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.
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….
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