Decent Films to Watch This Week (25/2/13)

Anyone manage to stay awake for the Oscars? I did not. I didn’t even make it to anywhere near the beginning. In fact if the beginning were a building of some sort (named Oscars of course, which would indicate a small easy in prohibition era USA) then I would not be in the same country, hell, I wouldn’t be in the same continent. It’s debateable whether I’m on the same planet.  The same solar sy… No, I was in the same solar system, that would just be silly, I didn’t miss it by that much... But regardless, I did miss the Oscars, fuelled in part by various snubs (mainly Ben Affleck for best Director) but mainly because I was just too damn tired.  Satisfied? Didn’t think so. Here are your nominations for the week.

Monday

 

Broadcast News (1987) TCM 10.50pm

There’s not a fat lot on tonight. Well that’s a lie, there’s not a fat lot on that either a) I haven’t recommended before. Or b) you’re not already familiar with. In fact the only film that I wouldn’t be sure you knew but you definitely should have watched is this one, Broadcast News. In fact, the most amazing thing about this film is that more people haven’t watched it because if you go to any movie publications then they’re all mostly unanimous in their praise for it – if they have seen it of course. The story follows TV producer Jenny Craig (Holly Hunter) who has the affections of two men, dashing but devious Tom Grunick (William Hurt), and smart but slightly bland Aaron Altman (Albert Brooks). Like the film Al Brooks probably doesn’t quite have the mainstream respect he does, but as comedic chops go, few are meatier then Al’s. Fans of Drop the Dead Donkey should take particular note as this takes more of a satirical look at the world of News as opposed to Anchorman (which is also on tonight).

As for the rest… Well there are other films on, but as I said, you know them all really! Don’t worry, I’m not going to take the easy route out, I’m still gonna let you know what they are and when they are on, geez.

Boogie Nights (1997) Sky Indie 10pm – I don’t think there is a film that I have recommended more on this blog than this, but I’ll still continue to push it until I feel enough of you have watched it. Mark Wahlberg is the young, dumb, and full of cum porn star actor riding the wave of the porn industry before things take a turn for the worse in the 80’s. Make sure you watch this

Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story (2004) Sky Comedy 9.40pm – Truth be told, I think this is a bit overrated. I feel the gags are a bit obvious in places and the humour is a bit random for the sake of being random – so you know, you should laugh because it’s random. BUT it does have some redeeming features, mostly centred on Ben Stiller’s Bud White who literally steals every scene he is in. In fact the film is worth watching for him alone.

The Lost Boys (1987) TCM 9pm - The original film to make Vampires sexy is this cult classic starring Kieffer Sutherland and the two Coreys. You know the story - two brothers move into a town that just happens to be populated vampires, how cliché!

Hanna (2011) Sky Action 7pm – This is a really cool little action-er about a little cool action girl-er who like to kick ass-er. This a really slick movie with an amazing performance by a very talented girl indeed, Saoirse Ronan.

Deep Blue Sea (1999) 5* 9pm – Jaws it ain’t, but if you want an easy watch film that will give you a few jumps and will engage the brain here and there then here you go. It’s not the greatest film by any stretch of the imagination but it might be perfect viewing after a stressful Monday.

Tuesday

 

 

Oldboy (2003) FILM4 11.10pm

Want to see a seriously messed up film that will push your tolerances to the limit all in the name of good cinema? Well of course you do! What else are Tuesdays for? Just to put it out there again, this film is not an easy watch, it really isn’t. Why is this? Well it has some pretty horrific violence, some pretty horrific themes and some pretty horrific…. other stuff, I don’t want to give too much away…except the plot that is. Basically a Korean man is held prisoner for 15 years for no apparent reason and is then released. Naturally he is a tad disgruntled and also naturally he swears vengeance on all people involved. Then prepare yourself for a journey which will have you uttering the words “what”,” the” and “fuck” a lot. This really is a crazy ass film – which also happens to be amazingly good as well… Perhaps why Spike Lee is preparing a remake of it at the moment with Josh Brolin and Elizabeth Olsen. Highly recommended.

Full Metal Jacket (1987) 5 USA 11pm

This films reputation is definitely not in line with how good it is – in negatively correlated way. “Ah…”, you think, “so why the hell you recommending it to me?” Well, it’s still a good Vietnam war flick, don’t get me wrong, especially the first half which has the young recruits getting whipped into shape by the excellent R. Lee Ermey – who (for the more knowledge thirsty of you out there) was on the film only as a consultant seeing as he was an actual Vietnam drill sergeant, but he soon got the job full time when they realised how good he was at shouting insults (in fact a lot of what he says is totally improvised by the man himself). But the film’s second half does tail off a bit after the awesome first when they actually make it to Vietnam – it’s not necessarily that bad, it’s just the first part is that good. Look it still has 8.4 on IMDB… although this is more down to how iconic it is I feel… Look, I’ll shut up now, you’ll see what I mean, just go and watch it and find out for yourselves!

Again, like last night there are a few films that are well known, or I’ve recommended recently, or aren’t good enough for an out and out recommendation.

Se7en (1995)Sky Modern Greats 10.35pm – One of my favourite films of all time and one of the greatest thrillers of all time. Brad Pitt and Morgan Freeman take on a serial killer using the seven deadly sins as his inspiration. Masterpiece.

The Terminator (1984) SYFY 10pm – One of the greatest sci-fi films of all time (even if the sequel is better), and also one of the most important sci-fi films of all time as it kick started the career of the world’s most successful director, one of the greatest action stars of all time and inspired countless generations after its inception.

We Need to Talk About Kevin (2011) Sky Indie 10pm – Again, one of my favourites to recommend simply because it’s one of the most disturbing films I’ve ever watched/of all time. If ever you’ve wondered how someone can commit a high school massacre then here is a potential insight.

Wild Things (1998) Sony TV 9.05pm – Fancy a wank? Here you go. Erm… one of the scenes you’ll be most jealous of if you’re a bloke… of all time. That kind of works I guess. Screw it, I’m off to the gym.

Wednesday

About Schmidt (2002) SKY INDIE 7.45pm

As regular readers will know, I am very fond of films that are not quite dramas, but yet not quite comedies either, and then are laced with sadness and/or romance… Films like Crazy, Stupid, Love or Up in the Air or Sideways or The Descendants. The last two films I mentioned are from a bloke called Alexander Payne. Alexander Payne directed this movie. So it should come as no surprise that this is the film I will be settling down with tonight, despite there being quite the choice on.  Jack Nicholson is the grumpy man who goes on a trip to see his daughter’s wedding but on the way discovers a lot about himself. Yes it sounds formulaic, but I’m guessing it won’t be – backed up mainly on the fact that it’s got a good review from EmpireOnline.

 http://www.empireonline.com/reviews/review.asp?DVDID=9289

Stardust (2007) E4 8pm

I really like this film, which is surprising when you consider it’s basically a modern fairy tale. Who am I kidding, it’s not like I’m a lumberjack who only eats steak and wrestles bears in his spare time - this is exactly the kind of film I’d like. Directed by Matthew Vaughan (he of Layer Cake, Kick-Ass, and X-Men: The First Class) this really is a delightful tale to cuddle up to with a loved one/family member/blow-up sheep and think of simpler times that evolved around adventure and magic… Imaginary adventure and magic that is, I’m not implying you grew up in middle earth… although that would be cool… Anyway, the film follows a young lad called Tristan who ventures off into a fantastical land in order to find a fallen star to present to a lovely lady he is courting. Being a fantastical land things aren’t quite as simple as Tristan would hope, but as an audience we are quite thankful for that. Lovely film.

As for the rest, well… you have quite some choice! As is a running theme this week they are nothing new and are films you should be more than familiar with, BUT just in case, then here you go:

The French Connection (1971) Sky Classics 9.30pm – Two cops gritty NYC cops attempt to bring down an international drugs ring. Classic action starring Gene Hackman which also has one of the greatest car chases you’re ever likely to see.

Pulp Fiction (1994) Sky Modern Greats 10pm – You really have no excuse not to watch this movie if you haven’t already.

The Sting (1973) Sky Classics 11.20pm – One of the great ‘buddy’ movies starring Paul Newman and Robert Redford as two con men who are smooth as fuck. Mega deece film.

True Grit (2010) Sky Modern Greats 12.35am – Excellent Western from the Coen Brothers starring Jeff Bridges about a girl who loses her father and hires an over the hill Marshall to find the sons of bitches who did it.

Rush Hour 2 (2001) 5* 9pm – Just letting you know it’s on as it is tucked away on not a very popular channel.

The Notebook (2004) CH4 2.20am – Why on Earth is it on this late?! Premier film for the female part of Generation Y - I’m sure you already know it if you only possess x chromosomes, but here you go if you’re up late worrying about blokes or periods or whatever the hell it is you women think about.

Thursday

The Boy in the Stripped Pyjamas (2008) BBC4 9pm

This really is a great film, albeit not the happiest. It follows a young lad who lives next to a concentration camp who befriends another young lad in a concentration camp. Right from the offset you know it’s not going to be happy, but it really is a beautiful coming of age drama that I cannot recommend highly enough.

A Clockwork Orange (1971) Sky Indie 10pm

A really great film that gets overshadowed by its reputation. Stanley Kubrick created a masterpiece about human nature and how any interference with that autonomous quality is an offence to the natural order of things – even when it happens to the most despicable individual. To say it’s quirky and disturbing would be an understatement, this really is a masterpiece of film making even if it is not the easiest of watches. The film follows Alex who has a group of ‘droogs’ whose main pleasure in life is rape and violence. All this changed when he gets betrayed by his gang and is put into the ‘system’. A great film that should be viewed by all – no matter how horrific it’s content.

The Descendants (2011) Sky Drama 10.15pm

A great rom-drom-com that I’ve been championing of late, which should make you think “why on Earth are you recommending this again?” but there really isn’t a whole lot on better than this and what I have already recommended. Personal favourite Alexander Payne directs George Clooney as man trying to reconnect with his family after a horrific accident happens to his estranged wife. Really good cinema that is perfect to sit down with and digest on calm Thursday night.

Rest of the week to follow….

Decent Films to Watch This Week (18/2/13)

So yeah, I went to Madrid and I got mugged, let’s just get that out the way. I didn’t even get mugged in a cool way either – in fact using the word mugged is probably giving the incident way to much respect and setting expectations to high. I was victim to a glorified pick pocket, and please don’t misinterpret that as belittling the incident, it’s meant to belittle me as I was too naive to not see through a Spanish man giving out free hugs – I’d like to say I’m massively embellishing the story there but I’m really not. Ah well, Madrid and muggings led to complications with last week’s edition, so apologies about that… Believe me it wasn’t the best week and you didn’t miss out on much BUT, ladies and gentlemen, this week is a good week. A very very very good week indeed….

 

Monday

 

Funny People (2009) ITV2 11pm

I really like this film and so did a lot of critics – I’m not boasting about that fact, it’s just true. The reason I am pointing it out is because this film didn’t grab the audiences like Judd Apatow’s previous efforts ‘The 40 Year Old Virgin’ and ‘Knocked Up’. Which is a shame because this might be my favourite Apatow film. This lack of success might be because of the plot. In fact it doesn’t really have a plot. It has a maguffin (xyz device to move a plot along like a briefcase with a yellow bulb in it) of sorts to move things along in the form of Adam Sadler’s illness – but the film is really just about the lives of some stand-up comedians played by some stand-up comedians. Judd Apatow favours a very loose script which allows the actors to really get in touch with their characters in order to do some filmable improvisation, which could be linked to the film’s commercial failure. HOWEVER, when the people doing improv are Jonah Hill, Seth Rogen and the aforementioned Adam Sandler (amongst others) then you’ve got to be confident they deliver – and  deliver they do. Definitely check this out, although prepared for a late night if you do ‘cause it’s a long one (oo-er missus).

The Book of Eli (2009) 5* 9pm

Some could say this is a perfect Monday night film. Denzel Washington. In a post-apocalyptic future. Kicking ass. What better way to remind you that things aren’t that bad, and even if they are Denzel will come and save you… and everyone loves Creasey-Bear. No it’s not his greatest film, but it certainly fits the bill for comfort film with decent action, decent performances – it’s just easy watching.

(500) Days of Summer (2009) FILM4 +1 8.10pm

Talking of comfort films here’s one of Chris Malin’s. Oh I do find this film delightful - it’s charming, it’s funny, I want to be mates with Joseph Gordon-Levitt and I want to do very questionable things with Zooey Deschanel. Also it’s a very clever film as well – it follows the relationship of two people, Tom and Summer, in quite an unconventional way.  It will show you the very beginning and the very end, and then more of the beginning, then some of the middle… Yes it sounds a bit head achey at the moment, but you have to believe me on this one as it really is… well, delightful! Throw in a lovely dance number and The Smiths and you got yourself a great film.

 

Tuesday

 

 

Raging Bull (1980) ITV4 10pm

De Niro’s greatest performance? Possibly. One of the great films of all the time? Definitely… certainly one of the best openings you are going to see as well. For a film centred on boxing this has very little do with analysing the sport itself, this is a film about one man’s self-destruction, a journey into darkness. The glorious opening of the film I referenced earlier really sets up the whole film – it’s just one man alone in the ring, everyone watching is baying for blood but he only has himself to fight… deep right? Well it’s given even more resonance when you consider this is a very personal film for director Martin Scorsese as he was battling his own personal demons at the time (in the form of cocaine and lithium), and making this film was away of battling said demons– a reprieve if you will. This film isn’t as easy a watch as some of Scorsese’s others but for films that really pack a punch, there’s none better.

The Breakfast Club (1985) BBC1 12.05am

‘Don’t you…forget about me’… Empire says this is more iconic then Ferris Bueller… possibly, it’s not as cut and dry as they make it, but this is surely one of the quintessential 80’s movies. A group of teenagers have to attend a Saturday morning detention which they are non-best pleased with, but, after some quality time they discover they all have more in common than they expected – despite their differences. Yes it sounds clichéd, but this is one of the movies that created the cliché that all other movies have followed since, so shut up. It has been parodied and spoofed and copied till the cows come home (just put ‘Breakfast Club’ and ‘Family Guy’ into YouTube) and rightly so… this film helped inspire a generation so it’s gonna have some repercussions

Senna (2011) Sky Indie 12am

I really can’t recommend this documentary highly enough. Even if you don’t follow F1 I’d recommend you watch it, and if you do watch F1 then you really have no excuse. This is an utterly engrossing insight into an amazing rivalry between two men who continually pushed the boundaries in order to be seen as the greatest F1 driver… even to the point it would cost one of them their lives. It’s expertly made and won a shit load of awards – and rightly so. Essential viewing.

And two cherished films I’d recommend in case you want some chill out….

Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves (1991) 5* 9pm

Oh come on, you know you love it really. Regardless, it’s worth watching for Alan Rickman’s performance alone.

Meet the Parents (2002) Sky Comedy 8pm

I dearly love this film and I know a lot of you do too, so I’m just mentioning it here so you know it’s on.

 

Wednesday

 

 

Edward Scissorhands (1990) E4 8pm

 

Scissors for hands would have made puberty a lot more frustrating for any teenage boy growing up… Oh who am I kidding it would still make most evenings a lot more frustrating and twice as much on the weekends. Masturbation jokes aside this is a very sweet film that probably has a place amongst many of your hearts. Tim Burton and Johnny Depp start their joint legacy of films off with this flick about  a man-made boy trying to integrate in USA suburbia in order to find love and a family – but instead runs into problems because of the back stabbing, fear ridden inhabitants. ‘Oh the irony!’ I can hear you cry, and you’d be right, but it really is a very touching a film that will make you laugh and weep in equal measure.

 

Rounders (1998) BBC1 11.40pm

 

If you like poker then you really need to watch this film. If you don’t like poker then you can still watch this film, you’ll still find it enjoyable and it may even get you interested in poker along the way. Matt Damon stars as a poker prodigy who has put his gambling days behind him until old buddy Ed Norton comes out of jail and the pair start up again on the circuit – which gets them in deep with the wrong people. It’s entertaining enough and a perfect film to watch late tucked up in bed as it’s not too taxing on the old noggin.

 

Avengers Assemble (2012) Sky Premier 8pm

 

I usually put the Sky Premier movie of the week on a Monday because traditionally Mondays  are a shit day for films, but this week has been a turn up for the form book… So here we are! You’ve probably all watched it already but regardless… Joss Whedon’s super flick that took over the world because it unified several of the most popular comic book heroes ever created in a manner that both kicks ass and is very funny. Yes I could be picky here and there about the plot losing its way, but to do so would be a massive dick move because with Joss having to juggle so many balls it’s a miracle he got out an as amazing and coherent script that he did –and for an added super-duper bonus the final battle in New York was worth the price of admission alone when it was out in cinema. So just go and enjoy some brilliant action and classic Whedon quips in this behemoth of a movie… go on now, shoo.

 

Crazy Stupid Love (2011) Sky Comedy 8pm

 

I really do just feel obliged to let you know when it’s on. No it’s not just cause of Ryan’s (we’re on first name terms) perfectly formed abs… there are lots of reasons! It’s just the abs are a big reason… I’m really not gay, I can’t stress this enough.

Thursday

Mad Max 2 (1981) ITV4 9pm

The original Mad Max was on a couple of weeks ago so it seems appropriate that this is now on… these bloody TV companies think of everything don’t they? While I recommended the first more on being a solid action film and also on the fact it was interesting to see Mel’s humble beginnings, this is a great film when compared to most action-esque movies. Don’t expect Mel to be doing his crazy Riggs thing in this film, the ‘Mad’ in the title refers to an angry dude as opposed to one who likes to dress up like a camel and read the Old Testament  to his dead mother (although that sounds like quite a good premise for a film, I’ll remember that). The action is class and Mel takes no prisoners, so watch and enjoy.

Bad Teacher (2011) Sky Comedy 11.30pm

It’s a bit of a quiet night tis Thursday (clearly we were spoiled on Monday and Tuesday so those fickle TV bosses decided to even it up) so I am recommending this. Is it the funniest film ever? Not by a long shot. But it does have some very funny moments and it is the kind of relaxing film that will keep your attention that one likes to watch before they go to bed. For the more male readers of this blog who like their beer cold and women sexy – Cameron Diaz is sexy as fuck in this, so that’s four reasons to watch by itself.

Casino Royale (2006) Sky Modern Greats 8pm

Did I mention it was a quiet night? Serpico is on Sky Classics at 10.40pm but I recommended it a couple of weeks ago (I’d still recommend watching it though if you haven’t already), so here we have Daniel Craig’s first outing as everyone’s favourite double agent. I suppose I get some flexibility with the release of Skyfall this week, so it’s a very good means of comparing the two very different films to see which you like best. Casino Royale is way more grounded in reality and is a direct benefactor of the Bourne films whereas Skyfall goes for a more ‘traditional’ bond vibe – I’m still not decided on which one I prefer but one thing is for certain – This film is cool as fuck and it is one of those films that if I’m flicking through the channels and come across it then chances are I’m going to end up watching it. Enjoy.

The rest of the days will follow I promise…

Decent Films to Watch This Week (11/2/13)

Apologies again for the drip fed previews this week, I have a trip to Madrid andddd that’s taking up a lot of my time planning for that…. It’s a valid excuse! You’ll still get your recommendations, just they’ll be daily instead….Oh it so does not make a difference.

Monday

 

The Artist (2012) Sky Premier +1 also on Sky Anytime, 7.15pm

As always I recommended this last Friday, and as always I am recommending the film again this week. This is because

a)      A lot of you went out Friday and probably didn’t watch it. And more pertinently…

b)      It makes one easier recommendation for me.

So, without any more hesitation, ladies and gentlemen I present to you (drum roll), the winner of 5 Academy Awards… including Best Motion Picture 2012… Michel Hazanavicius’s The Artist.

Ta da.

So, why all the fuss? Well a lot of you may already be familiar with what The Artist is about, but just for the uninitiated, let me dispel any inaccurate notions – yes indeed this is a silent film. It is not a silent film in the strictest sense – Michel Hazanavicius plays around with the formula enough so that the film draws inspiration from films of yesteryear as opposed to merely imitating them, which gives the film an air of freshness that may brush aside some of the cynicism harboured by potential viewers. BUT if not, then let me say unequivocally that this film is magnificent. The film is charming, touching and thoroughly entertaining.  The film follows silent film star George Valentin make an uneasy transition (to say the least) into films that include dialogue, sound effects and all other manners of mellifluous madness. It is a tale of hero to zero as the world changes around poor George and he struggles to keep up, save for the intervention of a young up and comer (who he discovered) called Peppy Miller (played by the alluring Bérénice Bejo).  The direction and cinematography of the film is exquisite, highlighted (but not limited to) some of the wonderful dancing we see throughout the film – and this is coming from a man who doesn’t particularly like musicals or ‘Come Dance with Me’. So as you can probably tell, I am very fond of this film. Also, I am very confident you will like this film - if you go and watch it with the right attitude that is. If you are of the cynical nature -and with all the films geared towards awards season these days (Extremely Close and Incredibly Loud I’m looking at you), who can blame you – then perhaps you might not enjoy this film (although I’d still recommend checking it out just in case). But if you are open to a good time and willing to try new things, then it will not take one bit of effort or patience to enjoy this wonderful piece of celluloid as it will captivate you in the opening scenes.

Shakespeare in Love (1998) Sky Drama/Romance, 9.45pm

1998? 1998?! Wow that makes me feel old. It wasn’t too long ago that this film swept the floor with most of the competition at the Oscars, much like ‘The Artist’ did. It’s been a while since I watched this film, but it is still fresh in the memory how much I enjoyed it so I can recommend it full heartedly. The tale follows everyone’s favourite Bard (Joseph Fiennes) struggle to find the influence that would later make him the bane of all school children for years to come, until that is, he comes across (not like that) Gwyneth Paltrow - and a whole manner of inspiration takes hold of him. The film is a nice watch for many – it has the rom-com element which is endearing enough for most, but also has the brains behind it to pull along the more grumpy ones i.e. the blokes (minus Butler).

Once Upon a Time in Anatolia (2011) FILM4, 11.10pm

Damn it – it’s Monday and there’s already a film I haven’t watched previously. But, as the regular readers will know, I will take my usual defensive stance and point out - would you of considered watching it without this recommendation? I didn’t think so… and this is the whole point of the blog (for the majority of it anyway) you see? To broaden your film watching horizons as well as my own! Oh to hell with the more cynical of you (Buckley), for everyone else here you go – a foreign film about two men on a hunt to find a shallow grave of a murder victim hidden in a Anatolian town. When EmpireOnline’s write up states:

“Complex and sophisticated, this genre-defying crime story is spellbinding viewing.”

Then you gotta pay attention. Here is the review in full….

http://www.empireonline.com/reviews/review.asp?DVDID=119076

Rest of the week to follow......

Decent Film to Watch This Week (4/2/13)

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