Our weekly LSi best freeview flicks picks are here! This week we take a trip on the USS Enterprise, kick some arse and call up the ghost busters!
MONDAY – Star Trek (Film4 21:00)
In 2009, the very talented J.J.Abrams did something very remarkable; he made Star Trek, a franchise only hard-core science-fiction nuts admitted to loving, sexy. Casting a group of up-and-coming, young actors to play the youthful versions of Spock, Kirk and their crew, Abrams directed an origin story as smart as it was stylish. The slick cinematography, the brilliant cast and attention grabbing storyline attracted a new generation of Trekkies, whilst by still keeping it super sci-fi and intelligent Abrams ensured that the older fans still had their same Star Trek. Pure fun with a clever story that gets you thinking, it is difficult not to enjoy.
TUESDAY – Dazed and Confused (Film4 23:10)
This week sees the release of Boyhood, a unique film made by director Richard Linklater that follows the life of a boy from 5 to 18, played by the same actor throughout the twelve years. What better time then is there to watch Dazed and Confused, his wonderful film about high school in the 1970’s? Full of young and talented actors who have now made it to the big time, Matthew McConaughey and Milla Jovovich appear amongst others, it mixes great characterisation with cracking dialogue and a fun 70’s soundtrack.
WEDNESDAY – The Fighter (Film4 23:15)
David O. Russell is best known for stealing the hearts of the Academy, although undeservedly, with Silver Linings Playbook and American Hustle which both won big at various award ceremonies. However, it is his 2010 treasure The Fighter which really deserved the acclaim. A look at the early years of boxer, Micky “Irish” Ward, it sees Mark Wahlberg and Christian Bale giving remarkable performances. With Bale hardly recognisable undergoing a physical transformation to play a crack addict. Full of heart, drama and emotion it is powerful stuff that moves and thrills.
THURSDAY – The Woman in Black (Film4 21:00)
When choosing what to star in after Harry Potter, Daniel Radcliffe made a smart move choosing Hammer’s return to the cinema screens with a film adaptation of the classic horror The Woman In Black. Although he will never be able to escape Potter he completely embodies Arthur Kipps, a young father who travels to a remote village where he discovers the ghost of a woman looking for revenge. Completely terrifying it will give you nightmares for days and proves you do not need silly gore and blood to make a great horror film.
FRIDAY – The Raid (Film4 22:55)
An Indonesian martial arts thriller directed by some welsh man really doesn’t sound appealing. However, Gareth Evans’ wonderfully crafted The Raid is something quite special and really caused a stir in the film industry making him, and his star Iko Uwais, wanted men. The plot is simple but effective; a S.W.A.T. team tackle a tower block run by a group of mobsters headed by a drug lord. Accompanied by jaw-dropping martial arts that is perfectly choreographed and feels fresh and unique, it is a non-stop action thriller that really grips you. Stunning cinematography with intriguing camera angles that place you right at the centre of the action, it is perfect for a Friday night.
SATURDAY – Ghostbusters (5* 18:50)
Okay, so it may not be the right time of year to be watching Ghostbusters, a Halloween classic, but it is impossible to get bored of Dan Aykroyd and Harold Ramis’ cracking script and Bill Murray’s hilarious Dr. Peter Venkman. Just pure hilarious good fun it has stood the test of time and will forever be a classic. I ain’t afraid of no ghosts!
SUNDAY – Stand By Me (Five 14:45)
Will Wheaton is now best known for making cameos on the The Big Bang Theory and being reviled for his role as Wesley Crusher, but he wouldn’t be doing that if it wasn’t for his acclaimed performance as Gordie in Stand By Me. Based on a novel by Stephen King, we take a trip back to 1959 as we follow a group of boys on an adventure to discover the body of a missing boy. Boyhood is captured in a poignant way that has no Hollywood gloss or Disney cheese glazed over it. You really connect with each character thanks to the script and the fantastic performances, allowing you to engage fully with the story and undertake their adventure with them.
Emily Murray