Our weekly LSi best freeview flicks picks are here! This week we go on a 1960’s strike, a magical adventure with an orphan who lives in the walls of a train station and battle with some apes.
MONDAY – A Prophet (Channel 4 01:35)
This French prison drama really stole the critics’ attention when it was released back in 2009, and when you watch it you can see why. Following a young Arab man sent to a French prison, it is not an easy watch at the best of times. But, keep with it and you will find yourself enjoying and marvelling at a modern masterpiece. Lead actor, Tahar Rahmin, is a revelation with a spot on performance. Hard-hitting and completely gripping, it thrills as much as it shocks.
TUESDAY – Made In Dagenham (BBC4 21:00)
To lighten the mood, Made In Dagenham is a kooky dramatisation of the 1968 strike at the Ford factory in Dagenham, where the women walked out due to sexual discrimination. Although it takes a quirky and funny tone at times, it also takes a serious look at the issues women faced in the workplace back in the 1960s. It is as educating as it is enjoyable, and Sally Hawkins proves why she deserves more attention with a delightful performance.
WEDNESDAY – Total Recall (ITV4 22:00)
Philip K. Dick is a well renowned science-fiction writer, with many of his short stories being adapted for the big screen, including this 1990 classic Total Recall starring Arnold Schwarzenegger. Why waste your time with the Colin Farrell remake when you can enjoy the 1990’s special effects and a decent performance from the Terminator himself? Although the plot is complex at times, it really grips you with its twists, turns and clever writing.
THURSDAY – Planet of the Apes (Film4 18:45)
This week sees the release of Dawn of the Planet of the Apes, the latest film in an ongoing science-fiction series. The first film adaptation of the classic novel was in 1968, starring Charlton Heston, and since then the franchise hasn’t stopped growing. Thrilling, intelligent and gripping with a shocking but genius twist at the end, it has stood the test of time. “Take your stinking paws off me you damn dirty ape”.
FRIDAY – GoldenEye (ITV2 21:00)
What else would you want from a Friday night movie than the best Bond film, with Pierce Brosnan as 007; the one and only GoldenEye. It has all the great classic Bond elements; the mind-blowing action sequences, thrilling car chase sequences, beautiful Bond girls and a fantastic theme song that puts Jack White and Alicia Keys to shame. Just pure, good classic Bond fun, and you have a while to wait until the next film comes out, so why not watch this and enjoy the back catalogue?
SATURDAY – Rise of the Planet of the Apes (Channel 4 21:00)
After enjoying the first film of the original series, why don’t you enjoy this fantastic reboot, whilst trying to forget the Tim Burton attempt, to which Dawn is the sequel. One of the biggest surprises is that 2011 director Rupert Wyatt has created an intelligent film that at times is scarily believable. In an origin story that pays attention to the original series, James Franco is rather fabulous as a research doctor who takes in a young ape from the lab where he works. The motion-capture has never been used better, with king of the method, Andy Serkis, at the helm playing Caesar.
SUNDAY – Hugo (Channel 4 17:40)
Martin Scorsese is best known for directing mature and shocking dramas such as Taxi Driver and, most recently, The Wolf of Wall Street. However, before he tackled corrupt millionaire Jordan Belfort, he took an orphan on an adventure in the magical Hugo. Although aimed at children, this is something everyone can enjoy, as we get to explore the origins of this most beautiful art form. With sophisticated with absorbing cinematography and enchanting performances from Asa Butterfield and Chloe Grace Moretz, you will be unable to wipe the smile off your face.
Emily Murray