11 films worth your time on TV this week

20th Century Women   Sat   24/8   BBC2 @ 22.45

Three generations of women living in late 70's California attempt to school a young man in the ways of life. He's a stubborn one. But they are too. Annette Bening is fantastic as the free spirited Dorothea and leads an excellent cast that includes Greta Gerwig, Elle Fanning and Billy Crudup in a well done story that will resonate with a lot of viewers.

A Walk In The Woods    Sat   24/8   RTE1 @ 23.10

Two men decide to hike the Appalachian trail. 2000 miles of wilderness. One is an aging writer and the other is a walking heart attack. Comedy ensues. Robert Redford's adaption of Bill Bryson's book of the same name is just a lovely film. If you like your comedy gentle but with a hint of a profanity then this is the film for you. Redford in the lead role is grand but Nick Nolte as his hiking partner Katz steals the show.

The Belko Experiment   Sun   25/8   Film4 @ 23.10

An American company based in South America finds out how truly vicious office politics can be when they find themselves trapped and forced to fight by an unknown group. A blisteringly violent, darkly funny and nicely subversive thriller that you will enjoy vicariously if you work in a similar job. John C. McGinley steals the show as a particularly highly strung fella.

Hamburger Hill   Mon   26/8   TG4 @ 21.30

American soldiers fight the ultimate battle of attrition in their attempts to take a strategic hill in the bloodiest era of the Vietnam war. This is one tough, grisly film that makes Platoon look like Bosco. It's a look at the pointlessness of war that lets us get to know it's wide eyed, baby faced soldiers before mincing them in front of us. Courtney B. Vance, Don Cheadle and Dylan McDermott stand out in a large ensemble cast.

The Angel's Share   Wed   28/8   Film4 @ 01.05

4 Glaswegian teenagers on a road to rock bottom decide to pull off a whiskey heist to get themselves the means to get away from a miserable future. Director Ken Loach has weaved a delightful tale here. One that will upset you in places and give you a full on belly laugh in others. A warm look at the lives of people who are usually ignored. Paul Brannigan as Robbie is a talent to keep an eye out for in the future.

The Producers   Wed   28/8   TCM @ 13.30

Producers Max Bialystock and Leo Bloom set out to make their money from a disaster. This Mel Brooks masterpiece is about a very different type of musical. A very different one indeed. It's an uproariously funny film and in places you won't believe what you're watching. Starring the late & much missed Gene Wilder and Zero Mostel. This one will keep you laughing til the very end.

Everest   Wed   28/8   RTE1 @ 21.35

In 1996 two expert mountain climbers led an ill advised expedition up Mount Everest while a massive storm front was bearing down on them. Things did not end happily. Jason Clarke, Emily Watson and Jake Gyllenhal lead a starry cast in a well made film that will both terrify you and piss you off. Rich stupid people and their death defying hobbies always makes for gripping viewing.

Flight Of The Navigator   Thur   29/8   Syfy @ 12.00

If you were an 80's kid you'll remember this one. A young boy goes into the woods and reappears 8 years later. Scientists then try to figure out what happened to him. It turns out quite a bit happened. A thoroughly entertaining and very charming sci-fi film that OK, looks a bit dated but its a great one to record and watch with the family. Joey Cramer makes for a fine lead.

The Fury   Fri   30/8   Film4 @ 01.15

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.

The Flag   Fri   30/8   RTE1 @ 21.35

When Harry finds out the flag his Da raised in the 1916 rising now resides in a barracks in London he sets out to get it and his friend Mouse comes along for the ride. A rip roaringly funny Irish film that, like the best Irish comedies, manages to be hilarious one minute and capable of making you cry the next. Pat Shortt, Moe Dunford, Ruth Bradley and Brian Gleeson all have a whale of a time here.

Run And Jump   Fri   30/8   RTE2 @ midnight

Vanetia is an Irish woman struggling to look after her family after her husband Conor has had a stroke. An American medical researcher comes to stay with them to study his behaviour and him and Vanetia become close. A solid little drama about family dynamics, dysfunction and understanding. Maxine Peake in the lead role is as always superb and Will Forte as the yank plays a nice part.