14 films on TV this week to enjoy

Man Up   Sat   30/7   BBC1 @ 23.20

A woman, sick & tired of love, finds herself mistaken for a blind date and decides to just go along with it to see what happens. A romcom but one that is pleasant and not sickly, one about people you will actually care about and not want to see go up in flames. This is all down to the lovely Lake Bell and Simon Pegg and the chemistry between them. Throw in a few big laughs and a few scenes you'll watch through your fingers and it's a grand way to spend 90 mins.

A Midnight Clear   Sat   30/7   RTE2 @ 23.45

1944. The Ardennes, the Battle of the Bulge. Six young American soldiers are sent on a recon mission to gather information. Near their camp are young German soldiers. German soldiers who see the writing on the wall. A powerful anti war tale that will make you despair at the utter pointlessness of violence while making you believe in the power of plain talking. Ethan Hawke, Gary Sinise and Peter Berg all do strong, believable work.

Kubo And The Two Strings   Sun   31/7   E4 @ 08.40

Kubo is living a happy life in his village when a horror from the past sends him off on a mission to follow in his father's footsteps. From 2016 comes a fine slice of animated fun that was sadly overlooked on it's initial release but if you give it a chance you'll love it. It's full to the brim with imagination, action and flat out beauty. First rate voice acting from Charlize Theron & Ireland's own Art Parkinson adds to the joy.

The Towering Inferno   Sun   31/7   ITV4 @ 09.35

The world's tallest building has just opened in San Francisco and the city's rich and famous are partying on top. Little do they know that the man in charge of all the electronics below them has been cutting corners. Probably the best disaster film of the 1970's and an exciting way to start off your day. This one actually contains characters you won't want to see perish for once. Paul Newman, Steve McQueen, Faye Dunaway, Jennifer Jones and Fred Astaire stand out in a star packed cast.

Maze   Sun   31/7   RTE1 @ 21.30

The IRA inmates of the Maze prison in Long Kesh have had enough. They want out. Nothing or no one is going to get in their way. The true story of Europe's biggest jailbreak is a desperately tense tale even when you know what's going to happen. Claustrophobic, suspenseful, scary and upsetting stuff for sure but a fantastic Irish cast lead by Tom Vaughn Lawlor and Barry Ward make it a very watchable Sunday night movie.

Shot Caller   Sun   31/7   Film4 @ 23.25

A stupid decision at a restaurant changes the course of Harlan's life and when he ends up in prison he has to make a decision that will change his family's life forever. Nikolaj Coster-Waldau does solid work in a damning indictment of the US penal system, a place where rehabilitation is a mere theory and violence is the only currency. A tough but worthwhile film. Lake Bell, Jon Bernthal and a scary Holt McCallany offer hefty support.

30 Days Of Night   Mon   1/8   The Horror Channel @ 22.45

Vampires descend on a small Alaskan town that is engulfed in darkness for the winter months. Things get bad fast. A full blooded roar of a horror film. As far from  the likes of Twilight as a vampire movie can get.Vicious, terrifying stuff. If you are easily freaked out don't apply but if you like your scares red raw and dripping you'll love it. Melissa George and Josh Hartnett are likeable leads but Danny Huston in a wordless role owns the film.

Apocalypse Now : Final Cut   Mon   1/8   BBC2 @ 23.15

Captain Willard has been tasked with going up the Nùng River to terminate a rogue American Colonel with extreme prejudice. What he sees on his journey will stay with him and you forever. Apocalypse Now is a nightmarish, drug fueled masterpiece. A harrowing, troubling, hilarious & psychotic look into the dark heart of man. If you haven't seen it yet I'm really jealous. Martin Sheen, Marlon Brando, Larry Fishburne, Robert Duvall, Frederic Forrest and Dennis Hopper will all amaze you.

Bad Dreams   Tue   2/8   Talking Pictures TV @ 01.40

An entire cult has immolated themselves and only one young girl survives but she's been in a coma for over a decade. She awakes a grown woman but terrifying flashbacks are plaguing her. Then the people around her start to die. An underrated 80's chiller that's built a (heh) cult following in the last few years and it's made worthwhile by a surreal, unsettling storyline and a villainous turn from the always unnerving Richard Lynch as a bad guy who'll pop up in your nightmares.

Monte Walsh   Thu   4/8   Great! Movies Action @ 15.40

Monte is an aging cowboy realising that he doesn't have a place in the world anymore due to the rapid pace at which the west is changing. A beautiful and tragic tale of loss and alienation, themes often touched upon in the western genre but here they suit proceedings to a tee. Lee Marvin aces the title role and gets fine support from Jeanne Moreau and western stalwarts Jack Palance and Mitchell Ryan.

Some Like It Hot   Thu   4/8   BBC4 @ 22.15

Joe and Jerry have just witnessed the St. Valentine's Day massacre and now they're running for their lives. To get out of town they disguise themselves as women and join an all woman music troupe heading for Florida. A classic that truly lives up to the hype. It's a scream, hysterical in parts and touching in others. Marilyn Monroe, Jack Lemmon and Tony Curtis are all on fire. It's just a perfect movie.

A Good Woman Is Hard To Find   Thu   4/8   The Horror Channel @ 22.55

Sarah's been having a tough time of it. Her husband was murdered and the PSNI don't seem to care why it happened or who did it. Then criminality enters the place she and her son call home. That's the last straw. If you've a weak constitution you might want to give Abner Pastoll's Belfast set thriller a miss because it's extremely violent in parts but it's also a tense, stylish and very well acted movie with Sarah Bolger nailing the lead.

Rose Plays Julie   Fri   5/8   RTE1 @ 22.35

While studying to be a vet a young woman called Rose decides to track down the woman who gave birth to her and then gave her up for adoption. She finds her living in London, but the woman, an actress called Ellen, doesn't want to know her.  Ann Skelly and Orla Brady are both fantastic in a haunting, well thought out story that goes to some black places that some people might have issues with.

The Incident   Fri   5/8   Talking Pictures TV @ 23.30

Two Bronx hoodlums are looking for trouble and they find it onboard the southbound Lexington Avenue express heading through the New York night. The passengers just want to get home unharmed but they've a long journey ahead of them. Martin Sheen's movie debut is a dark and troubling watch, that nowadays might seem cliched in parts but a hell of an ensemble cast keep it all very compelling.

15 films on TV to delve into this week

The Great Debaters   Sat   23/7   TG4 @ 21.30

A debating squad made up of African American students set out to show off their prowess in their chosen field. Unfortunately they lived in the American south of the 1930's and the Jim Crow laws are hampering their efforts. It's a familiar tale but a hefty cast led by Denzel Washington and Forest Whitaker and a touching and humane storyline will ensure you'll stay an audience to the film's sadly still topical discourse.  

Afraid Of the Dark   Sat   23/7   Talking Pictures TV @ 23.00

A young boy is losing his sight and his only way to deal with what he's facing is to spy on people and let his imagination run riot wondering what they get up to. Then he starts seeing something monstrous praying on the blind people in his town. A bleak and creepy trip into the mind of a child facing something truly life altering. It's odd, a bit surreal, but it's atmospheric as hell and Ben Keyworth as the lead gets the job done.

Sputnik   Sat   23/7   Film4 @ 23.15

Russia, The early 80's. Two cosmonauts witness something strange outside their craft. Only one returns to Earth and he's being studied by a psychiatrist called Tatyana and she's about to have a strange aul time of it. A sombre looking slice of sci-fi that turns into something far more exciting and crunchy than it's exterior would lead you to believe. Oksana Akinshina and Pyotr Fyodorov work well together.

Escape From Alcatraz   Sun   24/7   BBC2 @ 00.30

In 1962 a prisoner called Frank Morris was sitting in his prison cell on Alcatraz island and he had itchy feet. He had a plan but was it a clever one or a one way ticket to a watery death? Don Siegel's 1979 thriller is a very entertaining watch, lean, taut, tense and surprisingly humorous in places. Patrick McGoohan's prison warden is a vile piece of work and Clint Eastwood as Frank does his cool as a cucumber routine to fine effect.

The Mask Of Zorro   Sun   24/7   RTE2 @ 18.00

Don Vega has waited a long time to get revenge for the death of his wife and plans to do so with the help of a man named Alejandro. Alejandro just needs to be tidied up a bit first. Martin Campbell's 1998 action comedy is an ideal Sunday evening film. Funny, lovely looking, tense, heartfelt, romantic and very very exciting. Antonio Banderas, Catherine Zeta-Jones and Anthony Hopkins all work wonderfully together.

The Mule   Sun   24/7   BBC1 @ 22.30

An elderly man is hired by a Mexican cartel to smuggle drugs across the border because the cops won't look twice at him. He turns out to be rather good at his job. Of course he does, he's played by Clint Eastwood for god sake. The man himself proves he still has what it takes in an enjoyable slice of wish fulfillment. It's far from perfect but its a fun way to pass a couple of hours. Dianne Wiest adds a touch of class to proceedings.

The American Friend   Mon   25/7   Film4 @ 01.20

Tom Ripley is a criminal living in Hamburg. Jonathan Zimmerman is a dying picture framer living in the same city. One day they meet...and you can find out the rest yourself. Wim Wender's 1977 adaptation of Patricia Highsmith's novel Ripley's Game is a stunner. A brooding, stylish and slow burning thriller that's definitely worth recording because it's on at stupid o'clock. Dennis Hopper does Ripley justice but Bruno Ganz is the one to watch here.

Revolutionary Road   Mon   25/7   BBC2 @ 23.15

April and Frank are a very unhappily married couple in 1950's America. The social mores of the day force them to keep their frayed marriage a secret and we bear witness to an unspoken side of the American dream. A tough and quietly devastating adaption of a 1960's novel of the same name. Kate Winslet and Leonardo DiCaprio reunite here and both give their all. It's as far from Titanic as you'll get though.

Valerie   Tue   26/7   TCM @ 19.15

Set during a murder trial in the old west, three very different testimonies are heard but which one is the truthful version? An unusual blend, a mystery western noir with a touch of Rashomon would be one way to describe it. Sterling Hayden and Anita Ekberg are believable leads, Hayden his usual briary persona and Ekberg as a woman who isn't what she seems. Or is she? Or is he? Or are they? What? Who knows? Where? Who? Huh? A compelling and surprising film.

Burnt Offerings   Wed   27/7   Talking Pictures TV @ 00.05

The Rolf's have rented a big country mansion for the summer for a bargain price. There's a catch of course. The owner's mother is there and they have to look after her. Easy enough you'd think. Wrong. Made during that golden era of American 70's horror cinema this agreeably creepy tale is one worth rediscovering and it's cast of Oliver Reed, Karen Black, Burgess Meredith and Bette Davis ensure you'll have a fun time doing so.

Mary, Queen Of Scots   Wed   27/7   BBC1 @ 22.50

Mary Stuart has become the Queen of Scotland. Her cousin Elizabeth is the Queen of England and is worried about Mary's claim to her throne. A worry that sets in motion a dark chapter in British history. Purists will whinge about inaccuracies in the story but when you have Saoirse Ronan and Margot Robbie both doing masterful work in a lovingly depicted past who cares? Be warned, some scenes will disturb

Come To Daddy   Thu   28/7   Film4 @ 02.00

Life is tough for Norvel Greenwood. Adulthood has not turned out the way he thought it would and when he takes a trip into the wilderness to reconnect with his long estranged father things really go off the rails. Once a week in this list there'll be a film that will offend some and here's this week's. But those who stick with it will be rewarded with an effective and blackly comic look at life's stranger relationships. Elijah Wood rocks the main role.

Whatever Happened To Baby Jane   Thu   28/7   BBC4 @ 21.00

Two aging sisters live together in their old, rotten Hollywood mansion and wage psychological warfare on each other as their mental and physical health deteriorates. Sounds depressing doesn't it. It's not. It's a crowd pleaser packed full of black humour and some of the most extreme sibling rivalry you'll ever see. Bette Davis & Joan Crawford are amazing as the sisters. 

The Last Right   Fri   29/7   RTE1 @ 22.35

A conversation on a plane has placed Daniel Murphy in a tricky situation. He's left with the body of a man he's known for only a few hours and he has to deliver him to his final resting place. An agreeable Irish comedy that will make you smile more than it makes you laugh but it's many touching moments give it plenty of heart. Michael Huisman, Niamh Algar and the mighty Colm Meaney do nice work.

Escape From New York   Fri   29/7   Film4 @ 23.55

Manhattan in the future is a walled off and scary place as Snake Plissken finds out when he's tasked to get in there and rescue the President who's plane has crashed. John Carpenter's cult thriller is a magnificent piece of escapism and while it may be dated ( the future is 2001) it's still excellent fun and has a wicked cast including Kurt Russell, Adrienne Barbeau, Donald Pleasance and Lee Van Cleef who are all on form.

14 films on tv this week to keep you out of that hot hell outside

Ad Astra   Sat   16/7   CH4 @ 21.00

It's the late 21st century. Earth is being struck by a strange power surge from beyond the stars and an astronaut heads into the great unknown in search of an answer. An answer to many things. James Gray's 2019 sci-fi drama opens on an epic scale and builds towards something far more intimate. It will annoy some but others will get sucked into it's strange quest. Brad Pitt, Limerick's own Ruth Negga and Tommy Lee Jones do fine work here.

Music Box   Sat   16/7   Talking Pictures TV @ 21.05

Ann Talbot is troubled. She's a defense attorney and she's about to take on her hardest case. She'll be defending her father, the man she adores, a man who's just been accused of committing atrocity during World War II. An interesting and strongly acted look at the rippling effects of violence that continue long after the bloodshed has stopped. Jessica Lange and Armin Mueller-Stahl work well together.

Spanglish   Sat   16/7   RTE2 @ 22.30

Flor has left Mexico looking for a better life for her and her daughter. She becomes a housekeeper for the Closky's. John is easy going, Deborah is the opposite. A rarity of a film, an Adam Sandler movie that's heartfelt and moving instead of mean spirited. A film about family and the joys of cross cultural friendship. Plus it has the recipe for one of the best sandwiches ever. Tea Leoni and Paz Vega are excellent too.

Little Women   Sun   17/7   CH4 @ 18.50

Jo March is in New York struggling to get her first novel published. A novel very much influenced by her childhood and her family back in Concord, Massachusetts. Greta Gerwig's 2019 adaptation of Louisa May Alcott's famous novel is an absolute success. Once you get used to the time skipping narrative you'll be pulled into a story that's 150 years old but still universal. Saoirse Ronan, Florence Pugh, Laura Dern and Meryl Streep are all superb.

Blade Runner 2049   Sun   17/7   BBC1 @ 22.30

Los Angeles. 29 years from now. A Blade Runner called K follows a lead to a farm and discovers something that could change human/android relationships forever. No one expected a belated sequel to the 1982 original to be any good but it really gets the job done. Stylish, intriguing, brutal, upsetting and in places quite beautiful looking. Ryan Gosling, Ana De Armas, Edward James Olmos and Harrison Ford all hit their mark.

American Woman   Sun   17/7   Film4 @ 23.05

A young mother has gone missing in a rural part of Pennsylvania and it's understandably taking it's toll on her mother Deb who's going out of her mind trying to figure out what's happening. A harsh watch about the parts of America you rarely if ever hear about and how poverty and lack of choice locks people into making terrible decisions. You won't enjoy it but a powerful turn from a never better Sienna Miller will keep you watching.

Buried   Mon   18/7   CH4 @ 00.55

An American truck driver in Iraq is kidnapped and wakes up buried in a coffin. All he has is a cigarette lighter and a mobile phone. His air is running out fast. Can he escape in time? If you are in anyway claustrophobic I'd advise you avoid Buried like the plague but if you think you'll be able for it, it's a suspenseful and quite terrifying little tale. Ryan Reynolds carries the entire film on his shoulders and does a first rate job.

Destroyer   Mon   18/7   TG4 @ 21.30

Undercover work years before has taken it's toll physically and psychologically on Erin Bell and when a face from the past appears she takes a chance to exorcise her demons once and for all. Oh man, this is a gruelling look at the dark underbelly of society but an extremely committed performance from Nicole Kidman will keep you going to the bitter end. A rotten Toby Kebbell and Tatiana Maslany do good things with their parts.

Chevalier   Tue   19/7   Film4 @ 01.55

Six Greek men head out into the Aegean sea to fish and take part in a series of games that will prove who among them is the manliest of the bunch. A darkly funny and in places disturbing look into the male psyche and the ridiculous lengths men will go to to one up each other. I haven't a clue who any of the actors are but they fill the movie with naturalistic performances that compliment and sometimes ruin the beautiful scenery. 

Seraphim Falls   Tues   19/7   Great! Movies @ 22.50

The American civil war is coming to an end but the violence is far from over. A knifeman named Gideon is wounded and being chased across the wilderness by a gang of men out for revenge. Why are they chasing him though? Liam Neeson and Pierce Brosnan have gone on record saying this was the best time they ever had making a film and it shows. It's an entertaining watch, laced with dark humour and a welcome side of weirdness. Angelica Huston & Tom Noonan add to the stew.

Now, Voyager   Thur   21/7   BBC4 @ 20.45

A repressed woman escapes her mother's influence and becomes a very different person. Bette Davis is fantastic in the lead role and turns in a far subtler and nuanced performance than some of her other better known roles. A film that's dark in places, complex and wonderfully acted and full of dialogue you will know even if you haven't seen it before.  BTW it has the coolest cigarette lighting scene in film history too.

Spring   Thu   21/7   The Horror Channel @ 22.40

A disastrous personal life has Evan in a tizzy so he does a legger from the United States to Italy and it's here he meets an unusual woman called Louise and a dalliance with her makes his existence back in America look rather normal. A film you want to watch knowing as little about it as possible. It's fun, atmospheric and it will lurk in your head for a while. The fact that it's on the horror channel will clue you in. Lou Taylor Pucci and Nadia Hilker create a nice chemistry.

Robocop   Fri   22/7   ITV4 @ 22.05

After he's gunned down on his first day on the job a police officer is resurrected as a law upholding cyborg. His mission - to clean up Detroit. Paul Verhoeven's 1987 sci-fi thriller is still an amazing film. Darkly humorous, cynical, brutally violent and scarily prescient about the way society has evolved in the 35 years since it's release. Peter Weller as the man in the visor is perfect and Kurtwood Smith is a truly terrifying bad guy. 

Lawman   Fri   22/7   TG4 @ 22.30

A marshal arrives into a strange town to arrest the troublemakers who caused the death of an old man in his own town. The townsfolk aren't going to make things easy for him though. A hoary old revenge story is the basis of this blistering western and it's one that effortlessly bridges the gap between the old fashioned westerns of the 60's and the dark and violent ones of the 70's. Burt Lancaster, Lee J. Cobb, Robert Ryan and Robert Duvall, all old hands at this genre, are all in fine form.

15 films on TV this week to stop you getting sunburned

The Conjuring   Sat   9/7   BBC3 @ 21.00

The Perron's have moved into their new home but all is not well. They hire a pair of paranormal investigators to cure the sickness in their house and it isn't long before all hell breaks loose. A really effective old school haunted house film that's grounded by some super showings from Lili Taylor, Ron Livingston and Vera Farmiga. One to watch in a dark, quiet room with the curtains pulled. The best film in a franchise that went off the rails fast.

Frances   Sat   9/7   Talking Pictures TV @ 21.05

Frances Farmer. An actress. A rebel. Her's was a truly tragic tale. She marches to the beat of her own drum. She won't play the games Hollywood expects of a woman in the 1930's. She can't be trusted. She must be destroyed. Jessica Lange is astounding in a brutally upsetting true life story of institutional misogyny and power play. You won't leave this in happy form but you'll be glad you stuck with it. Sadly it's not hard to see parallels between now and then still happening.

Beautiful Boy   Sat   9/7   TG4 @ 21.35

Bill and Kate are about to have the worst day of their life. There's been a violent incident at their son's college and he wasn't just a victim.... Yup, the themes here are painfully topical and it's without a doubt a downbeat watch but it's compelling stuff that thankfully avoids showing any carnage, of the physical kind anyway, instead dwelling on the aftermath and the lingering effects no one really talks about. Maria Bello and Michael Sheen are both very effective.

Crawl   Sun   10/7   Film4 @ 21.00

Florida's about to get hit with a massive hurricane and Haley's father still hasn't left his house. She goes to find him but find him but instead finds their town flooded and the floodwaters full of alligators. Hungry alligators. Alexandre Aja's 2019 creature feature is massively over the top but it's also hugely entertaining as woman takes on nature in a battle to the death. Kaya Scodelario does well as our heroine.

A Beautiful Day In The Neighbourhood   Sun   10/7   RTE1 @ 21.30

Kindness is power. A solid message to get rid of the Glenroes on a sunday night. Mr Rogers was a famous American tv show host and when a skeptical journalist is tasked with interviewing him he discovers why America loved him. A true-ish life tale that shouldn't have worked but it does so beautifully, especially if you know the story behind it. Matthew Rhys is an admirable lead but Tom Hanks owns the film with one hell of a turn.

Thelma & Louise   Sun  10/7   BBC1 @ 22.30

A violent encounter in a nightclub parking lot sets into motion a trip across the south-western states of America that sees two women being chased by all the lawmen in the world. Ridley Scott's 1991 drama/thriller is a powerful statement about friendship between women. It's also wildly exciting, funny and quite moving. Susan Sarandon and Geena Davis are wicked leads with Harvey Keitel and Michael Madsen doing good work in the background.

Olga   Mon   11/7   CH4 @ 00.55

A wave of civil unrest is creating havoc in her home country and it's making a Ukrainian teenager's preparation for her upcoming gymnastics competition very hard to concentrate on. Olga's only 15. Life shouldn't be this hard. A tough watch, made tougher by real life events that have superceded the story onscreen but a riveting one nonetheless. Anastasiia Budiashkina, in her film debut, is excellent.

High Noon   Mon   11/7   Film4 @ 12.45

A quiet western town finds itself cowering in terror when a feared gang makes a reappearance. Only one man is brave enough to stand up to them and on his wedding day too. One of the quintessential films of the western genre & an early example of revisionism. Gary Cooper and Grace Kelly lead the film as the newly married couple and both are excellent. A gripping and exciting story all told in 85 minutes. What's not to love?

Call Northside 777   Tues   12/7   Talking Pictures TV @ 11.45

11 years after a seemingly cut and dried murder case wraps up the prisoner's mother, pleading that her son is innocent, puts up a reward for new info, prompting a reporter into the case again. At first it looks like the right verdict was met, until.... The great James Stewart leads this unusual and rather gripping blend of documentary style drama and film noir and does a fine job of course. Kasia Orzazewski and Lee J. Cobb offer nice support.

The Terminator   Tues   12/7   ITV4 @ 21.00

A killer robot from the future stalks a woman to kill her for reasons unknown. The synopsis always sounds silly but it is one of the best action film's, no sorry, best film's ever made. It's just perfect. Lean. Not a second wasted. A masterclass in tension and action and economical storytelling. Linda Hamilton hits the spot as Sarah Connor but Arnold Schwarzenegger is the boss here. I'm so jealous of anyone who hasn't seen it yet.

Lucy In The Sky   Wed   13/7   Film4 @ 21.00

Lucy's been to space and back and it's had a profound effect on her physically and psychologically. Normal life isn't enough for her anymore. Her husband isn't doing it for her either. She needs to get back into the black. A drama from 2019 that won't be for everyone but it's interesting approach to it's story and a hefty performance from Natalie Portman will keep you going until the end.

The Ladykillers   Thur   14/7   TCM @ 15.05

A motley crew of criminals pretend to be musicians so they can kill a little old lady and rob a bank. Things do not go to plan. Not one bit. Another classic from Ealing studios and one of the funniest English films ever made. A film that will make you laugh, proper big belly laughs. It's so much fun and with a killer cast to boot. Alec Guinness in the lead just nails it, and why wouldn't he be with top notch backing from Peter Sellers and Herbert Lom.

Florence Foster Jenkins   Thur   14/7   BBC4 @ 23.35

Florence Foster Jenkins was a rich New York heiress who only wanted one thing from life - to perform her songs onstage at Carnegie Hall. There was one issue though, Florence was a terrible singer. An amusing and surprisingly moving look at what can be achieved when you have enough money. Meryl Streep is tremendous as the eponymous character, I really wish she'd do more comedy. Simon Helberg and Hugh Grant as the men in her life do satisfying work too.

The Bridge To Terabithia   Fri   15/7   Great! Movies @ 16.30

Jesse and Leslie become fast friends when she moves in next door to him. Soon their childhood imaginations are running riot and the kingdom of Terabithia is created. Real life is sadly never far away though. A little beaut of a movie, one full of lessons about life, both the lovely and tragic sides of it. Anna Sophia Robb and Josh Hutcherson are both amiable leads. Be warned, this could/might/will upset you.

The Field   Fri   15/7   RTE1 @ 22.40

A field in 1960's Connemara becomes the catalyst for murder and heartbreak in this film version of the famous John B. Keane play. A staggering look into the dark heart of Irish country life and our primal ties to the land. Richard Harris gives a career best performance as the Bull McCabe, a one man force of nature and gets strong support from an almost silent Brenda Fricker, John Hurt and a very fresh faced Sean Bean.

15 films on TV this week to keep you in out of the rain

About Schmidt   Sat   2/7   TG4 @ 21.35

Schmidt is feeling adrift after his retirement and a tragic loss so he heads off on a trip to see his daughter and convince her not to make the mistakes he made. Alexander Payne's 2002 comedy drama won't be for everyone but if you can get on the same wavelength as the film's rather unlikable eponymous character you'll enjoy yourself. Jack Nicholson does seriously heavy lifting in the main role and the always brilliant Kathy Bates does wonders too.

The Void   Sat   2/7   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 in anyway squeamish please do not watch! 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.

Thirteen Days   Sat   2/7   RTE1 @ 23.15

October 1962. America learns of Russian plans to install nuclear weapons in Cuba. Then president John Fitzgerald Kennedy and his advisors must come up with a plan to curtail the danger these weapons pose without starting a world war. Even when you know things worked out ok it's still a tense and compulsive look at a terrifying time in world history. Bruce Greenwood, Kevin Costner and Steven Culp do fine work in a strong history lesson.

The Mummy   Sun   3/7   ITV4 @ 20.00

Cursed words are spoken aloud and the evil Imhotep arises from his tomb looking for the woman he loved thousands of years past. Only a brigand, a librarian and her weedy brother can stop him now in a battle that rages across the sands of Egypt. Stephen Sommers' 1999 blend of horror, action and comedy is a joy to watch, a perfect blend of scares and laughter with Brendan Fraser, Rachel Weisz and Arnold Vosloo all adding to the fun.

Dunkirk   Sun   3/7   BBC2 @ 21.00

Hitler has England beaten back to the coast of France. With their backs to the water there's nothing to do but wait to be rescued. Will the cavalry arrive on time? Christopher Nolan's 2017 war film is a good one, a tale both epic and intimate about terrified young men and the people coming to save their skins. Cillian Murphy, Barry Keoghan, Mark Rylance and Harry Styles among many others all play their parts well.

X The Unknown   Mon   4/7   Talking Pictures TV @ 15.30

A group of soldiers on patrol in Scotland find something dark, dangerous and bubbling in a crack in the earth. Scientists begin to investigate and bizarre theories are thrown around. From the pen of the prolific Jimmy Sangster comes an imaginative and unsettling slice of sci-fi that shows once again that less is always more when it comes to low budget movie making. Leo McKern and Dean Jagger are an effective central pairing.

Metal Heart   Mon   4/7   RTE1 @ 22.40

Twin sisters Emma and Chantal could not be more different if they tried. Emma is quiet, confused about life and channels her energy into her music. Chantal is adored by all, loves a party and has her future all planned out. Hugh O'Conor's debut feature film is a charmer, a funny and heartfelt look at growing up. Some lovely Dublin locations and effective turns from Jordanne Jones, Aaron Heffernan and Moe Dunford ensure you'll like this.

Cold War   Tue   5/7   Film4 @ 02.10

Wiktor is a musical director. Zula is a singer. They meet at work and fall for each other in post war Poland. Life is hard and they plan to defect to the west. But that's easier said than done. A stark and bittersweet love story that deftly portrays the lengths people will go to when they've fallen hard for someone. You'll probably feel awful when it's over but stunning turns from Joanna Kulig and Tomasz Kot will keep you watching.

Cold Creek Manor   Tues   5/7   Great! Movies @ 21.00

The Tilson's have moved to the country from the Big Apple and they've bought a big farm house to enjoy life in. But if you've ever seen a thriller or a horror you know that ain't going to happen. Mike Figgis's 2003 tale is a familiar one full of cliche but it's so well done and polished up you won't mind. Dennis Quaid and Sharon Stone do nice work as a father and mother who'll stand tall for their brood.

Gangster Squad   Thur   7/7   ITV4 @ 23.30

Totally ignored on it's release Gangster Squad is a brutal, pulpy and entertaining story of cops vs gangsters set in post war Los Angeles and it's well worth a watch. John O'Meara (My Da's name, I got a great kick out of this) played by Josh Brolin in full on tough guy mode, builds a team of cops to take down arch criminal Mickey Cohen. Bullets, blood and hard boiled dialogue fly across the screen. Just ignore it's rather loose take on historical fact and you'll be fine.

Lords Of Chaos   Thur   7/7   Film4 @ 01.15

In the early 90's the young men of Oslo took their metal music very seriously and efforts to one up each other led to a crime spree that made worldwide news. At the centre of it all were musicians Øystein Aarseth and Kristian Vikarnes. A true story so bonkers it will seem like fiction, laced with treacle black humour and some almost unwatchable bloodshed. It's not for the faint of heart but solid acting from Rory Culkin and Jack Kilmer add lightness to it.

The Wife   Thur   7/7   BBC4 @ 22.55

A writer called Joe is about to face the highlight of his literary existence and his wife Joan has sacrificed it all, her dreams, her work, her friends, to get him to this position in life. And now she's had enough. A powerful watch led by a stunner of a performance from Glenn Close as a woman who's had it up to *here* with the nonsense men can get away with. Jonathan Pryce as Joe puts in a mighty shift too.

Garage   Fri   8/7   Film4 @ 02.20

Josie lives a slow and solitary life in a small village in Offaly. One day a chance of friendship rears it's head but it doesn't take long for things to go sideways. Pat Shortt is a revelation in Lenny Abrahamson's quietly devastating tale of rural isolation. It sounds grim but it's a painfully real film that deserves to be seen. Anne-Marie Duff plays one of Josie's few friends and offers some respite from the darkness.

The Old Man And The Gun   Fri   8/7   RTE2 @ 22.30

Forrest Tucker knows life is catching up on him and so he decides to go out with a bang, escaping from jail, robbing banks and falling in love one last time. The last leading role of Robert Redford's before he retired from acting is a special one, wistful, nostalgic, full of reminders of why he's been famous for six decades now. The story itself is simple, elegant and well told and a lovely showing from Sissy Spacek gives it soul.

Pat Garrett And Billy The Kid   Fri   8/7   TG4 @ 22.35

Pat Garrett and William H. Bonney. Old friends and now new enemies. Garrett has taken the side of the law and he's chasing Bonney out of Lincoln county. Sam Peckinpah's 1973 western is a thing of beauty. A revisionist look at one of the Wild West's best known legends that never shies away from the brutality of outlaw life while paradoxically leaning into the romance of it all. Kris Kristofferson and James Coburn lead a cast absolutely packed with recognisable genre faces.