January 11, 2020

11 films for you on TV this week


Riddick   Sat   11/1   E4 @ 21.00

The third film in the Riddick series sees Richard Riddick left for dead on a desolate planet and before long he's facing predators out for his blood, both human and not.... A tense, blackly funny, cheesy and in places bloody scifi thriller that continues the series in nice style. Vin Diesel does his monotone growl and Katee Sackoff, Dave Batuista and Jordi Moller make for fun support.

Smilla's Sense Of Snow   Sat   11/1   TG4 @ 21.15

A young Inuit boy dies in an accident in a Danish town and his neighbour Smilla is troubled by the how's and why's of the tragedy so she decides to dig a little deeper. A well paced, beautiful looking and very atmospheric mystery that doesn't quite nail it's ending but the journey to it is very intriguing. Julia Ormond is a fine lead and gets good back up from Richard Harris, Gabriel Byrne and Bob Peck.

Love Is The Devil   Sun   12/1   BBC2 @ 00.45

An artist named Francis Bacon discovers a burglar in the house one night and instead of calling 999 he decides to seduce the man instead. Of course this leads to all manner of madness. This isn't a film anyone will call enjoyable but it's an interesting and quite disturbing look at the effects alcohol and loneliness can have on an already dysfunctional life. Derek Jacobi and a very unBond like Daniel Craig do mighty work.

Nevada Smith   Sun   12/1   ITV4 @ 15.00

Nevada Smith, looked down on all his life for being a halfbreed, half White, half Native American is devastated by a massive tragedy and changes his life in order to get revenge on the men responsible. This Steve McQueen western is a solid sunday afternoon watch. It does all you'll expect but it does them well and McQueen is his usual stoic self. It's quite a violent film to be on so early in the day so expect it to be snipped here and there.

Changeling   Sun   12/1   ITV3 @ 23.05

In 1930's Los Angeles, a Woman's son is kidnapped and months later he's returned to her. But she doesn't recognise him and takes on the might of the LAPD to prove that she's right. A gripping tale of a mother's love and determination in the face of massive corruption and carried by a very convincing performance from Angelina Jolie. This is not an enjoyable movie but it's one that will move you and make you righteously angry.

No Home Movie   Mon   13/1   Film4 @ 01.30


Filmmaker Chantal Akerman films her conversations with her Mother, an elderly woman who survived the nazi death camps in Poland. Their chats are in person and online and this documentary is far more intriguing than I'm making it sound. It's a beautiful and very intimate depiction of the bond between parent and child, one that's both droll and upsetting. Sadly both women passed away within a year of it's release.

Strangers On A Train   Mon   13/1   TCM @ 18.55

Two men meet on a train, talk ensues and one disturbed party takes the conversation a lot more seriously than the other. One of Alfred Hitchcock's most gleefully delightful movies. You get the sense he had a whale of a time making this. The tension is electric and Robert Walker as Bruno is a villain for the ages. Fairley Granger ain't too bad either. The tennis club scene will stay with you and watch out of course for the customary director cameo.

The Nice Guys   Wed   15/1   ITV4 @ 22.00

The death of a porn star and the case of a missing woman bring two very different private investigators together in 1970's Los Angeles. Shane Black's 2016 film is a touch overlong and a little bit muddled but it is an amusing and surprisingly violent watch held together by two solid performances from Ryan Gosling and Russell Crowe who bounce off each other well and display some decent comedy chops.

Making The Grade   Thur   16/1   RTE1 @ 22.15

1000's of people all over Ireland learn the piano and every year they have exams to earn a grade. The 8th grade is the target they all strive for, the pinnacle of learning. Some find it easy while others have to struggle. This Irish documentary is about the students and teachers take part. It's a joy of a watch, far more interesting and entertaining than you would imagine. A lovely, touching and very human 100 mins.

Dead Man's Shoes    Thur   16/1   Film4 @ 23.20

A man returns to his hometown to get revenge on the people who tormented his brother. Yes I know it sounds cliched as hell but this is a film that packs a serious whallop. Imagine if Emmerdale was crossed with a slasher film and then stained with a dollop of very black humour and some horribly realistic carnage. Paddy Considine is just immense in this tense, nauseating, gripping and comical (in places) film.

The Master   Fri   17/1   Film4 @ 01.05

A WW2 veteran struggling to adjust to civilian life finds solace in the arms of a religious movement that accepts him for what he is. Paul Thomas Anderson's movie is definitely not for everyone but if you can stick with it you'll find it a very rewarding experience. Joaquin Phoenix is super in the lead but the film belongs to the much missed Philip Seymour Hoffman as the man in charge. Amy Adams is also pretty much perfect in this.




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