There’s always a wide selection of great films available on Freeview. And seeing as staying in is the new going out, TV presents the ideal opportunity to catch up on what you might have missed in the cinema. Plus, it saves you spending your student loan on DVDs and rentals. Sometimes the choice can be quite overwhelming, so here at Leeds Student we’ve decided to compile a weekly list of the best films on TV. This week we feature a whole host of dudes.
Monday – Borat (E4 22.00)
Sacha Baron Cohen may always be known as Ali G, but Borat is his best work by far. Pretending to be a television reporter from Kazakhstan sent to America to make a documentary, Borat will make your stomach ache with laughter. The material might offend some, but this fun film is original and worth the watch.
Tuesday – Limitless (Film4 21:00)
Last year Bradley Cooper was nominated for an Oscar for his role in Silver Linings Playbook, but it is in Limitless where he proved himself one of the best young actors in Hollywood. Cooper plays a struggling writer who only becomes successful after taking pills that allows access to 100% of his brain. He is confident, charming and steals the show. It may have plot holes, but it is thrilling and has an intriguing concept at the centre which will leave your brain ticking.
Wednesday – The History Boys (BBC1 23:45)
Alan Bennett is one of Britain’s greatest playwrights. One of his most popular plays, The History Boys, follows a group of boys as their headmaster tries to get them into Oxbridge. This film of the Royal National Theatre’s adaptation features excellent performances from young British stars including James Corden and Russell Tovey. It will not wow you, but it’s a subtle comedy with a big heart.
Thursday – The Big Lebowski (ITV4 23:30)
This Coen brothers production, starring Jeff Bridges and John Goodman, is a cult classic that has inspired many a party costume. The Coens’ writing is at its best with a clever story, funny dialogue and brilliant characters that you become attached to. Watching it reminds you why Bridges’ performance as ‘The Dude’ is so iconic, but make no mistake: the Coens’ writing and the supporting cast, including Steve Buscemi and John Goodman, help make this the classic that it is.
Friday – The Hurt Locker (More4 21:00)
Earlier this year Kathryn Bigelow returned to our screens with the controversial but brilliant Zero Dark Thirty, so now is the time to return to her Oscar winning success The Hurt Locker. Following a bomb squad unit in Iraq, this fantastic film examines one of the most dangerous jobs in the world. With stunning cinematography and a thrilling story you will soon find yourself completely absorbed and gazing in astonishment. Jeremy Renner gives a powerful performance that he might never match in the rest of his career. But the star is director Bigelow herself who clearly deserves her Oscar for this wonderful and powerful film.
Saturday – Iron Man (Channel 4 21:00)
Grab yourself a bag of popcorn and watch Iron Man, arguably the best superhero film ever made. With explosions, romance, fast cars, superheroes, jokes and Robert Downey Jr. at his best as the “billionaire playboy philanthropist” it is perfect for a Saturday night in. Downey just is Tony Stark and when he leaves the role it will be hard to replace him. Iron Man is clever, emotional and most importantly fun! It changed the game for superhero films and Marvel has not been able to beat it yet.
Sunday – A Single Man (BBC2 22:45)
When you think of Tom Ford you think of glamorous clothes, models and designer jewellery. It is often forgotten that he also directed a very good film. Colin Firth is superb as a handsome English professor recovering from the loss of his boyfriend. It will not be everyone’s cup of tea, but this film screams glamour, brilliant performances and a great story. But if you don’t fancy it, Citizen Kane is on BBC4 at 21:00, which for many is the greatest film ever made.
Emily Murray