10 films on TV this week that are worth your time

A Lonely Place To Die   Sat   17/8   The Horror Channel @ 21.00

A group of mountaineers climbing in the Scottish highlands get more than they bargained for when they discover a young woman being held captive in the middle of nowhere. An exciting mish mash of genres that starts off amiably enough before heading off somewhere vicious and unpredictable. A fine cast lead by Melissa George and Alec Newman helps keep proceedings grounded.

Quartet   Sat   17/8    BBC2 @ 23.00

A lovely comedy drama set in a rest home for retired musicians. The residents are preparing their yearly show when a new arrival shakes up the status quo and brings unrest to their routine. The always brilliant Maggie Smith takes the lead in this very amusing and poignant film with fantastic turns from Billy Connolly, Tom Courtenay and Pauline Collins. TBH I expected to hate this at first but fell for it big time

Duck Soup   Sun   18/8   TCM @ 03.25

The republic of Freedonia is having money woes and to find a way out it appoints a new president. The neighbouring republic of Sylvania realises now it the time for a hostile takeover. This 1933 farce from the Marx Brothers is a joy. Hilarious, highly quotable and so influential that you'll recognise stuff from here even if you haven't seen it. Harpo, Groucho and Chico as always are priceless and for once even Zepoo gets in on the action.

Alone In Berlin   Mon   19/8   RTE2 @ 21.00

A family tragedy during World War 2 brings home to a pair of grieving parents the fact that the political ideology they have given themselves over to doesn't give two shits about them. If you can get past the sight of Ireland's favourite actor (™) Brendan Gleeson playing a nazi sympathiser you'll find plenty to get your teeth into here. Emma Thompson and Daniel Brühl do well in a sadly still topical watch.

American Ultra   Tues   20/8   Film4 @

A permanently stoned store clerk finds himself the target of numerous assassination attempts and he has to clear his head to try and figure out why. A job easier said than done. Jesse Eisenberg is good value as the clerk in question and far less annoying than usual. A funny and in places pretty vicious bit of silliness that will keep you entertained for 100 minutes. Kirsten Stewart, Connie Britton and Walton Goggins are solid too.

Tucker And Dale Vs Evil   Tues   20/8   The Horror Channel @ 22.50

Bloody hijinx ensue when holidaying hillbillies find themselves staying near a bunch of partying students in the woods. This takes the tropes of 80's slasher films and turns them on their heads in hilariously gooey ways. Tyler Labine and Alan Tudyk are perfect as a pair of seemingly gormless fools who then turn out to be anything but. You'll get the most out of this if you've seen Friday The 13th etc but its still mighty craic if you haven't.

Suite Francaise   Wed   21/8   RTE1 @ 21.35

France. 1940. A woman awaits news of a loved one who is missing in action but when German soldiers pour into the town the spectre of forbidden love raises its head. A slightly soap opera-ish storyline maybe but this is a well made watch in an old fashioned style and buoyed by excellent acting from the always reliable Michelle Williams and Matthias Schoenaerts.

True Grit   Wed   21/8   Film4 @ 22.50

A young woman hires a briary old U.S. marshal to hunt the men who killed her father. The Coen Brother's fiercely entertaining remake of the classic John Wayne western is a rare beast - a remake that surpasses the original. A droll, quirky and in places quite touching story. The cast is top notch too with Hailee Steinfeld superb in her debut acting role but the film belongs to Jeff Bridges as Rooster Cogburn. He's just flawless in the part.

Quadrophenia   Fri   23/8   Film4 @ 23.20

Jimmy hates his life and is only happy when he's on his scooter and surrounded by his mod friends. One day they take a faithful trip to the South coast of England and his life changes forever. A true classic from an age when youth subcultures were a thing. A look at life's high peaks and deep deep valleys lead by a blazingly angry and raw performance from Phil Daniels. Sting as Ace Face is great as disappointment personified.

Love & Mercy   Fri   23/8   RTE2 @ Midnight

Brian Wilson, the brains and the heart behind 1960's supergroup The Beach Boys was the very definition of a troubled genius. This unique biopic is a look at his life in both the 1960's and the 1980's and the woman who could save him from the bad influences around him. Paul Dano (who I usually hate) & John Cusack put in stunning performances as Wilson with Elizabeth Banks and Paul Giamatti offering nice support.