Hello my furry little friends, how are you? Still itching is
it? Did that cream not work I recommended? Well that’s a shame. What else can I recommend for sweet relief at
this time of insurmountable frustration for you? Well I’ve only got the bloody
thing for you right here – apply liberally and often…
Monday
Step Brothers (2008) CH5 9pm
Before this film I thought Will Ferrell was starting to lose
it a bit. I know, shock horror to some of the more diehard fans out there, but
shut your mouth for a bit, yeah? After Anchorman and Talladega Nights, Will Ferrell’s
next two mainstream comedies, with him as the main protagonist, were Blades of
Glory and Semi-Pro. They were just lazy. Yeah they hit the mark here and there,
but basically it was “Will Ferrell as x, watch him shout and say random stuff”.
But this film changed it all up. Continuing his partnership with John C. Reily,
Will brings us this comedy about two man children struggling to grow up with
long term collaborator Adam Mckay. Great moments littered throughout, namely
“boats and hoes”.
Girl with a Pearl Earring (2003) BBC 1 11.35pm
I haven’t seen this film, but I have heard good things about
it - Namely from my favourite Empire Online (shock horror). Here’s the link as
usual…
Starring Colin Firth and Scarelett Johanson, this film is
about a frustrated artist (Firth) growing more frustrated as a new servant
(Johanson) turns up. Expect lots of longing looks, hefty busts and lip biting.
Rushmore (1999) Sky Modern Greats 10.55 pm
Typical Wes Anderson affair (director of The Royal
Tennebaums and The Life Aquatic with Steve Zizou) it’s pretty much all the
stuff that he is famous for i.e. great cast, great one liners and lots of
subtlety. When it comes to tone, Step Brothers it ain’t, but still great none
the less. Check it.
Oh you want something about the plot? Fine - Jason
Schartzman develops a crush on his teacher at a private school and all hi-jinks
ensue.
Tuesday
Demolition Man (1993) ITV4 10pm
Simon says, watch this! I’m pretty sure you have all watched
this. If you haven’t you’re probably a woman, and/or one of those
intellectual types. Sly Stallone is John Spartan (great name) a tough as hell
cop who gets frozen in time as punishment when he is a bit reckless on the job
(he blows up a building with loads of hostages in it). However, he is thawed
out when super criminal Wesley Snipes escapes from confinement and wreaks havoc
on a future which is not equipped for super criminals. Or bad language for that
matter. Sly is the only man for the job and explosions follow. Watch while drinking beer and chopping wood
(not a euphemism).
Taxi Driver (1976) Sky Modern Greats 10pm
Last week I said Martin Scorsese’s greatest film was
Goodfellas. Suffice to say it got a bit of criticism, and this film was the
main reason why. Another Scorsese classic, this is a powerhouse of a film. The
film is a dive into the psyche of a troubled man swallowed up by New York and
the alienation that creates. Haunted by the society he witnesses around him,
cab driver Travis Bickle (Rober De Niro) decides to take action leading to a
sickening climax. A haunting film which will stay with you forever, Scorsese
brings to life Paul Schrader’s amazing screenplay through one of the greatest
performances of all time by De Niro. Essential viewing.
Tree of Life (2011) Sky Indie 10pm
Yeah this is a strange one. As is typical from Terrance
Malick, this film will require your full attention and might even leave you a
bit baffled at times. Not really selling it at the moment am I? Ok, the film
follows Sean Penn thinking about his place in the world, exploring the origins
and meaning of life. This leads him to analyse his childhood and his
relationship with his disciplinarian father played by Brad Pitt. The film is
profound, beautiful, complex and mesmerising. You will not have seen another
film like it.
Shrek (2001) Sky Family 9.45pm
2001? 2001?! Good lord that makes me feel old. Dreamworks
show that Pixar aren’t the only ones who can do great animation for kids and
adults with this classic tale of an ogre and his donkey. Yes you have watched
it, but have you watched it recently? No. Fall in love with it all over again.
Wednesday
Captain America (2011) Sky Action 9pm
From the conversations I had with my friends after The
Avengers, this was the film that most people had missed leading up to the
completion of Marvel’s Phase One. Which is a shame because I think it is great.
Chris Evans is the super soldier battling super Nazis in the Second World War,
this film is full of warmth, humour and great action. Make sure you check it
out if you are a super hero fan.
The Exterminating Angel (1962) Sky Classics 2pm
I haven’t seen this one, but it is getting recommended in
all the right places so I’ll be checking it out:
From the reviews I have read this seems to be a very surreal
and disturbing film about a dinner party where the guests are unable to leave.
I’m very intrigued about this one, so very much looking forward to it.
Definitely, Maybe (2008) Film4 6.55pm]
If you like your Rom-Coms here you go. Ryan Reynolds is on
the verge of a divorce when his eight year old daughter asks him how he met her
mother. Ryan tells a story of three women from his past and leaves her to guess
which is Mum. Despite the description sounding slightly mentally damaging for
the poor inquisitive girl, all the more as the tale comes from her Father, this
is a lovely film that is both amusing and entertaining.
Thursday
Moulin Rouge (2001) TCM 9pm
This is another film that I thought was too feminine back in
the day for my very manly tastes (grrr), but as I have matured I have realised
I was very naive and very stupid to put certain films to one side. This will be
rectified today as I know a lot of people are very fond of this film. For other
numpties like me who are not familiar with it, here is Empire Online’s review.
The Kings Speech (2010) Sky Modern Greats 10.25pm
Great film this, I cannot recommend it enough. King George VI has come into power following
his brother’s abdication and he is struggling to inspire a country on the verge
of war because of a crippling speech impediment. It really is a wonderful film
with a stellar cast led by Colin Firth and Geoffrey Rush. The film is a
charming insight into the problems encountered by the monarch and as such
should be enjoyed by people of all ages.
Raising Arizona (1987) Sky Comedy 1.45am
Classic Coen brother’s farce about a criminal and a cop
deciding to start up a family by stealing a baby. As you do. Starring Nicholas
Cage and Holly Hunter, this is funny, off the wall, and a little bit barmy.
Friday
Enemy at the Gates (2001) More4 9pm
I like this film – which is pretty obvious as I am
recommending it. No it’s not the greatest, it is just an easy watch and keeps
your attention throughout. Jude Law is the Russian poster boy of the second
world war who is being hunted down by German’s own superstar sniper Ed Harris.
Some tense moments and decent action, it’s a good little watch. Oh and notice
how similar the music is to Avatar (the two films share the same compose James
Horner).
The Jerk (1979) ITV4 11.15pm
Classic comedy from Steve Martin – yes, he used to be funny,
crazy. He was one of the biggest stars in the 80’s, and this film is a major
reason for it. An idiot raised in the south by his loving black family, Steve
decides to go and find himself in the big bad world with hilarious
consequences. Many genuine laugh out loud moments which is to be expected as
it’s widely seen as one of the greatest comedies of all time.
Das Boot (1981) Film4 11.25pm
I resisted the temptation to recommend Shaun of the Dead
(come on you’ve all watched it), and to recommend this instead –which I need to
watch as well. A German film about the joys of serving on a German U-boat
during the Second World War. Here is Empire Online with their recommendation
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