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Frank Grillo’s Boss Level Goes Straight to Streaming on Hulu

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Hulu has cut a deal for the rights to Boss Level. The new sci-fi movie, which stars Mel Gibson and Frank Grillo, was originally destined for theaters. But like many other movies before it this year, that became unrealistic. Instead, it will have a streaming debut in 2021, bringing the latest from director Joe Carnahan to Hulu subscribers from the comfort of their homes.

According to a new report, Hulu paid somewhere in the low eight-figure range for the U.S. rights to Boss Level, though the precise price tag was not revealed. The movie is said to carry a $45 million budget. Interestingly, the deal is just for the U.S. rights. It’s said that theatrical rights have been sold internationally, which means box office dollars are still on the table from overseas. But domestic moviegoers will need to be content with watching this one at home.

Boss Level centers on a former special forces agent named Roy Pulver (Frank Grillo). He is trapped in a time loop that constantly repeats the day of his murder. In the time loop, he uncovers clues about a secret government project that could unlock the mystery behind his death. In a race against the clock, Roy must hunt down Colonel Ventor (Mel Gibson), the powerful head of the government program. Meanwhile, he must also outrun skilled assassins who are determined to keep him from the truth.

The cast also includes Naomi Watts, Will Sasso, Ken Jeong, Annabelle Wallis, Michelle Yeoh and Selina Lo. For Mel Gibson, this is another relatively high-profile project. Gibson has been trying to make a comeback in recent years. The iconic actor most recently starred in the holiday movie Fatman. Gibson is also working on Passion of the Christ 2 and may return to star in Lethal Weapon 5.

As for Frank Grillo, he is best known as Brock Rumlow/Crossbones from Captain America: The Winter Soldier and Captain America: Civil War. Some of his other credits include The Purge: Anarchy, Donnybrook, Wheelman and Wolf Warrior 2. Grillo previously collaborated with director Joe Carnahan on The Grey. Carnahan, who is known for directing Smokin’ Aces and The A-Team, co-wrote the screenplay with Chris Borey and Eddie Borey. Carnahan and Frank Grillo also serve as producers alongside Randall Emmett, George Furla and Ridley Scott, whose Scott Free production company backed the movie.

Initially, Entertainment Studios was on board to distribute the movie but that deal fell through. Prior to the movie theater shutdown in March, it was screened at the Arclight Cinemas in Los Angeles back in February. While official reviews haven’t yet been shared, the social media response coming out of the screening was largely positive. There is no word yet on a specific release date for Boss Level but it will debut on Hulu sometime in 2021. This news comes to us via Deadline.

Topics: Boss Level

Writer of various things on the internet (mostly about movies) since 2013. Major lover of popcorn flicks. Avid appreciator of James Bond, Marvel and Star Wars. Has a tremendously fat cat named Buster and still buys CDs. I’ve got my reasons.

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Sky 1 and Cave Bear Productions have announced a stellar cast for Jack Whitehall’s new action-comedy drama, Bounty Hunters, including Oscar nominated Rosie Perez (Fearless, White Men Can’t Jump, Do the Right Thing), Robert Lindsay (My Family Hornblower, GBH) and Charity Wakefield (Wolf Hall, Dr Who, Sense and Sensibility).

Written by Jack Whitehall and Freddy Syborn, who previously wrote Bad Education together, this Sky1 and NOW TV series will star Jack Whitehall as Barnaby Walker, a British antiques dealer sorting out his family’s cash-strapped antiques business. However, when Barnaby unwittingly buys a “blood antiquity” looted from the war-torn Middle East, he calls on help from tough New York based bounty hunter Nina Morales (Rosie Perez), to return the statue and try to get his money back.

Lindsay will play the role of Barnaby Walker’s father, Nigel. Recently hospitalised after a mystery accident, he had secretly dabbled in the “blood antique” market from within his cluttered Wimbledon antique shop. Rogue, scatty and wild, Leah, will be played by arguably one of the UKs most exciting actresses, Charity Wakefield.

Other key cast roles include Sophie Thompson (Olivier award winner with Into the Woods, Four Weddings and a Funerals, Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows), Bradley James (Merlin, Damien), Ben Bailey Smith (David Brent: Life on the Road), Olga Merediz (Evita, Orange is the New Black), Nigel Betts (Doctor Who, Emmerdale), Corey Johnson (Captain Phillips, The Bourne Ultimatum), Kyle Soller (Poldark) and Christian Ochoa (Pitch, Her Story).

Bounty Hunters is currently in production and is set to air on Sky 1 and TV streaming service NOW TV in autumn 2017.

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WEEKEND TV HOT FILM PICKS!

Check out my guide to the top films on TV this weekend and the best of the rest. Enjoy!

LATE FRIDAY 19th JANUARY

HOT PICKS!

Gold @ 2345       Brazil (1985) *****

This is one of the very best Terry Gilliam films. A dark comedy coupled with serious social themes, Brazil is an amazingly detailed satire that oozes obscurity. I remember the first time I stumbled across this film and it gave me nightmares due to its intense imagery and unforgettable detail. It’s a stylish piece of cinema from the mind of one of our most interesting Directors. Not to be missed.

C4 @ 0020      Spring Breakers (2012) *****

I originally took the opportunity to see Spring Breakers with very little knowledge of what type of film it would be. I know nothing of Harmony Korine’s other work. I was in a unique situation. I came into this film unbiased and without expectation. What I encountered was something very interesting indeed. I’ve seen this film over four times now - and on my most recent viewing I can confidently confirm it holds up extremely well indeed, in fact better than the first.

Spring Breakers is almost dreamlike in its direction. On my original viewing I quickly began to realise this film wasn’t the standard film I thought I had walked into. With its repeated dialogue, snappy chronology jolts, slow motion, hazy fades, repeated gunshot sounds, electric colour scheme and whispering voice overs this film maker has obvious talent. I was almost in a trance watching it and immediately wanted to watch it again as soon as it finished so I could pick up on all the wonderful bits I had missed. The re-watch allowed me to pick up on so much more.

Through this hazy neon saturation come a lot of darkness. As the film progresses and we cleverly see various scenes through different perspectives and the darkness becomes all consuming. I particularly like the way towards the very end of the film the girls almost disappear into the darkness if it wasn’t for their neon bikinis and unicorn crested pink balaclavas. So many scenes of merit to mention but I can’t go without mentioning the montage of slow motion violence backed by a strange rendition of a Brittany Spears pop song played on a grand piano by Alien as the bikini and balaclava clad girls dance around toting automatic weapons… It certainly is a strange sentence to type, but the scene works so perfectly.

Another important reason this film succeeds is down to the increasingly impressive and versatile, James Franco. He plays Alien, the gold toothed, drug dealing, corn rowed gangster. He balances completely over the top and creepily concerning very well indeed. A character so larger than life that any other actor choice could have ruined the entire flow and feel of the film.

Spring Breakers really surprised me and I now know it definitely withstands multiple watches and as suspected I immediately bought it. I hope this film does as well as it deserves. It will no doubt stay at the top end of my best films of 2013 (UK) for some time.

Best of the rest:

ITV4 @ 2200       The Shawshank Redemption (1994) *****

Film4 @ 2240      Man on Fire (2004) ****

Horror @ 2305    Maniac (2012) ****

SATURDAY 20th JANUARY

HOT PICKS!

Film4 @ 1915     Source Code (2011) *****

Duncan Jones is a fantastic Director. After the great success of his 2009 directorial debut Moon, I was hot on his trail and looking forward to his next film. Source Code has bigger ambition and is an extremely entertaining film, it’s just not as Sci-Fi pure as Moon. Source Code is a complex, compelling and a great mystery. Not sure of the idea of the recent Warcraft film as there’s only so much Orc special effect extravagance a man can take, but I’ll still give it a pop based on his previous work.

Jake Gyllenhaal is Captain Colter Stevens, a soldier who wakes up in the body of an unknown man on a train, here begins the mystery of who he is and why he is here. Gyllenhaal is fantastic and Jones drip feeds the story and keeps the mystery running with great skill. This is one of my Top 10 films of 2011…. and I thought it was very believable… until Captain Colter Stevens used Bing as his search engine. :)

C4 @ 2100       Sicario (2015) *****

This is the kind of slow burn thriller I love. Very tense. Astounding cinematography. Great score. Blunt, Brolin and Del Toro shine. A lot is said with very few words. It's all in the expressions. Loving Villeneuve of late, he is my current favourite Director with some amazing achievements in his filmography. Blade Runner 2049 was in safe hands. Her we see Emily Blunt as an FBI agent who joins a CIA task force to take down a Mexican Cartel boss. With ethics, moral values and law pushed to breaking point. A taught and very re-watchable Thriller. Don't miss this.

Best of the rest:

TCM @ 0705      What's Up, Doc? (1972) ****

ITV4 @ 1030      Superman (1978) *****

ITV2 @ 1725      The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers (2002) *****

TCM @ 1730      The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (2001) *****

Sky1 @ 2100      Mission: Impossible II (2000) ****

ITV4 @ 2100      The Blues Brothers (1980) ****

Horror @ 2100   The People Under the Stairs (1991) ***

Film4 @ 2100     The Abyss (1989) ****

Sony @ 2100      The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo (2011) ****

TCM @ 2245       Apocalypse Now (1979) *****

ITV4 @ 2340       Beetle Juice (1988) *****

Horror @ 0045    Society (1989) ****

SUNDAY 21st JANUARY

HOT PICKS!

C5 @ 1800   Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves (1991) *****

This is one of my guilty pleasures. I adore this film and it is one of my most watched films to date. It is my favourite Robin Hood film packed full of action and comedy. The very American Kevin Costner robs the rich to feed the poor along with his Moorish companion Azeem played by Morgan Freeman. After an escape from their imprisonment by the Turks during the Crusades, Robin and Azeem arrive in England to find Robin’s home and world have been turned upside down. His father has been murdered for crimes he did not commit. Robin swears to avenge his fathers’ death and is pitted against the Sheriff of Nottingham who is brought life by the great Alan Rickman in one of his most memorable performances. He has some of the best lines in the film and adds an edge of brilliance to an already great film. It’s full of adventure and action with stunning rural backdrops of a medieval England. I just dare you not to enjoy yourself - it’s a great film for kids and adults alike.

ITV3 @ 2300     The Sting (1973) *****

A bona fide Classic! If you haven’t seen the Sting, bump this to the top of your weekend “to do” list. It’s the 1930s - Chicago, two con men (Robert Redford / Paul Newman) team up and plot the ultimate con on a criminal banker. It is full to the brim with twists and turns that have never been matched in film to date. Newman and Redford are perfect together. The Sting is a complicated, clever and thoroughly enjoyable film full of twists and thrills. It balances serious thriller moments with great comedy ultimately placing The Sting as one of the best con films of all time. Watch this!

Best of the rest:

TCM @ 1130     The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (2001) *****

ITV4 @ 1200     Superman (1978) *****

ITV4 @ 1640     Ferris Bueller's Day Off (1986) *****

C4 @ 1650        Aladdin (1992) *****

ITV2 @ 1705     The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (2003) *****

ITV4 @ 2320     Scarface (1983) ****

[olympicgames-en]

Britain’s Got Talent star from Stratford brings krump to the stage

#OlympicGames #London2012 [Newham Recorder]After being accepted into Boy Blue, he diversified his talents with choreography and teaching and was chosen as a dance captain for the London 2012 Olympic opening ceremony. He then made the final of Sky1’s Got To Dance in both 2013 and 2014 before ...

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Production house Praxima announced that its original sci-fi superhero series, The Few, is set to premiere on YouTube and Facebook on February 2nd 9pm GMT.

A thrilling sci-fi drama, the new series is created by BBC Films Channel 4 Award Winning Writer and actor Sam Benjamin (Peaky Blinders, Stan Lee’s Lucky Man, Fresh Meat), and emerging director Sam Bradford  (Will.I.Am’s Lexus Commercial). It is presented by the visionary new production company Praxima who recently produced for superstar girl band Little Mix.

The Few follows British army vet Christian Davis (Vincent Jerome), and directionless History graduate Anna Garland (Rachael Holoway), who, after enlisting in a pharmaceutical trial, acquire super powers. Believing that the UK is a failing and divided society, Christian & Anna enact a plot to wipe the slate clean and start again, committing acts of terrorism to do so. Damaged former cop, Steve Douglas (Sam Benjamin) is one of the first to discover their plan, and decides to go on a mission to stop them. He must, however, find Jamie Scott (Kyla Frye) or he faces certain death. Viewers will watch in awe as an ordinary man goes head to head with a super-powered duo, having only faith and intuition to guide him. Will he find and convince Jamie Scott to help his cause? Does she even have the powers to do so? The future of the United Kingdom, and the world, hangs in the balance.

The Few is one of the most anticipated online series of the year, having its trailer premiered at MCM Comic Con London in October 2016 to rapturous superhero fans, alongside the likes of Wonder Woman & Lego Batman. A unique digital mini-series consisting of 6 episodes, The Few is an original drama that takes place in contemporary London, where super-powered beings exist.

“No-one has ever made a series like this. Batman, Superman, Iron Man, and the Avengers are all great costumed sci-fi heroes, but they are all American. This is the long awaited British answer to DC & Marvel. Drawing on the tropes and traditions of American comic books and fusing it with a British sensibility we’ve created a super-powered universe for the UK,” said Sam Benjamin, creator and star, best known for his guest role in hit BBC Netflix show Peaky Blinders alongside Cillian Murphy. “We cannot wait to share this thrilling sci-fi drama with online audiences.”

“The series taps into modern-day struggles in Britain: disillusionment with politicians, rising living costs, and powerlessness’’ said co-creator Sam Bradford. “It really does raise the questions to viewers – what would you do if you were endowed with powers beyond your imagination and would you put your life on the line for what you believe in?’’

Ground breaking in its content and format, The Few also takes great steps in on-screen diversity. Not only are the characters evenly balanced male & female, but for the first time in history the Prime Minister is depicted as a black woman (played by Jacqui-Lee Pryce from Elizabeth Hurley starrer The Royals).

The Few is the sophomore collaboration of Sam Bradford and Sam Benjamin, who received critical acclaim for their crime caper movie Double Cross. Dubbed a, Mr & Mrs Smith with a British twist, it was officially selected by the British Urban Film Festival, BFI Soul Festival and Melanin Box Festival and received an IARA Award nomination. Viewers will be familiar with Merseyside born co-creator and star, Sam Benjamin, who played ambitious sea captain ‘Young Jack’ alongside Bernard Cribbins in CBBC’s BAFTA award winning Old Jack’s Boat Christmas special, and was John Bishop’s cheeky older brother in Sky1’s Little Crackers.

The Few will run for 6 weeks, with a new 5 minute episode released every Thursday at 9pm. First episode airing Friday 3rd; the finale episode will go live on March 9th.

Facebook users can also watch via the official Fewniverse Facebook page here.

Read TBB’s interview with Jacqui-Lee Pryce here.

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[sky1news]

Guy Pearce Is Brilliant in World War II Art Mystery

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Guy Pearce is brilliantly cunning and whimsical as a Dutch art dealer suspected of being a Nazi collaborator. The Last Vermeer tells the incredible true story of Han van Meegeren. A flamboyant narcissist who made a fortune during World War II, van Meegeren was quickly swept up in the Allied hunt for stolen works of art. Based on the true crime biography by Jonathan Lopez, The Last Vermeer is a well-acted and produced dramatic mystery. It drags somewhat during the second act, but recovers on the strength of its lead performances.

The Last Vermeer opens in the Netherlands several weeks after Hitler’s defeat. A train car belonging to the Nazi Reichsmarschall Hermann Göring is found with a previously unknown painting by the Dutch Master, ��Christ and the Adulteress”. Captain Joseph Piller (Claes Bang), a Dutch Jew who fought in the resistance, is assigned to find who sold the painting and bring that person to justice. Aiding the Germans was a capital offense punishable by death. The Dutch were executing their treasonous countrymen by public firing squad.

Captain Piller and his loyal enforcer, Dekker (Roland Møller), shake down nervous elites until they are directed to the gallery of Han van Meegeren (Guy Pearce). He submits to their interrogation with an almost jovial countenance. Piller’s wrath at van Meegeren’s hedonistic lifestyle, pomposity, and Nazi socializing becomes tempered as his investigation deepens. While the newly reinstated Dutch government wants to make an example of van Meegeren, Piller’s assistant (Vicky Krieps) makes a startling discovery. The true scope of van Meegeren’s exploits would shake the art world to its core.

The Last Vermeer begins as a morality play with Piller seeking to right the wrongs done to his people and country. His anger and quest for vengeance is muddied as the pieces do not fit as expected. Piller’s dealings with van Meegeren forces him to examine his personal life. War is hell. People do whatever’s needed to survive. Han van Meegeren used the war to greatly enrich himself. But was he complicit in enabling the Nazis, or using them for ulterior motives? The film answers that question in an entertaining climax.

The Last Vermeer is the feature directorial debut of billionaire businessman, stunt pilot, and film producer Dan Friedkin (All the Money in the World, The Mule). He does an incredible job in his first turn behind the camera. The Last Vermeer has a high production value on every level. The sets, costumes, and production design are very good. The film has an intimate look and feeling, but shows the destructive aftermath of the war. He’s also smart enough to give his veteran leads latitude. Claes Bang plays the straight man while Guy Pearce chews up the screen with a devilish gusto. They succeed in varying the mood of the plot. It’s rare for a film with this subject matter to be tense and comical at the same time.

The pacing falters in the second act as The Last Vermeer pivots to a courtroom setting. It’s a moderate lull, but sufficient enough to lose narrative steam. I believe Friedkin wanted to give Piller’s character equal time for historical context. It’s fair play, but van Meegeren is too interesting to deviate from. Do yourself a favor and watch this film cold. I had never heard of Han van Meegeren and was truly surprised by his story. The Last Vermeer is a production of Imperative Entertainment and NL Film. It will be released theatrically by Sony Pictures in the United States on November 20th.

Topics: The Last Vermeer

The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Movieweb.

Film critic, raconteur, praying for dolphins to grow thumbs and do better.

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BANK HOLIDAY WEEKEND TV HOT FILM PICKS!

Check out my guide to the top films on TV this extended weekend, Friday through to Monday, and the best of the rest. Enjoy!

LATE FRIDAY 25th AUGUST

HOT PICKS!

TCM @ 2100       Poltergeist (1982) *****

What a fantastic and scary haunting film. One thing is for certain, hauntings are definitely more horrifying than mass murderers, serial killers and monsters. This is one of the very best horror films and a must see for fans of the genre.

Tobe Hooper really gives Spielberg’s film great merit. Even from the opening scenes as we pan round the house, following the dog, introducing us to the fateful family, we can see his great eye for film.  It is definitely more restrained than modern haunting films with lots more discussion and focus on the family than the paranormal events themselves, it’s only towards the end of the film that we get a more focused barrage of  ghostly activity. This is one of the reasons why it works so well. The main cast of the family are fantastic, a suitably hot mom, a great performance from Craig T. Nelson as the Dad, and the kids are absolutely spot on. I was always impressed with how very real Oliver Robin’s fear was portrayed, considering he was 8 years old, when he was screaming for his mom to come to the TV, it all felt heightened and heart-poundingly real indeed. The family are the core of this film, they are its success and give it a real tender edge that other films have just not been able to recreate.

Maybe it was because I originally watched this film when I was far too young but it is directly responsible for the following: - My irrational fear of clown dolls. - My dread of white noise on TV (Thank god for 24 hour TV!) - Cold sweats around old gnarly trees in storms. - My skin crawling at the high pitched shrieking cries of children.

Poltergeist is an adventure, a horror classic and always impresses. A perfect leader in the haunted house genre. It’s been quite influential and has some nifty effects for 1982. It always makes me wish that Spielberg had been involved more in the way of horror.

Film4 @ 2100     Predator (1987) *****

With the sad news that Sonny Landham has left this mortal plain get Predator on your watch list to see him in all his glory as the mysterious and intense Billy. R.I.P.

According to Letterboxd I’ve seen this outstanding film 17 times in the last 4 years. That’s not even taking into account the early days on VHS and the many wonderful times on TV where it was dubbed and cut to oblivion. It is one of my all-time favourite films and... I think I have a problem. I can’t stop buying it! I have 5 copies now: VHS, DVD, DVD double set with Predator 2, Blu Ray, and now 3D Blu Ray Steelbook. I am an addict. Why? Well - It's goddam awesome. That's why. Everything in this film works so wonderfully together. All I need now is the 3D Blu Ray in a life size Predator head box set to fulfil my crazy addiction. So, the film…

I last watched it in 3D for the fifth time. The 3D doesn't really bring anything new to the film, as a conversion it still looked a little flat, I was hoping the jungle would really come alive and take me. But it did not detract from my enjoyment one little bit and I will admittedly always grab the glasses for a slice of 3D action if there is ever a choice.

This classic Arnie Sci-Fi Action-er is ultimately re-watchable. You’ve seen it hundreds of times, you quote each line seconds before they happen, you even know the sound of each and every gun shot and explosion as they are about to occur. This is my most quoted film, at least once a week I shoe horn a Predator quote into my everyday life: from “I’m gonna have me some fun” to “I wouldn’t wish that on a broke dick dawg” … Amazing.

The music is completely iconic. Alan Silvestri’s score is right up there with the greatest scores in film. Coupled with some fabulous sound effects. It’s quite simply perfect. It’s so apt and effective, driving the film forward with an urgency like no other. It gets your blood pumping and puts you right in the jungle maze with them. It’s as if the Jungle just came alive and took him… Sorry.

This is Arnie’s finest hour. Yes he’s fantastic in Total Recall but here he is doing what he does best. Big, bold, mumbling muscle. Wielding a gun as large as a child in one hand and with a list of one liners at the ready, he storms this performance. He is together with a crack team of commandos - an eclectic mix of characters played by an equally eclectic mix of actors. Carl Weathers has either been airbrushed within an inch of reality or is wearing so much make up at the start of this film. His face is just too smooth, almost like he’s made of putty or like the jungle came alive and paint shopped him. Jesse Ventura’s larger than life character just fits right in here. And of course the late and great Sonny Landham as the ju-ju bag fondling tracker whose lines are just amazing, such a mix of muscle must have been hell for McTiernan to direct, but boy did he do well! In such a difficult terrain he pulled it out of the bag in momentous style.

This crack team go on a rescue mission in the Central American jungle. The mission goes from bad to worse as they soon realise a dangerous alien predator is hunting them down one by one. It’s tense, fast paced and full to the brim with enough action and bullets to take down a small country. It has got some great shocks and splattered with some well-placed gore as the team gets picked off in an array of bloody violent ways. It’s ultimately thrilling and will always stand tall as one of the great Action Sci-Fi Thrillers of all time!

“GET TO DER CHARRPARR!” (Sorry, I couldn’t resist!)

And step away from the remote! It's a Film4 double Bill! Predator 2 is on next. Grab a beer and get ready for some more Predator action.

Best of the rest:

Film4 @ 1635     Rango (2011) ****

5* @ 1900           Labyrinth (1986) ****

Horror @ 2245   We Are Still Here (2015) ****

Film4 @ 2305     Predator 2 (1990) ****

BBC1 @ 2350     Up in the Air (2009) ****

Film4 @ 0115      Serpico (1973) ****

SATURDAY 26th AUGUST

HOT PICKS!

Horror @ 2100    Tucker and Dale Vs. Evil (2010) ****

Tucker and Dale vs. Evil is a stand out comedy from 2010. Although less effective after a few re-watches it still pulls enough laughs to stay up in 4 star territory. For those who have not seen this film please do! It was one of my favourite comedies of 2010 with its great storytelling and the way it tips all expectations on their head. This film had a remarkably fresh feel. Alan Tudyk and Tyler Labine work well together and are a great comedy duo. This is comedy horror done well. Just what the genre needed. Get this on record.

TCM @ 2100     Looper (2012) *****

A thoroughly enjoyable Sci-Fi feast from the director who brought us the outstanding Brick, the little-too-overblown-but-still-decent The Brothers Bloom and is at the helm for Star Wars Episode VIII. In his third outing Rian Johnson has bigger names, a bigger budget and way bigger ambition. Looper really is a good contender to be up there in the list of best films of 2012 with strengths, qualities and conviction that play out this paradox filled plot with style. I accepted the bizarre and very limited use of Time Travel by the future mob, as with all time travel films there is always a certain amount of assumptions and as the film progressed I realised the audience has to dismiss a lot of the why’s, what if’s and but’s, but Johnson makes it easy to simply “go with the flow” with a detailed and immersive story.

My second, third and fourth viewing have been even more enjoyable than the first I fail to see any real problems with this film. Emily Blunt did a sterling job as Sara. The young Pierce Gagnon who played Cid was also a great find.

Overall, this is a fantastic film and immediately cries out for another viewing. Complicated, complex and unpredictable, Johnson has really pulled out all the stops here.

ITV1 @ 2215      Captain Phillips (2013) ****

Hanks steels the show in this emotionally charged slice of reality. Tense. Gripping and feels very human. It doesn’t showboat (sorry) as a good-guys and bad-guy’s story - this is a film that shows the awful truth behind the motivations and outcomes of the events as they pan out. Desperation, victimisation, the circumstances of the Somali pirates that puts them in this altogether desperate situation is touched upon and handled well. This is another Greengrass success. The final scenes caught me a little by surprise and heavy with emotion and with full buy-in to the amazing characters - it’s a tear jerker. A great film.

Film4 @ 2240     The Guest (2014) ****

Adam Wingard dished out a very entertaining romp with 2014’s The Guest. It leans on my love of the 80’s and combined with a cool synth-filled-soundtrack and some nice visuals this hits all my spots.

A soldier arrives at the home of the Peterson family and claims to be a friend of their son who died in action. He is welcomed into their home but soon suspicion arises in the household and some seemingly accidental deaths are coincide with his arrival. Its twists may not be the subtlest but it all gels rather nicely with some good quality action and tension. Watch this.

Best of the rest:

Film4 @ 1100      The Dark Crystal (1982) ***

TCM @ 1205        The Dirty Dozen (1967) ****

ITV3 @ 1450        Casablanca (1942) *****

ITV3 @ 1655        The Queen (2006) ****

Sony @ 1825       Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (2000) ****

Sky1 @ 2100        A Few Good Men (1992) ****

Dave @ 2300       Heat (1995) *****

5* @ 2315             The Green Hornet (2011) ***

Sony @ 2315         Inside Man (2006) ***

Film4 @ 0040       Taxi Driver (1976) *****

SUNDAY 27th AUGUST

HOT PICKS!

ITV1 @ 1540     Superman (1978) *****

No Bank Holiday weekend is complete without the original Superman gracing our TV schedules. This film is a classic. Everyone has seen it - it’s been a staple TV weekend and Bank Holiday film for many, many years and with all the sequels and re-imaginings, TV series, spin offs and remakes this 1979 super hero movie still remains the very best of the bunch. Even though the effects are a little old they simply add to the charm of the film. Whereas today bad CGI almost always ruins a film, in 1978 they had to rely on strength of story and this certainly has just that - it’s a consuming adventure with a lot of heart and a great vein of comedy. There’s no better way to kick off your afternoon with the iconic Superman. This is feel good film making at its very best.

C4 @ 2315     The Wolf of Wall Street (2013) *****

Check out Scorsese’s balls-out look at some horrible people doing repugnant things with so much swearing if it was edited it would end before it started. This is a film of excess in every way.

DiCaprio is Jordan Belfort and the film follows his rise and fall in Wall Street. It’s hilarious and repulsive in equal merit, but where this film worked for me is it didn’t seem to be telling me something clever, having an opinion or educating us on what is right or wrong - it simply shows us the American dream encapsulated in one man’s story to power and money. It’s crass, crude and unabashed about what it is. But no matter how much I dissect it I was addicted to this story and could help but follow along wide eyed and mouthed. It’s worth it just for the Lamborghini scene alone. Don’t miss this.

Film4 @ 2310    An American Werewolf in London (1981) *****

It’s only in the last 6 years that I saw this film for the first time and I was concerned that I had missed the boat and it would be horrendously outdated, but I was pleasantly surprised. It barely shows its age at all!

The story begins with two American back packers on the remote moors of England that lose their way as they turn to a local village for help they find a rather unaccommodating group of villagers and they soon realize they are well and truly on their own. As they cross the moors they are attacked by a huge wolf like creature! The villagers appear to be covering up the true horrors of their encounter.

It has a real interesting mix of horror and comedy that is really quite subtle. The lighter moments offset the horror in a real complimentary way and the 80’s “moon” related soundtrack seemed rather odd to start with but adds yet another layer to the overall experience. Unlike today’s heavy reliance on CGI, director John Landis had to rely on physical effects and make up when putting together the transformation scene. It is an absolutely amazing job - every elongation of limbs and warping of body parts is done with amazing skill that looks very realistic and quite horrifying even to today’s standards.

Overall, the film is based on a very simple idea but is executed in a very accomplished way. If you haven’t seen this film, push it to the top of your to do list.

Best of the rest:

TCM @ 0715       What's Up, Doc? (1972) ****

Film4 @ 1525      Mrs. Doubtfire (1993) ****

W @ 1610            The Neverending Story (1984) ***

BBC1 @ 1635      Toy Story 2 (1999) *****

ITV2 @ 1800        Despicable Me (2010) ***

Universal @ 2100 Sleepers (1996) ****

BBC2 @ 2300      The Ides of March (2011) ****

Film4 @ 0105       The Warriors (1979) ****

BANK HOLIDAY MONDAY 28th AUGUST

HOT PICKS!

Dave @ 1405      Kelly's Heroes (1970) *****

Another Bank Holiday staple. Kelly’s Heroes is one of my most watched war films. Well, it’s more of a heist film that just so happens to be set slap bang in the middle of a war zone in WW2. It’s very funny and from the very start Telly Savalas’s rants put a smile on your face and you know exactly what you are in for. The cast are the main driver for this film’s success with a host of interesting and outrageous characters from Telly Savalas’s larger than life Big Joe to Donald Sutherland’s stoner hippy tank driver, Oddball. It certainly doesn’t scrimp on the action either and there are enough bullets and explosions to take down a small country. It’s not all fun and frolics and it still has a few satirical barbs thrown in for good measure. Kelly’s Heroes is a fantastically fun film. Watch this.

Horror @ 2100    Triangle (2009) ****

I’ve always been surprised this film didn’t get more attention. Written and Directed by Christopher Smith we see him really pull out all the stops with this far superior and more complicated story compared to his previous outing Severance. It really shows how he has grown as a film maker. This is a film very difficult to describe without giving too much away. What I can say is it’s a story of a group of 6 passengers on a yacht which capsizes when caught in a freak storm. They come across a large ocean liner and get on board. The Liner is deserted apart from a lone masked gunman… Here the story takes some very interesting turns.

What I will say is Triangle is full to the brim with twists and turns and an excellent performance from Melissa George, Triangle is really fascinating to watch and watch again. It pulls on good qualities from films like “Time Crimes” & “Memento” also with a couple of nods to “The Shining”. Overall this is a very satisfying film you will want to watch over and over and over again.

Film4 @ 0135     Under the Skin (2013) *****

Check out the thoroughly mesmerising film - Jonathan Glazer’s impressive Under the Skin. After my fourth viewing it was as haunting as it was on my first jaunt into the unknown. It always stays lingering in my mind for some time. After my first viewing it was all I could think about for days. This film is so well put together. Completely mysterious, haunting and fascinating. The editing and sound are just simply perfect. The music is chilling and I am always still in awe of this creation long after the credits role. The use of sound is so important here, each extended silence as important as the music itself.

Scarlett Johansson does for this film what Arnie did for The Terminator. Her success seems to lie in what she can hold back and remove, Scarlett strips everything right back and gives a refined and subtle performance. Scaling back seems to be her key, with similar success in her voice-only performance in “Her” - by removing her physical presence, just being an A.I. voice, she came into her own. Less seems to be more. In Under the Skin we see her as a visitor from another world - watching, testing, trying, and learning all new things. Without these experiences and without the initial emotional attachment it just seems to work for Scarlett. She nailed it.

All of the imagery used throughout the film was simply stunning. I will be watching this wonder of a film again very soon.

Best of the rest:

BBC2 @ 1020       Mr. Peabody & Sherman (2014) ***

C5 @ 1435            The Searchers (1956) ****

Film4 @ 1450       The Book of Life (2014) ***

ITV4 @ 1605         Superman (1978) *****

E4 @ 1700            Rio (2011) ***

5* @ 1900             Footloose (1984) ***

ITV1 @ 2100        The Theory of Everything (2014) ****

Film4 @ 2100       Four Weddings and a Funeral (1994) *****

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BANK HOLIDAY WEEKEND TV HOT FILM PICKS!

Check out my guide to the top films on TV this extended Easter weekend and the best of the rest! Friday through to Monday. Enjoy!

GOOD FRIDAY 14th APRIL

HOT PICKS!

C4 @ 0055    Spring Breakers (2012) *****

I originally took the opportunity to see Spring Breakers with very little knowledge of what type of film it would be. I know nothing of Harmony Korine’s other work. I was in a unique situation. I came into this film unbiased and without expectation. What I encountered was something very interesting indeed. I’ve seen this film over four times now - and on my most recent viewing I can confidently confirm it holds up extremely well indeed, in fact better than the first.

Spring Breakers is almost dreamlike in its direction. On my original viewing I quickly began to realise this film wasn’t the standard film I thought I had walked into. With its repeated dialogue, snappy chronology jolts, slow motion, hazy fades, repeated gunshot sounds, electric colour scheme and whispering voice overs this film maker has obvious talent. I was almost in a trance watching it and immediately wanted to watch it again as soon as it finished so I could pick up on all the wonderful bits I had missed. The re-watch allowed me to pick up on so much more.

Through this hazy neon saturation come a lot of darkness. As the film progresses and we cleverly see various scenes through different perspectives and the darkness becomes all consuming. I particularly like the way towards the very end of the film the girls almost disappear into the darkness if it wasn’t for their neon bikinis and unicorn crested pink balaclavas. So many scenes of merit to mention but I can’t go without mentioning the montage of slow motion violence backed by a strange rendition of a Brittany Spears pop song played on a grand piano by Alien as the bikini and balaclava clad girls dance around toting automatic weapons… It certainly is a strange sentence to type, but the scene works so perfectly.

Another important reason this film succeeds is down to the increasingly impressive and versatile, James Franco. He plays Alien, the gold toothed, drug dealing, corn rowed gangster. He balances completely over the top and creepily concerning very well indeed. A character so larger than life that any other actor choice could have ruined the entire flow and feel of the film.

Spring Breakers really surprised me and I now know it definitely withstands multiple watches and as suspected I immediately bought it. I hope this film does as well as it deserves. It will no doubt stay at the top end of my best films of 2013 (UK) for some time.

Film4 @ 0110    The Big Lebowski (1998) *****

The Coen Brothers greatest achievement. Stylish, hilarious with an insane story line and some of the most memorable characters in modern film. A brilliant film and Jeff Bridges as The Dude is one of my favourite characters of all time. “Careful Man! There’s a Beverage Here!”

Best of the rest:

5* @ 1105          Labyrinth (1986) ****

C5 @ 1305        Ben-Hur (1959) *****

Film4 @ 1500   The Muppet Christmas Carol (1992) *****

TCM @ 1600     Bullitt (1968) ****

TCM @ 1815     The Hunt for Red October (1990) ****

ITV2 @ 1925      The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (2001) *****

Gold @ 1935      Ace Ventura: Pet Detective (1994) ****

BBC2 @ 2100    Selma (2014) ****

Film4 @ 2250     High-Rise (2015) ****

ITV4 @ 2320       The Deer Hunter (1978) *****

BBC1 @ 2345     Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy (2004) ****

ITV3 @ 0110        Elizabeth: The Golden Age (2007) ****

SATURDAY 15th APRIL

HOT PICK!

TCM @ 1040       Bullitt (1968) ****

This fantastic cop thriller has been somewhat overshadowed by its fame for the glorious car chase scene, but it really shouldn’t be, Bullitt is an intelligent, focused and realistic crime drama with well-placed action and suspense. With Steve McQueen pulling out an understated but wholly credible role as Lieutenant Frank Bullitt he lifts this already great film to higher ground. As I have filled my recent film viewing with CGI heavy spectaculars full of clunky exposition and sacrificing script for mass glitzy destruction sequences, it was an absolute pleasure to return to the films I love. Films with intelligence, perfect sound tracks, with tone and mood matched perfectly to the story they are telling, realism, impressive live action scenes with no CGI… Bullitt certainly fits the bill.

Best of the rest:

TCM @ 1255       Casablanca (1942) *****

Film4 @ 1300      Home Alone (1990) *****

ITV1 @ 1320        The Secret of my Succe$s (1987) ***

C4 @ 2100          The Imitation Game (2014) ****

Sky1 @ 2100       The Hunt for Red October (1990) ****

Film4 @ 2100      X-Men: First Class (2011) ****

TCM @ 2100       Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan (1982) ****

TCM @ 2325       The Exorcist (1973) *****

EASTER SUNDAY 16th APRIL

HOT PICKS!

Syfy @ 2100     The Adjustment Bureau (2011) ****

Mixed reviews on this one but I loved the elaborate plot concept in this 2011 fantasy thriller. Matt Damon is a politician who becomes instantly fascinated with a woman he has a chance encounter with, as they attempt to explore their friendship there appears to be mysterious forces around every corner intent on keeping them apart. The main strength of this film is the characters. The relationship and emotion between Matt Damon and Emily Blunt’s characters is palpable - They really do a very good job at portraying two strangers with an obvious desire for each other. They keep the audience fully interested and with an action film sensibilities - the pace and structure of the film keep you on the edge of your seat. This is almost like a Rom-Com but with less of the com and more of the bizarre. It’s very worthy of a space on your TV +box. Hit record.

Spike @ 2100    Apocalypse Now (1979) *****

A lot of big budget war films are glossy and tidy and quite removed from the time and place that the events took place in - Apocalypse Now is not one of those films - this film captures the madness and chaos perfectly. It’s peculiar and almost dream like qualities highlight the disorientation and madness of war. This is Francis Ford Coppola’s greatest achievement. With equally amazing cinematography thanks to Vittorio Storaro this film showcases the very best of everyone. Martin Sheen is fantastic here as Captain Benjamin Willard - one of his best performances. The supporting cast is seriously fame heavy and live up to their past accomplishments well. Apocalypse Now is more of an experience than a film. One of my favourite war films.

Syfy @ 2310    Strange Days (1995) *****

Strange Days is a seriously underrated Sci-Fi film. Written by James Cameron and Directed by Kathryn Bigelow this film certainly has the right credentials. It’s packed full of some really stunning action sequences, the story has great depth and an intelligent entry into the Sci-Fi genre. Although made in 1995 and with a story set 2 days before the millennium, it still has a very fresh feel. For fans of Sci-Fi this is a serious must see… For everyone else, the same applies, it really is that good. Ralph Fiennes is brilliant as the morally questionable ex-cop turned hustler, Lenny Nero. The POV shots in this film are masterfully put together. Engaging, action packed and full of thrills. Don’t miss this.

Best of the rest:

TCM @ 1050     Casablanca (1942) *****

TCM @ 1255     Singin' in the Rain (1952) *****

E4 @ 1500         We Bought a Zoo (2011) ***

Film4 @ 2100    Bridesmaids (2011) ***

ITV4 @ 2105      The Dirty Dozen (1967) ****

C4 @ 0100         Kingpin (1996) ***

EASTER MONDAY 17th APRIL

HOT PICKS!

Comedy @ 1101      Fantastic Mr. Fox (2009) *****

It has hit my Hot Pick spot so many times I’ve lost count but what better way to ignore the impending Doom of Monday and kick off Sunday evening than Wes Anderson’s amazing stop motion animated success: Fantastic Mr. Fox.  Expertly scripted, clever and quirky, Fantastic Mr. Fox is “cuss-ing” brilliant. Funny and accessible for all ages with a soundtrack that is spot on, you get everything you have come to expect for a Wes Anderson film - it all just works together quite perfectly. The usual big names help bring Anderson’s script to life, especially Clooney and Schwartzman.

Mr. Fox, his wife, son and nephew’s lives take a dangerous turn when Mr. Fox’s animal instincts turn him to crime as he takes on 3 farmers for their stock and they stop at nothing to catch him. It’s cool, quirky and everything you love from a Wes Anderson film. Whether you’re a fan of his films or watching for the first time, this is a great bit of entertainment.

I always thought this deserved the Oscar for Best animated feature in 2009 but was pipped at the post by Pixar’s “Up”. Bizarrely my mom won’t watch this film as she thinks it’s strange that foxes are wearing clothes - but if you can get past that - you’re in for a treat.

BBC1 @ 2030    Guardians of the Galaxy (2014) *****

The more times I watch Guardians of the Galaxy the more I love it. This is an action romp that withstands multiple watches through its amazing visuals and splendid vein of comedy that gets me laughing out loud every single time. Chris Pratt is Star Lord who gets involved in a lot more than he bargained for when an artefact he had acquired turned out to be a weapon of world destruction. As his enemies get closer, trouble lurks around every corner, things start to turn sour and before you know it you're a passenger on a crazy adventure with five unlikely friends working together to save the Galaxy from a blue faced bully with a serious case of mascara run.

It's pretty darn good on 3D Blu Ray. It certainly lends itself to the 3D treatment bringing the outstanding visuals to life. Its success is simple... A great mix of characters oozing interesting back stories begging to be told, it's genuinely funny with some excellent comedy timing from Pratt who was destined to play this character, an uber cool soundtrack full of greats that everyone will love. It doesn't do anything wrong.

It rolls along at such a pace there's still plenty left under explored but there was no time to dawdle, Guardians goes straight for its guns and fires on all cylinders until the credits roll. This is definitely up there as one of my favourite Marvel films. I'm already looking forward to watching it again with plenty more to learn about our characters I'm itching for the sequel.

Best of the rest:

Film4 @ 1655    Paddington (2014) ****

TCM @ 2320     The Running Man (1987) ****

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WEEKEND TV HOT FILM PICKS!

Check out my guide to the top films on TV this weekend, the best of the rest and what to avoid at all costs. Enjoy!

LATE FRIDAY 24th MARCH

HOT PICKS!

C5 @ 2100      Fury (2014) ****

There are plenty of war films with the same old formula, and this film does follow a rather formulaic approach, but here we focus solely on a U.S. Sherman tank crew. Not since the amazing Kelly's Heroes had I seen a film focus on these tanks. A history lesson in itself for the ignorant and uneducated - the Nazi Tiger tanks they are up against completely and utterly out gun them and with armour so strong - the Sherman's found it extremely difficult to stop them. Comparatively this film is nothing like the almost light hearted, satirically barbed Kelly's Heroes, here we have a film attempting to capture the realism of war, the death, the squalor and the sheer inhumanity. It does this very well.

It's dark, rich colour palette and beautifully framed cinematography certainly keep your eyes glued to the screen. The poor Sherman crews did not have much hope. We are taken deep inside the belly of "Fury" the Sherman tank with crew of 5 led by Don "Wardaddy" Collier played by Brad Pitt. Never before have I seen such oddly perfect hair styling in a war zone since Clint Eastwood's barnet in Where Eagles Dare.

The claustrophobia of the tank is captured really well but it also somehow creates space with every odd angle when we see times where this crew felt secure in their new found home. The performances are the icing on the cake here with everyone pulling out performances to be very proud of. Not a film that will survive a re-watch mainly down to its bleakness, but never the less a film I am very pleased to have seen.

C5 @ 2335      Schindler's List (1993) *****

Spielberg's greatest achievement. Poignant, direct, bold with inescapably realistic scenes of atrocity. With some of the finest performances, you can see that every single person involved in this film gave it their all. Heart-breaking but stunning. A work of uncomfortable brilliance.

### AVOID AT ALL COSTS! ###

Film4 @ 2100     Lockout (2012) * AVOID AT ALL COSTS!

After previously rating this film half a star and going on a rant proclaiming this was the worst film of 2012 for some unknown reason I found myself drawn to watch it again on Film4. Maybe it was the hope I could stay awake for catching Cloverfield afterwards. Either way - what a fool I was! One thing is for certain I was far too hard on this film the first time around and going to give it a 100% increase to a whole single star purely for Guy Pearce being remotely comedic as he reads through this abomination. I still can't believe he signed up for this. What was he thinking?!? Terribly bad editing, stick-out-like-a-sore-thumb choppy storytelling and some of the worst uses of special effects I've seen. A pretty awful film with an ending even worse that left me shaking my head in disbelief at how bad it was. Miss this. oh... and I didn't then end up watching Cloverfield as I had planned and hoped as this Schite-Fi just made me angry and tired. Thanks Lockout. You bastard.

Best of the rest:

ITV2 @ 2100        Hellboy II: The Golden Army (2008) ****

ITV4 @ 2100        Terminator 2: Judgment Day (1991) *****

E4 @ 2100           Die Hard 2 (1990) ****

TCM @ 2100        Enter the Dragon (1973) ****

W @ 2200            Zoolander (2001) ***

Horror @ 2255    Planet Terror (2007) ***

Gold @ 0020       Dragnet (1987) ***

ITV3 @ 0035       Good Will Hunting (1997) ****

C4 @ 0145          Damien: Omen II (1978) ***

Horror @ 0300    ils (2006) ***

SATURDAY 25th MARCH

HOT PICKS!

C4 @ 2000     The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel (2011) ****

Charming, delightful, funny and packed full of emotion, you’ll certainly be very glad you checked into The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel. The fame filled cast all produce such depth of characters in so little time. The colour, sound, visuals and direction are all so rich you could almost be there. I knew this film would be good, I’m just very surprised to find it to be great and one of my favourite feel good films of 2011.

Film4 @ 2305      Dead Man's Shoes (2004) *****

You must not miss Shane Meadows’ dark and challenging film Dead Man’s Shoes - It’s set in a small, low income, rundown town in the Midlands. Paddy Considine is Richard - returning home from military service.  On finding out some local thugs have been bullying his disabled brother while he was away he goes on a mission of revenge… brutal uncompromising revenge, bringing in all the wonderful techniques he has acquired during his army service.  Although this film is certainly very much devoid of cheer, it packs a powerful punch with a story you will never forget.  Through all the revenge and violence somehow it manages to break into moments that are actually quite outrageous and even verging on funny, but be prepared to be immediately thrown back into brutality as his revenge turns to murder and mayhem.  The story is fed to the audience perfectly - and soon enough we begin to piece together what events actually took place while he was away with the army.  The star of the film and the main reason why it is so great is - Paddy Considine - he is nothing short of amazing.  His performance is truly believable as a man hell bent on revenge.  Every part of this film simply works. The direction, the soundtrack the superb script all combine to be a dark and violent film that must not be missed.

Best of the rest:

Film4 @ 1300      Paddington (2014) ****

Film4 @ 1640      Brewster's Millions (1985) ***

ITV2 @ 1705        Despicable Me (2010) ****

Sky1 @ 2030       Star Wars Episode V: the Empire Strikes Back (1980) *****

E4 @ 2100           Prometheus (2012) ***

Film4 @ 2100      This is England (2006) ****

C4 @ 2225           Robin Hood (2010) ***

5* @ 2300             Fight Club (1999) *****

SUNDAY 26th MARCH

HOT PICKS!

Film4 @ 1300      Rango (2011) ****

An absolutely stunning animation. You can certainly see why this won an Oscar. It's visually flawless. This clever Western is packed with references to the greats and still manages to deal an original and always entertaining animation. It’s thick with interesting characters driving the story, Rango packs an emotional punch. One for adults to enjoy that will also keep the kids entertained.

BBC2 @ 2200     Cold in July (2014) ****

This tense drama has a very Noir-ish feel and you could be forgiven to thinking it has a very Coen brothers feel to its story and pace. But this is no copy or homage, it stands strong in its own merit. A family man hears noises in his house and on investigation finds a burglar in his house. Protecting his home he shoots the intruder dead. This one event gets him embroiled in a desperate situation for himself and his family as the intruders father comes looking for avenge his son's death. The mood and tension of this film are pitch perfect with an awesome turn from Don Johnson and the rest of the cast. Get this on your watch list!

BBC1 @ 2230     Iron Man 3 (2013) ****

Iron Man 3, welcome to a very rare place. The successful third instalment club! Well done!

A new director, a new direction and a lot to live up to... Shane Black has dealt me exactly what I wanted from this film. Brain off, balls out action with a side order of human emotion. Yes, there's a hell of a lot going on but this remains a very enjoyable action romp. Robert Downey Jnr. is fabulous as Stark and has grown into this character. He is Stark! Unfortunately there's bound to be an end to this casting perfection, but Marvel are certainly milking his character for all it's worth with Captain America Civil War and the new Spiderman Home-coming both relying on Ironman's strong mechanical and successful shoulders to rest on.  I've always enjoyed Stark over the suit and that's testament to Downey Jnr's brilliance here. It gives us a little more of Stark - and this makes it more accessible.

A great third instalment, funny, fast paced, plenty of action. It certainly keeps the blood furiously pumping through the Marvel monsters veins.

Film4 @ 0055     Crazy Heart (2009) ****

Human, understated and heartfelt. This drama follows an old singer past his prime going from one small gig to another, drunk in the most part and eking out his career doing what he only knows. Music. Jeff Bridges is outstanding in this role and his character is so delicately and subtly presented the audience is fully invested and on board his journey. He meets Maggie Gyllenhaal who plays a journalist who after interviewing him, strike up a friendship and relationship that gives Bad Blake some new focus and attention in his life. Well pitched, interesting, human and plays on the heart. Crazy Heart is a music filled success.

Best of the rest:

C5 @ 1045       The Princess Bride (1987) ****

C5 @ 1235       The Wizard of Oz (1939) *****

ITV1 @ 1405    Dr No (1962) ****

C5 @ 1700       Dirty Dancing (1987) ***

ITV4 @ 2100    Ransom (1996) ***

E4 @ 2200       The Adjustment Bureau (2011) ****