn by child actor Jesse James add to the mix.
3.10 To Yuma Fri 7/6 Film4 @ 16.35
A struggling rancher accepts the job of getting a wanted criminal to a train on time but the criminal's gang has other ideas. The original and best version of the tale, this 1957 film is a far more down to earth and believable tale than the remake and has a better cast too. Glenn Ford as Ben Wade makes for a very believable anti hero and Van Heflin as Dan once again shows how solid he was at playing salt of the earth characters. A true western classic
The Cider House Rules Fri 7/6 BBC2 @ 23.05
After coming of age in an orphanage run by a kind older doctor a young man decides it's time to get out and see the big bad world with the help of some new friends. Lasse Hallström's adaption of John Irving novel is a beautiful little film, touching and well written and packed full of top notch acting. Tobey Maguire is mighty in the lead but Michael Caine and Charlize Theron own the film.
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