11 films on TV this week that are worth your time.

The Thing   Sat   7/9   The Horror Channel @ 21.00

The men of a research station in Antartica finds things getting very strange when a huskie arrives at their camp followed by the chopper that's been chasing it. John Carpenter's scifi/horror is a masterpiece of tension, paranoia and amazing practical special effects that 37 years later still put CGI to shame. Kurt Russell, Keith David, Donald Moffat and Wilford Brimley lead a cast that's second to none.

Jackie   Sat   7/9   RTE1 @ 22.10

Jackie Kennedy finds her dream of Camelot shattered on a November Day in Dallas and it's everything she can do to stay upright afterwards. Natalie Portman is on fire as the personification of dignity in the aftermath of trauma. Not a watch for everyone but it's impeccable filmmaking. Peter Sarsgaard, Greta Gerwig, Billy Crudup and the magnificent John Hurt (in his last non posthumous performance) all do powerful work.

In The Loop   Sat   7/9   BBC2 @ 23.30

It's all kicking off in the middle east and UK and US spin doctors are trying to prevent a war. But humans have a wee tendency to make mistakes..... This spin off of the TV show In The Thick of It is a joy, a profane and nasty joy. If you've seen the show you'll enjoy this more but if not there's still loads here to laugh at including a brilliant turn from James Gandolfini. Peter Capaldi is deadly as always.

Magnum Force   Sun   8/9   ITV4 @ 21.00

Harry Callaghan is back and this time he's investigating a series of vigilante killings in and around San Francisco. But there's something off about the murders. The second film in the Dirty Harry series is definitely the best of the lot and one that makes fun of itself while tearing down the fascist tone of the original film. Clint Eastwood rocks it as always and that funky Lalo Schifrin score ties it all together perfectly.

The Life And Death Of Colonel Blimp   Mon   9/9   BBC2 @ 14.05

Clive Candy has had hell of a life and we get to bear witness to how it all plays out from the Boer War to WW2 and meet all the people who shaped him along the way. This Powell and Pressburger film from 1943 is masterful and more than transcends it's original purpose as wartime propaganda. A warm, witty, upsetting and layered watch powered by super turns from Roger Livesey & Deborah Kerr times three. Yup (x) 3.

This Must Be The Place   Mon   9/9   TG4 @ 21.30

Cheyenne is an ex rock star living out his retirement in Dublin. He's a man haunted by his past and when he attends his father's funeral he finds out his father has lived through similar. This starts off as a character piece and ends up as a road trip one. It's an odd watch but a very interesting one that's driven by an immense performance from a very different Sean Penn. Keep an eye out for Eve Hewson (lil Bono) in her major debut role.

The Broken Circle Breakdown   Tues   10/9   Film4 @ 01.35

Didier and Elise are in love despite being as different as oil and water. All that has to be put aside when the spectre of illness raises it's head in their little family. Excellent music and haunting acting combine here to make a film that will make you smile and then floor you. Belgian actors Veerle Baetens & Johan Heldenbergh are sublime in their parts. Make sure you are in the right headspace if you decide to watch this one.

The Misfits   Thur   12/9   Film4 @ 12.40

Gay is a washed up cowboy eking out an existence in Nevada. Rosalyn is a depressed divorcee. They are not a match made in heaven. This 1961 John Huston film is a tough watch but fantastic performances from Clark Gable, who was dying as this was filming, and Marilyn Monroe, who was in the depths of pill addiction, turn it into something very compelling. A nice supporting turn from Eli Wallach adds to it all.

The Searchers   Fri   13/9   TCM @ 13.30

John Wayne plays Ethan Edwards, a man searching for years for his niece who has been kidnapped by a Comanche war party. But what are his intentions? A gorgeous looking and highly influential western (one shot of Wayne framed by a doorway has been homaged in dozens of films and shows), well acted by all especially Wayne and Vera Miles. One of the finest, most thoughtful westerns ever made

A Late Quartet   Fri   13/9   BBC2 @ 23.45

A classical music quartet is upset when a medical diagnosis is announced and repressed resentments bubble to the surface and threaten their future. Catherine Keener, Christopher Walken, Imogen Poots and the late and much missed Philip Seymour Hoffman headline this wonderfully acted tale of friendship and human weakness. Plus the music is as good as you'd expect.

Jagged Edge   Fri   13/9   RTE1 @ 23

 A woman is murdered and her husband finds himself the main suspect despite proclaiming himself innocent. A modern day film noir starring the always reliable Jeff Bridges and Glenn Close as the lawyer who defends him in court plus Robert Loggia who's very entertaining in a supporting role. A scary, tense and twisty thriller that mightn't keep you guessing but you'll certainly be stuck to it. Perfect late night viewing.