October 19, 2019
10 films on TV this week that are worth your time
Pushing Tin Sat 19/10 TG4 @ 21.20
Nick is the king of his job in the high pressure environment of air traffic control. New arrival Russell rocks up and throws Nick's well ordered life into disarray. A blackly amusing watch from an era when John Cusack was the go to guy. However he's totally overshadowed here by a manic Billy Bob Thornton as Russell. Cate Blanchett and Angelina Jolie play a pair of spouses who deserved a film of their own.
Split Sat 19/10 RTE2 @ 22.00
Casey, Claire and Marcia have been kidnapped by Kevin. Or is that Patricia? Or Dennis? Or Hedwig. M. Night Shyamalan's 2016 thriller is a ludicrous watch, one bordering on offensiveness at times but James McAvoy gives such a committed performance as a sympathetic monster that you'll be welded to the screen throughout. Anya Taylor-Joy more than holds her own too.
Fences Sat 19/10 CH4 @ 23.05
Troy Maxson is a bitter blue collar worker in 1950's Pittsburgh. Life didn't go the way he wanted it to so he decides to ruin other people's chances too. There's no doubt this is premium Oscar bait but when it's led by two superb performances from Denzel Washington and Viola Davis there's no point in complaining. A compelling look at the African American experience.
Destry Rides Again Sun 20/10 TCM @ 16.50
The cattle town of Bottleneck is a shifty spot and big man around town, Kent, thinks he runs the show. He didn't prepare for Tom Destry though. A gloriously entertaining slice of western escapism here. James Stewart, as always, does master work but Marlene Dietrich as Frenchie the singer steals the show big time. If you like Blazing Saddles her character will seem very familiar.
Rafiki Mon 21/10 CH4 @
Two girls, Kena and Ziki, meet and fall in love despite their families differences. Unfortunately for them they live in Kenya, a country where their love could see them killed. A beautifully acted and poignant story that's full of empathy for it's leads played by Samantha Mugatsia & Sheila Munyiva. Not surprisingly it's been banned in the country where it was made.
Tenderness Mon 21/10 TG4 @ 21.30
Eric killed his parents as a teen and is due out of jail. Detective Cristofuoro is wary of his motives while young Lori Cranston has slowly become obsessed with him. This low key drama from 2009 is a big change of pace from the blockbusters Russell Crowe is usually known for but it's a worthy watch. Moody and disturbing stuff with a couple of good turns from Jon Foster and Laura Dern.
The Innkeepers Tues 22/10 The Horror Channel @ 21.00
Claire and Luke work at the Yankee Pedlar Inn and in the days before it shuts down they decide to investigate the truth of the rumours surrounding the place. Ti West's horror movie is one that starts out in a fun place and ends up in a dark one. It's a bit slow but it's quirks and it's jumps keep it interesting. Sara Paxton and Pat Healy do solid work as our heroes.
The Age Of Shadows Wed 23/10 BBC4 @ 22.30
Lee Jung-chool is a policeman in 1920's Korea tasked with rooting out members of resistance groups that seek to thwart Japanese rule. A stylish and action packed look at a period in Asian history that never gets any airtime in Western teachings. This is tense, exciting stuff and a leading turn from Byung-Hun Lee makes it all very worthwhile.
Wild Thur 24/10 CH4 @ 02.00
In an effort to jolt herself back to life after her mother dies, a woman embarks on a hike along the full length of America's west coast with no previous experience. Reese Witherspoon is exceptional in this. Darkly funny in places and harrowing in others but a film that will suck you in and demand you watch til the end. Laura Dern who appears in flashbacks as her mother is reliable as always.
Albert Nobbs Fri 25/10 BBC2 @ Midnight
In 19th century Dublin a woman makes some choices considered unorthodox at the time to be allowed live the life she wants to live. Glenn Close is excellent in the lead role of this intriguing and deeply sad story. It's not a film to watch if you've got the autumn blues but if you're able for it it's a rewarding watch. Along with Close, Mia Wasikowska, Maria Doyle Kennedy and Aaron Taylor Johnson give fine support.
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