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….
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…
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