Our weekly LSi freeview flicks here! This week the empire strikes back, we get attacked by vicious birds and a boy befriends a vampire.
MONDAY – Animal Kingdom (Film4 22:50)
Next week sees the release of The Rover, an intriguing film from Austrailian director David Michôd that is drawing a lot of attention from the critics. This is the perfect time then to look through his back catalogue, and most importantly watch his previous film Animal Kingdom. The film tells the story of a seventeen year-old boy trying to survive within his explosive, criminal family, it’s hard-hitting, gritty and tense. A riveting story with exceptional performances from the likes of Ben Mendelsohn and Jackie Weaver, you’ll be enthralled from the first minute.
TUESDAY – Let The Right One In (Film4 00:55)
If there are two things the Scandinavians know how to get right it’s crime thrillers and horror films, which Hollywood inevitably ruin with a trashy remake. This is the case with Tomas Alfredson’s chiller Let The Right One In, which Hollywood dumbed down with Let Me In. Alfredson’s film is not simply a horror film designed to make you jump. Of course the fear factor is key, but at the centre is a heartfelt story of friendship and love that will get your heart beating.
WEDNESDAY – The Birds (Film4 22:45)
The idea of a film that is centred on the theme of vicious birds attacking people certainly sounds silly, but in Hitchcock’s hands it immediately becomes a masterpiece. Hitchcock really is a master of suspense, keeping you held in uncertainty and mystery to keep you on the edge of your seat. We just need to forget the fact that Michael Bay is producing a remake of this classic (please movie Gods don’t let him)!
THURSDAY – Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid (Film4 16:50)
One of the most legendary duos in cinema history, Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid have stood the test of time. A classic Western that follows two bank robbers fleeing from the law to Bolivia it is filled with action, grand scenery and iconic performances from Paul Newman and Robert Redford in the leading roles. What is there to not like?
FRIDAY – Date Night (Channel 4 23:40)
Director Shawn Levy’s comedy stars Tina Fey and Steve Carell as a bored married couple whose date night turns into something more adventurous after a case of mistaken identity. It may not win any awards or be the funniest film ever, but packed with chuckles it is perfect for a Friday night in. Carell and Fey are always watchable and two of the funniest people working in Hollywood, and so bringing them together was always going to be a good move.
SATURDAY – Star Wars Episode V: the Empire Strikes Back (ITV1 21:45)
On Saturday night there’s absolutely no competition – you must watch Star Wars Episode V: the Empire Strikes Back, the best and most iconic film in the franchise. No matter how hard the other films, and Mr. J.J.Abrams with his new one, try nothing in the Star Wars franchise could ever beat this. With many so legendary moments, not least the devastating confrontation between Luke Skywalker and Darth Vader, it is a complete thrill to watch. When you watch this you’ll realise it’s no wonder that this is so many peoples’ favourite film of all time.
SUNDAY – Chaplin (ITV3 22:00)
Robert Downey Jr. is best known for playing genius, billionaire, and playboy-philanthropist Tony Stark, but here he gives a brilliant performance as troubled filmmaker Charlie Chaplin in Richard Attenborough’s biopic Chaplin. Downey fits the role incredibly well, being both funny and melancholic, showing all sides to Chaplin’s character. A well-made biopic, it gives an interesting insight into the life of this renowned filmmaker.
Emily Murray
Image property of Lucasfilm