Straight Outta Compton Sat 15/2 RTE2 @ 21.15
N.W.A. were the most notorious rap group of the 1980's and this film charts their meteoric rise from the mean streets of Compton to their spectacular and egotistical fall. A big, brash, profane film that skips over a lot of the more troubling aspects of the group but still manages to be very enjoyable. Great showings from Jason Mitchell, Corey Hawkins and O'Shea Jackson Jr ( as his Da Ice Cube) make it all work.
Pilgrim Hill Sat 15/2 TG4 @ 23.45
Jimmy's a struggling farmer in Kerry and life isn't being kind to him. Money is tight, his father is very sick and even getting out for a pint has become a source of hardship. Gerard Barrett's 2013 drama is an undeniably tough watch but it's an essential one about an aspect of Irish life that rarely makes it into the spotlight. An upsetting and in places desperately tense watch. Fierce well acted too, Joe Mullins as Jimmy is superb.
Captain Fantastic Sat 15/2 BBC2 @ midnight
Living in the wilds of the Pacific Northwest, Ben and his family have been away from the grid for a long time. A tragedy forces him and his 6 kids back into civilisation and everyone struggles to adapt. A different kind of family film but a warm and absorbing one driven by a couple of wonderful performances from George Mackay and Viggo Mortenson as a well meaning father who you'll want to kick.
Roxanne Sun 16/2 RTE2 @ 15.00
Take the classic French story of Cyrano De Bergerac and transplant it into anywhere USA. Add Steve Martin as a man with a killer personality who's ashamed of his physical side. Throw in a love interest and a love rival. Sprinkle it with a dash of whimsy, a whiff of loneliness, a side order of belly laughs and you get a perfect Sunday afternoon movie. Martin, a luminous Daryl Hannah and a charmingly clumsy Rick Rossovich all do good work.
Love Is Strange Mon 17/2 CH4 @ 01.05
Ben and George are a gay couple who've been together for nearly 4 decades. One day the law finally allows them to get married but all of a sudden circumstances force them to live apart for a while. Things get stressful and rather awkward. John Lithgow and Alfred Molina are their usual excellent selves in this graceful, profound, warm and funny film. Marisa Tomei and Manny Perez add to the enjoyment.
The Look Of Love Mon 17/2 Film4 @ midnight
Paul Raymond. Father, business man, porn baron. When he's hit by the biggest tragedy a person can suffer he decides to look back over his life and how he came to be in his place. The always deadly Steve Coogan brings a human touch to the seedier side of London life. The film itself is slightly unfocussed as it tries to fit too much in but splendid work from Imogen Poots, Tasmin Egerton and Anna Friel aongside Coogan will keep you watching.
The Void Wed 19/2 The Horror Channel @ 22.50
A sheriff finds a man covered in blood on a lonely lane and brings him to hospital. Things get crazy fast. And gory. Oh so gory. This low budget 2016 horror thriller is a fun watch filled with inventive scares and some lovingly created practical special effects. If you are anyway squeamish please do not watch this. Or challenge yourself and go for it Things happen to eyeballs and intestines that you'll never forget. The unknown cast do impressive work too.
Young Adult Thur 20/2 CH4 @ 01.25
When her life goes awry Mavis decides to go back to where it all started to see some old acquaintances. She hasn't been home in a long time. Mavis is a bit of a gowl though. A brilliantly acted feel bad comedy drama about life's disappointments. It won't be for everyone but if you can stick with it there's plenty to enjoy. Charlize Theron is flawless as the lead and Patton Oswalt and Patrick Wilson are solid back up.
With Or Without You Thur 20/2 Film4 @ 01.25
A young couple called Rosie and Vincent living in Belfast are struggling in their marriage. Their struggle is heightened by the sectarian aspect of their relationship and a man who's just turned up on the door. Michael Winterbottom's take on romantic comedy is as realistic as you imagine and he brings his story to places you won't expect. Christopher Eccleston and Dervla Kirwan both nail their leading roles.
In The Heat Of The Night Fri 21/2 BBC2 @ 23.45
Mr Corbett has been killed. Mr Tibbs arrives to investigate his murder. Mr Corbett died in the Deep South. Mr Tibbs is Black. The Deep South doesn't like Mr Tibbs. This is a classic that lives up to the name. Draped in a sweltering atmosphere this crime drama will hook you from the off with 2 stunning turns from Sidney Poitier and Rod Steiger. Sadly it's still a very topical watch that will enrage you as much as it entertains you.
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