RIP Ray Liotta

"This unabridged version of Goodfellas contains strong language and extremely violent scenes." The reason i remember these words 28 years later is because I taped the film and watched it about 20 times.

Words that were like manna from heaven for a 15 year old film fan about to be introduced to the films of Martin Scorsese courtesy of RTE1 and their Easter Monday 9.30 pm film slot. 

It blew our minds.

Joe Pesci from My Cousin Vinny and Lethal Weapon 2. Robert De Niro from Midnight Run and The Godfather Part 2. But who was this guy playing Henry Hill? Ray Liotta?? With the fuck you demeanour and the kill you in a second eyes. Jesus he was brilliant. That clip clop walk across the road to pistol whip the schmuck who touched Karen. The fear in his eyes and then the relief spilling over during the "How am I funny?"speech. Coked up and paranoid as fuck in his final day as a gangster. How had I never seen him before and where could I see more? Turns out I had seen him in Field Of Dreams but his take on Shoeless Joe Jackson was a million miles from his Henry Hill.

But looking back on it now the intensity was there alright. That stare. Piercing, used to brilliant effect in Unlawful Entry, Something Wild, Narc, No Escape, Copland. He should have been a megastar off the back of Goodfellas but it never really happened. But his career was a lot more interesting than anyone pumping out blockbusters. Poor unfortunate Markie in Killing Them Softly. Getting to eat his own brain in Hannibal. Being the dictionary definition of venal in The Place Beyond The Pines. Brilliantly portraying one side of the law in The Iceman and the other in Observe And Report and always pinning you to the seat while he did it with ease.

And now he's gone. Passed in his sleep at 67. No age at all. Never reached the egg noodles and ketchup stage. Never once lived his life as a schnook. 

17 films on TV this week to keep you entertained for a few hours everyday

The Changeling   Sat   21/5   The Horror Channel @ 21.00

The aftermath of a horrible tragedy sees John move to Seattle and there he finds a long vacant house to live in. Of course something strange is lurking in the house's dark corners. A genuinely well crafted ghost story that thankfully relies on slowburn tension and proper scares instead of blood and guts. George C. Scott is the star of the show but keep and ear out for the soundtrack too, it's *chefs kiss*

Desperately Seeking Susan   Sat   21/5   TG4 @ 22.30

Roberta is living her worst life in New Jersey and to stave off the boredom she travels into New York to spy on a meeting between two people who's interactions she's noticed in a personal ad in the local paper. Things get wild. Madonna's film debut is a funny, exciting and invigorating love letter to New York City and the chemistry between her and Rosanna Arquette could power a small village.

Happy Death Day   Sat   21/5   Film4 @ 23.20

It's Tree's birthday and she's loving her college life. Until she's murdered. Then she wakes up again and has to relive her final day over and over again until she can change what's coming for her. A cross of Scream and Groundhog Day and a very entertaining one at that. It's tame for a horror movie but there's plenty of earned scares and a dark sense of humour running throughout. Jessica Rothe and Ruby Modine have a good time in charge.

Jackie Brown   Sun  22/5   Great! Movies @ 00.05

An air hostess arrested for smuggling money finds herself caught between a drug dealer and the law and decides to make things work for herself. Arguably Quentin Tarantino's most accomplished and mature film to date. It lacks the usual blood & fireworks of his films but makes up for it with glorious dialogue and acting and a stunner of a cast including Pam Grier as Jackie with Samuel L. Jackson, Robert Forster, Bridget Fonda & Robert De Niro in fine supporting form.

Cal   Sun  22/5   RTE2 @ 00.15

A young man acts as the driver during the assassination of an RUC member in 1970's Northern Ireland. A year later he meets the man's widow. There's attraction but there's also a horrible dark cloud looming over both. Pat O'Connor's 1984 drama is a compelling look at the sides of the troubles that tend to go unseen. Helen Mirren and John Lynch both do interesting work in a dark and gritty film about pain, regret and loss.

Coco   Sun   22/5   BBC1 @ 14.05

A little Mexican boy called Miguel wants to be a musician but his family are having none of it. When an accident sends him to the land of the dead he finds an ancestor who can help him with his problem. Pixar's 2017 animated film is a perfect Sunday family film that will leave you an emotional mess when it's over. Beautiful, humane, rib tickling, clever and very touching. Anthony Gonzalez and Gael García Bernal do strong voice work here.

Hustlers   Sun   22/5   RTE1 @ 21.30

The women of Moves, a New York City strip club, are struggling financially and they've come up with a plan; instead of being preyed on by the rich Wall Street elite, they're going to turn the tables. This 2019 comedy drama rocks, a funny, intelligent and surprisingly moving look at the unseen side of the 2007 financial crisis. Constance Wu is a wicked lead but Jennifer Lopez owns the movie and every single scene she's in.

No Country For Old Men   Mon   23/5   TG4 @ 21.30

A man chasing deer finds himself in a world of hurt after he absconds with money found after a drug deal gone wrong. This thriller from the Coen Brothers is a magnificent watch. A gripping tale from the pen of Cormac McCarthy that will have you on the edge of your chair as the hunter becomes the hunted. The cast is first rate too with Josh Brolin, Kelly McDonald, Woody Harrelson, Tommy Lee Jones and Javier Bardem all lashing into meaty roles.

Single White Female   Mon   23/5   Great! Movies @ 22.55

Allie's looking for a roommate after a breakup and Hedy's the one. Hedy's a bit clingy though, a bit intense and when the earlier break up is reconciled....Hedy isn't too happy about the fact. Some aspects of Barbet Schroeder's 1992 psychological thriller have dated in the preceding years but it's still a fine watch, tense in places and vicious in others. The pairing of Jennifer Jason Leigh and Bridget Fonda really works too.

The Innocents   Mon   23/5   Talking Pictures TV @ 23.50

When she's hired into the position of governess in a country estate, a woman called Miss Giddens begins to suspect something ghoulish is menacing the children she's supposed to look after so she sets out to protect them. A stylish and intelligent horror that's still creepy as hell after 60 years, evoking the power of suggestion in a brilliantly effective manner. Deborah Kerr and Michael Redgrave do great work.

We Own The Night    Tues   24/5   TCM @ 21.00

Brighton Beach, Brooklyn. 1988. Two brothers on either side of the law find their lives changed for the worse by their dealings with the Russian mafia. James Gray's crime drama is in my opinion one of the most underrated crime dramas of the century. A nail biting thriller and an intense family tale and all based on an (almost unbelievably) true story. Mark Wahlberg, Joaquin Phoenix, Robert Duvall and Eva Mendes are firing on all cylinders here.

The Handmaiden   Wed   25/5   Film4 @ 01.10

Japan. The 1930's. Sookee is hired to be the handmaiden for heiress Hideo. Sookee has an agenda but she hasn't counted on the bond that forms between her and her lady. Chan-wook Park's romantic thriller is an erotically charged and utterly absorbing watch. It's a long, demanding movie but it's one that will keep you glued to the screen throughout. Tae-ri Kim & Min-hee Kim as the leads do splendid work.

Went The Day Well?   Thu   26/5   Talking Pictures TV @ 18.10

A small English town is infiltrated by undercover German soldiers during World War 2. The villagers are having none of it though. Like a cross between Emmerdale and Where Eagles Dare, it's a unique little war film. Made in 1942 and quite brutal for it's time. Exciting stuff, properly surprising in places and well acted by Leslie Fields in particular. Really worth watching, an effective curio even if it is basically propaganda.

Catch Me If You Can   Thu   26/5   Film4 @ 18.15

The story of Frank Abagnale, a teenager who conned his way around the world with a fake uniform and balls of brass. Leonardo DiCaprio is in mighty form as Frank and Tom Hanks is..... well he's Tom Hanks as the FBI agent tasked with catching him. Throw in a superb Christopher Walken as Frank's Da as the icing on the cake. A sorely underrated film from Steven Spielberg that's extremely enjoyable while bearing a dark cautionary edge.

Suspicion   Thu   26/5   BBC4 @ 21.00

Onboard a train a shy young, rich woman meets a charmer and it isn't long before she falls for him. But is he what he seems? From the master of thrillers Alfred Hitchcock comes another romantic and twisty/turny cracker that will keep you guessing. Joan Fontaine and Cary Grant are the leads and play off each other fantastically. Grant lashes on his usual charm and Fontaine deserves every award she won for her role.

The Long Riders   Fri   27/5   TG4 @ 21.05

A unique take on the tale of Jesse James and his gang of outlaws. Not the story, that's nicely told but nothing new, it's the casting that makes it stand out. The real life gang was made up of 4 sets of brothers and here they are played by real life brothers. The Carradines, the Keachs, the Quaids & the Guests. It's clever & ensures real chemistry. Walter Hill's film is violent, tense and underrated. There's lovely music from Ry Cooder too.

Terms Of Endearment   Fri   27/5   RTE2 @ 23.40

Aurora and Emma are a mother and daughter who've a love/hate relationship. Through life's ups and downs they wax and wane but blood will always connect them. This James L. Brooks Oscar winner from 1980 will strike a chord with many viewers and will upset you but it's rarely mawkish and never feels forced due to a trio of excellent performances from Shirley MacLaine, Debra Winger and Jack Nicholson.

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17 films to lash into on TV this week

Becky   Sat   14/5   The Horror Channel @ 21.00

A daughter and father with a strained relationship go on a holiday to reconnect. They have the misfortune to run into a group of escaped nazi prisoners. Or rather the nazis have the misfortune of running into Becky. Unfairly overlooked in 2020 because of covid but really worth rediscovering. An exceedingly violent black comedy action thriller starring Lulu Wilson and a rather different looking Kevin James.

Platoon   Sat   14/5   TG4 @ 21.20

A new recruit finds himself torn between two sergeants in the earlier days of the Vietnam conflict. One represents hope and humanity, the other the horrors of war and the dark side of the human psyche. Oliver Stone's 1986 war drama was one that made audiences stare in horror at America's complicity in the atrocities of war and it's still a scathing indictment 36 years later. Charlie Sheen. Tom Berenger and Willem Dafoe bring their best here.

This Is Spinal Tap   Sat   14/5   BBC2 @ 22.40

Spinal Tap are on the comeback trail and Marty DeBergi is along for the ride to film their exploits. The resulting documentary is glorious. The film that made mockumentaries a thing is a priceless couple of hours as David, Nigel and Derek make fools of themselves at every turn courtesy of spot on performances from Harry Shearer, Michael McKean & Christopher Guest. Stonehenge, all the way to eleven, dead drummers, even if you haven't seen it you'll know it.

Piranhas   Sun   15/5   BBC2 @ 01.00

The neighbourhood of Rione Sanità in Naples is a dangerous place, falling apart, rife with poverty and riddled with crime. A group of teenage boys see what the gangsters running the place have and they want it too. An award winner from 2019, it's a harsh, upsetting look at the abject misery that lies at the heart of one of Italy's most famous cities. The acting from a mostly amateur cast won't always convince but it's a substantial story nonetheless.

Rosie   Sun   15/5   BBC3 @ 20.40

The Davis family are in big trouble. They're homeless and spend their days in their car trying to sort out accommodation for the night. Their kids are having trouble in school and mam Rosie is feeling helpless. This recent Irish drama is a heartbreaking indictment of the appalling state of modern day Ireland and the disastrous agencies running it. Sarah Greene and Moe Dunford are flawless in an upsetting and thought provoking story from Roddy Doyle.

Official Secrets   Sun   15/5   RTE1 @ 21.30

A woman working for the UK government comes across a memo detailing blackmail being used to push countries into the post 9/11 invasion of Iraq. The only thing she can do is leak the document and it ruins her life. Based on a true story, Official Secrets is an angering and sobering look at government and media manipulation of facts and figures and the people who get shafted in the process. Keira Knightley does well leading a stacked cast of famous faces.

Ordinary Love   Sun   15/5   BBC2 @ 22.00

Joan and Tom have been married forever. Their love is strong but a health diagnosis is about to show them what their relationship is really made of. A real change of pace from Liam Neeson as kicks and headbutts are replaced by tenderness and affection but Lesley Manville owns the show as a woman dealing with a disease that will touch us all eventually. A tough and upsetting watch but you'll be glad you stuck with it.

Hallam Foe   Mon   16/5   Film4 @ 01.30

From his tree house in the woods Hallam loves to spy on people. He's a weird chap, he hates his stepmother and his problems stem from a tragedy in his past. A move to Edinburgh might be just what he needs. A dark and dreamlike coming of age film that might give you the ick but Jamie Bell is so good in the lead role that you'll eventually be able to look past his damage and see the broken heart trying to fix itself.

Re-Animator   Mon   16/5   The Horror Channel @ 22.55

80's horror at its best in a tale of a psychotic student scientist who has figured out the secret to re-animating dead flesh. Everything goes pear shaped of course. In the goriest way possible. A very entertaining film if you have a steel stomach and a willingness to just go with the bizarre onscreen events. Jeffrey Combs has the role of a lifetime as the man with the plan. Don't view if you are in any way squeamish.

The Graduate   Tues   17/5   BBC2 @ 23.15

"Here's to you Mrs Robinson". We all know the song but here is the film it's from. Dustin Hoffman is at his geeky best as a man who becomes involved with an older woman and her daughter. Complications ensue. A funny, wry, sarcastic and cynical film that rightly sits highly in many Top 10 of All time lists. It's dated but somehow ageless and it's one worth setting your box to record. Plus Anne Bancroft rules.

Drag Me To Hell   Tues   17/5   BBC3 @ 23.40

Sam Raimi's hilariously gooey & crunchy tale of a young woman's mistake and her efforts to fix that mistake. Alison Lohman has a whale of a time in the lead role and certainly earns her pay as she gets thrown around the screen like the Coyote in the old Roadrunner cartoons. The ideal horror film for people who claim not to like horror. It's a load of laughs and you'll snort as much as you roar at the screen

The Blood On Satan's Claw   Wed   18/5   Talking Pictures TV @ 00.05

A rural village in 18th century England is thrown into upheaval when an evil looking skull is unearthed by a plough and sinister things start happening in the aftermath. A prime example of folk horror, a sub-genre from the early 70's that would still give you the chills nearly 50 years later. It's hefty stuff, that in places will offend but it's genuinely effective. Patrick Wymark, Linda Hayden and Barry Andrews all do nice work.

Demolition   Wed   18/5   Film4 @ 01.30

When his personal and work life are both turned upside down a banker decides to demolish his old way of living and start afresh. This 2015 drama was overlooked on it's initial release but it's a well crafted look at grief and the effects it can have both physically and mentally on a person. Jake Gyllenhaal is a reliable lead as always and gets solid backing from Naomi Watts, Chris Cooper and in his debut role, Jodah Lewis.

Crimson Tide   Wed   18/5   Great! Movies @ 21.00

An interrupted transmission to a submarine leads to confusion and eventually onboard civil war when the crew find themselves in a moral quandry that could affect the future of life on earth. Tony Scott's 1995 thriller is a claustrophobic & sweaty watch that still has the power to wrack your nerves even if you know how it ends. Denzel Washington and Gene Hackman are both on fire and get strong support from George Dzundza, Viggo Mortensen and the late James Gandolfini.

Citizen Kane   Thur   19/5   BBC4 @ 21.00

One of the richest men in America has just died and as he passed he uttered one final word. A word that has reporters delving into his past in a bid to uncover what they think is a mystery. Put your feet up and take in one of the finest films ever made, a classic that deserves it's place in every top 10 list of the past 80 years. A magnificently mounted drama, one years, decades ahead of it's time and one propelled by a stunner of a leading turn from it's writer/director/star Orson Welles.

Demolition Man   Fri   20/5   ITV4 @ 21.00

In San Angeles 2032 a good guy out of time is brought into action to deal with a bad guy out of time. A wickedly enjoyable action comedy, one of the best of the 90's. Sylvester Stallone is in peak form as the hero, Sandra Bullock sparkles in an early role and Wesley Snipes has an absolute ball as the baddest man in California. A superb vision of what's to come too, a bright, clean, friendly nightmare of a future.

Bringing Out The Dead   Fri   20/5   Talking Pictures TV @ 21.05

Frank's an ambulance paramedic in New York and he's having a bad run. He's not saved a life in months and he's on the verge of a huge burnout. Then he meets Mary. Martin Scorsese's 1999 drama is a desperately dark movie but it's a mesmerising, compassionate and hugely satisfying one too that paints the most famous city in the world as a hellish place populated by monsters wanting to be saved. Nicolas Cage, Patricia Arquette, Ving Rhames, John Goodman.... there's no weak link here.

As always retweets are appreciated if you spot something you like. Thank you.

16 films to enjoy on TV this week

Network   Sat   7/5   TG4 @ 21.20

Howard Beale is mad as hell and he's not going to take it anymore. He's a newsreader and he's going offscript live on TV and audiences are loving it. His bosses are enjoying the increased ratings too. Sidney Lumet's 1976 multiple Oscar winning drama is a strong stuff, an intelligent, cruel and cutting satire that still feels topical 46 years later. Peter Finch, Faye Dunaway, William Holden and Ned Beatty all do amazing work.

The Personal History Of David Copperfield   Sat   7/5   CH4 @ 21.20

David Copperfield was a young man who's happy childhood took a terrible turn but resilience and a yearning for betterment saw him rise through the ranks of society. Charles Dickens' famous novel was set in Victorian times and this hilarious 2019 film adaption stays true to the story but adds a couple of modern twists and turns. Dev Patel is an enjoyable David and Benedict Wong, Tilda Swinton and Hugh Laurie support him ably.

A Private Function   Sat   7/5   Talking Pictures TV @ 22.55

Two years after the end of World War II England is still suffering the aftermath of global change, and rationing is still in effect. Gilbert and Joyce have gone into the black market bacon business and their product is highly sought after. A very British watch, about prim and proper people who look respectable but scratch the surface and chaos is always close by. Loads of fun and all carried out by a stacked cast led by Michael Palin, Maggie Smith and Denholm Elliot.

Sea Fever   Sat   7/5   Film4 @ 23.20

The superstitious crew of a trawler working the waters off the Irish coast allow a marine biologist onboard to study deep sea fauna and soon find out there might be something to the old legends about letting red haired women on boats! A rarity, a genuinely scary Irish horror film that has the courage to stick to it's convictions. Hermione Corfield, Olwen Fouéré, Dougray Scott and Connie Nielsen all do effective work.

Mindhorn   Sun   8/5   BBC1 @ 00.10

Richard Thorncroft, a washed up actor best known for a 30 year old show is dragged back into the public eye when a serial killer who believes the show was real decides he'll only talk to him. If you grew up on 70's and 80's TV you'll have a load of fun here. Packed full of glorious little touches and perfectly handled homages to a cheesier era. It's great craic and the familiar British cast lead by Julian Barrett all enjoy themselves.

That Thing You Do!   Sun   8/5   Great Movies @ 14.45

1964. Beatlemania is everywhere. A young band hires a new drummer who brings life to a catchy tune and before long listeners and music company execs are starting to notice. Sudden fame though, it's tough to get used to. A charmingly simple tale of a rapid rise and fall, told in a lovingly recreated way. Tom Everett Scott, Liv Tyler, Steve Zahn, Charlize Theron, Tom Hanks and many more all add to a diverting mix.

Plaza Suite   Sun   8/5   TG4 @ 15.30

Suite 719 of the New York Plaza hotel. If those walls could talk they'd tell a million stories and here we get to see three of them. A recreation of an earlier honeymoon, a visitor to town looking for quick romance and the aftermath of a wedding. From the pen of Neil Simon comes a bit of Sunday afternoon fun that's lifted by a trio of Walter Matthau performances seeing him playing a different character in each story. A dated but entertaining watch.

Slumdog Millionaire   Mon   8/5   Film4 @ 23.05

A teenage boy from Mumbai looks back on his life after he finds himself in a precarious position when he appears on a famous television show.  A tough but uplifting film from director Danny Boyle that gives us a fantastic insight into life in one of the most densely populated places on earth. It's a film that's hard to watch at times but it's worth sticking with. It's also Dev Patel's first film role and he just nails it. 

Maniac   Tues   9/5   The Horror Channel @ 00.45

Frank owns a mannequin shop. He's a strange guy and that's putting things mildly. He gets even stranger when a young artist asks for his help and dark desires come bubbling to the surface. Elijah Wood stars in a remake of the infamous and long banned 1980 original and turns in a genuinely creepy performance in a ghoulish, surreal and at times nauseating look at the madness bubbling around inside the minds of men.

The Left Handed Gun   Wed   10/5   TCM @ 13.30

A young man called William Bonney is offered a job and guidance from a peaceful cattleman and takes to the job like a duck to water until violence tarnishes his life and his revenge ruins the lives of those that know him. Arthur Miller's take on the legend of Billy The Kid is a cracker, an intelligent dismantling of western myths that goes to places most westerns don't dare. Paul Newman might be a bit too old for the lead role but he still nails it.

Sorry To Bother You   Thur   11/5   BBC3 @ 23.35

A black man in Oakland, California gets a job as a telemarketer and realises he's much better at his job when he pretends to sound like a white man. With success however comes responsibility and with responsibility comes a hell of a lot of weirdness. Boots Riley's 2018 film is a hard one to categorise but it's certainly the wackiest film you'll see this week. There's a lot of laughs too, don't worry. LaKeith Stanfield and Tessa Thompson do well leading a stacked cast.

My Favourite Wife   Thur   11/5   BBC4 @ 22.40

Ellen Arden's been missing for seven years. Seven years, the magic number where you are legally declared dead. Now her husband Nick can marry again and he's in a hurry to do so. The only thing is Ellen ain't dead. She's been marooned on a desert island. 82 years old and still wicked fun. A farcical screwball comedy that goes right for the jugular and that's powered by amusing turns from Irene Dunne and Cary Grant.

Commando   Fri   12/5   Film4 @ 21.00

John's daughter has been kidnapped in order to blackmail him into committing murder. A very ill thought out idea indeed. Mark L. Lester's 1985 action thriller is a slice of campy, vicious joy. It's the ultimate Arnold Schwarzeneggar experience. Buckets of blood, huge explosions, nonstop gunfire, glistening muscles, snarling bad guys and enough one liners to sink a cruise ship. Arnie does his thing well as always but Vernon Well's bad guy owns the film.

The Zookeeper's Wife   Fri   12/5   RTE1 @ 23.15

Antonina Żabińska has barely survived the bombing of Warsaw as the German invasion of Poland begins. Her husband is the director of the city zoo. Together they come up with a plan to use their business as a front to evacuate the Jewish population. A tough, heart wrenching and riveting watch about the little victories snatched from the jaws of death. Jessica Chastain and Johan Heldenbergh get the job done.

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