L.A. Confidential Sat 29/2 BBC1 @ 23.40
One of the best films of the 90's, a modern classic magnificently adapted & thankfully pared down from James Ellroy's labyrinthine novel. Three very different policemen find themselves up to their necks in dodginess in post WW2 Los Angeles. Thrillingly satisfying stuff with a storyline that demands you pay attention. Russell Crowe, Kim Basinger & Guy Pearce give career best performances too.
Summertime Sat 29/2 BBC2 @ Midnight
France, the early 70's. Delphine is under pressure to marry but she's keeping the secret that she's gay from her farming parents. Until one day she meets Carole who introduces he to a way of life she never thought within her grasp. A beautiful looking and splendidly acted film about a dark period in a young life that starts in one place and ends rather differently. Izïa Higelin & Cécile de France both do wonderful work.
Citadel Sun 1/3 Film4 @ 00.40
A young father must face his worst fears to protect his family from a gang of vile little bastards roaming the decrepit place they call home. Dublin born director Ciaran Foy's 2012 horror is a unique stunner and one of those films that gets under your skin and lingers in your brain. It's nightmarish, unnerving stuff and won't be for everyone though. Aneurin Bernard and James Cosmo as the leads do good work.
A Knight's Tale Sun 1/3 RTE2 @ 14.35
An absolute chancer decides to make an name for himself and reinvents himself as a knight and expert jouster. One of the most entertaining films of the 21st century. This is just pure fun. Heath Ledger in the lead rocks and Shannyn Sossamon is lovely as the woman who catches his eye. Add in a killer soundtrack and your have a wicked way to pass a couple of hours. The use here of David Bowie's Golden Years is just perfect.
Stoker Mon 2/3 CH4 @ 01.05
After her father dies, a young woman and her mother are visited by an uncle they never knew existed. Slowly she begins to realise that he's not what he seems. What a shocker! Mia Wasikowska is great as the lead in a slow burn thriller that breaks free of it's Hitchcockian roots to become something very compelling, lurid, darkly funny and quite unique. Matthew Goode is convincing as the mysterious man and Nicole Kidman gives solid backup.
Maudie Mon 2/3 TG4 @ 21.30
Maudie, a sickly woman broken by arthritis struggles with her life in rural Canada. To prove herself independent she takes a job and discovers a new hobby. A film that will kick you in the gut while at the same time filling your heart. Sally Hawkins is amazing in the title role, an unshowy but astounding performance that will stay with you for an age. Backing her up is a very effective Ethan Hawke and assured direction from Aisling Walsh
Gifted Tues 3/3 Film4 @ 21.00
In a small Florida town lives a little girl and that little girl is a genius. She lives with her uncle who provides her with a nice life. Until Granny sticks her oar in and muddies all the waters. This 2017 drama might be a predictable one but it's still a charming and heartfelt story worth your time. McKenna Grace as the lil prodigy is a joy and Chris Evans, Jenny Slate and Lindsay Duncan all put in a fine shift.
Crank Wed 4/3 ITV4 @ 23.10
After he's poisoned by Chinese gangsters a man has to keep his heart rate up high to survive. This film is insane. And absolutely brilliant. Jason Statham plays Chev Chelios with gusto. Whether zapping himself with electric paddles, ODing on red bull, starting fights he can't win or having very very public sex, he'll do anything to stay alive. Hilarious stuff but stay away if you are squeamish or easily offended. This is not for the weak of heart.
My Friend Dahmer Thur 5/3 Film4 @ 21.00
His family situation is fraught and tense. He doesn't fit in at school. He decides to develop a zany persona and he finally finds some buddies. His name is Jeffrey Dahmer and he's going to grow up bad. A haunting look at the formative years of one of America's most infamous serial killers. This one avoids the blood and guts you'd expect but lays on the creepy atmosphere thick ensuring you'll stick with it. Ross Lynch as the lead is one to watch.
Cool Hand Luke Fri 6/3 TCM 16.55
Luke is a young man from the south with a serious attitude problem. He winds up in jail and realises quickly his failure to communicate is going to cause hassle. An honest to goodness masterpiece and one of the films that made Paul Newman a star. Packed full of classic moments and dialogue that you will recognise even if you haven't seen the movie. Newman in the lead is a star and George Kennedy as a fellow inmate is a force of nature.
The Beguiled Fri 6/3 BBC2 @ 23.05
The pupils and staff of an all girls school in the state of Virginia are thrown into turmoil when they come across wounded Union soldier on the run from the Civil War. Sofia Coppola's hazy drama takes a while to get going but when it does......it's powerful, disturbing and torrid stuff. A superb cast that includes Kirsten Dunst, Nicole Kidman, Elle Fanning and Colin Farrell all do mighty work. A nice heady slice of American gothic to finish the week on.
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