Trainspotting 2 Sat 20/7 CH4 @ 21.30
The aging process, ill health and an audicious prison break bring a group of men from Edinburgh back into each other's lives after 20 years apart. Renton, Begbie, Spud and Sickboy are back in this surprisingly entertaining sequel to the 1996 classic. A blend of hilarity, genuine upset and wistful nostalgia. Ewan McGregor & Robert Carlyle are solid but Ewan Bremner as Spud owns this show.
I, Daniel Blake Sat 20/7 RTE2 @ 21.45
After a health scare issue prevents him from working, Daniel finds himself tied up in the red tape of the UK benefits system. A system designed to rip the humanity away from a person. Ken Loach's 2016 drama is a maddening, upsetting & nightmarish watch but one filled with humour and a deep humanity too. A horribly believable watch. Dave Johns & Hayley Squires are excellent.
Philomena Sat 20/7 BBC2 @ 22.20
A woman searching for her long lost son hires a journalist to help to her take on the might of the catholic church who forced her as a teen to give up her child. A heartbreaking true story about corruption and motherly love with an immense performance from Judi Dench in the title role. An upsetting, angry and poignant watch that still finds time for a touch of some much needed comedy.
An Everlasting Piece Sun 21/7 RTE1 @ 01.10
A thoroughly amusing oddity from Northern Ireland about 2 chaps, Colm and George, from opposite sides of the fence who realise that getting together for a bit of business is far more preferable than waging war of each other. It's not often you see a congenial film set during the troubles and its well worth watching. Brian F O'Byrne leads a nice cast of familiar Irish faces.
Spotlight Sun 21/7 BBC2 @ 22.45
In 2001 an investigative team of journalists from the Boston Globe newspaper began to investigate catholic church sex abuse cover ups. What they discovered shocked America. Tom McCarthy's 2015 stunning and rage inducing drama is a tough watch but it's one worth sticking with. The outstanding cast includes Rachel McAdams, Mark Ruffalo, Liev Schreiber and Michael Keaton who all nail their parts.
The Lion In Winter Mon 22/7 TCM @ 13.30
England. The 12th century. Henry II is coming to the end of his reign. His 3 sons are in the line of succession but his choice is clashing with that of his wife Queen Eleanor. A witty and complex script filled with all manner of backstabbing and shnakery plus pitch perfect performances from Peter O'Toole & Katherine Hepburn turn this into a very enjoyable history lesson .
Mistress America Tues 23/7 Film4 @ 23.20
Tracy, a student new to the New York city way of life is feeling the misery of loneliness but a new family member rapidly makes her existence into a very exciting one. A film about the problems of the middle class written and directed by Greta Gerwig and Noah Baumbach might be an anathema to some but some stick with it and it's joie de vivre will get under your skin. Lola Kirke is a pleasure to watch.
Secretary Wed 24/7 Film4 @ 01.00
A fragile woman called Lee takes a new job. Mr Grey is her boss. Their quirks make them fit together well and their working relationship sees big changes in both of them. This 2002 comedy drama is just fantastic. A lot darker and more challenging than your usual Hollywood love stories and better for it. Maggie Gyllenhal and James Spader are both brilliant in their roles.
Handsome Devil Wed 24/7 RTE1 @ 21.35
Ned sticks out like a sore thumb at his new school due to his lack of interest in sports and it isn't until he gets a new room-mate that things start going right for him. John Butler's coming of age film is a lovely watch, heartbreaking in places and funny in others. A fine Irish cast brings it all together too, with Moe Dunford, Andrew Scott, Fionn O'Shea and others all putting in a splendid shift.
Outpost Wed 24/7 The Horror Channel @ 22.45
A ragtag group of mercs hired to explore a WW2 bunker in a war ravaged country find themselves dying in horrific ways when they disturb the denizens of the dark. The always reliable Ray Stevenson has great craic in this creepily atmospheric bit of fluff. You'll have fun during it but you'll have it all forgotten then next day. The ideal movie to watch after a dose of beer.
Hobo With A Shotgun Thur 25/7 Syfy @ 23.00
A homeless man turns up to a new city and within moments realises it's a venal cesspit filled with the worst of humanity. He decides to clean things up with his 20 gauge death bringer. If you are any way squeamish or easily offended I beg you to avoid this like the plague. But if you like your comedy pitch black and with a side order of gore then this is for you. Rutger Hauer in the lead just rocks.
Drug War Fri 26/7 Film4 @ 01.05
After an accident a drug lord called Timmy Choi is captured by the police and given a choice. Work with them or die. He chooses the smart option. But he's a criminal at heart. Johnnie To's 2012 thriller is a smart and exciting one with plenty of substance to go along with it's style. There's not much groundbreaking here but it's very well done and Louis Koo does well as Choi.
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