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Our movie guy, James Finnegan, recommends some real gems on TV for your viewing pleasure…
OUT of Africa (Saturday 2.50 RTE One) is a sweeping romantic drama directed by Sydney Pollack, based on the memoir by Karen Blixen.
The film follows Danish baroness Karen, played by Meryl Streep, who moves to Kenya to run a coffee plantation.
There, she meets the free-spirited hunter Denys Finch Hatton, portrayed by Robert Redford.
Their relationship unfolds against the breathtaking African landscape, blending love, loss, and self-discovery.
The film’s lush cinematography captures the grandeur of the Kenyan plains, while John Barry’s evocative score adds emotional depth to every scene. Streep delivers a nuanced performance, and Redford brings quiet charm to his role.
At the Academy Awards, it won Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Original Score, cementing its place as a cinematic classic. It is a slow-burn story, but its beauty and emotional resonance linger long after the credits roll.
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The Amazing Spider-Man (Saturday 6.35pm RTE One), directed by Marc Webb, offers a fresh take on the beloved superhero’s origin story.
Andrew Garfield stars as Peter Parker, a socially awkward teenager who gains extraordinary powers after being bitten by a genetically altered spider. Emma Stone plays Gwen Stacy, his intelligent and compassionate love interest.
The plot follows Peter as he uncovers secrets about his parents, faces the formidable Lizard, portrayed by Rhys Ifans, and struggles to balance his personal life with his new responsibilities.
James Horner’s soundtrack adds emotional depth, blending heroic themes with tender moments. It remains a visually striking and heartfelt entry in the Spider-Man sagas.
The Devil Wears Prada (Saturday 9.15pm TG4) is a sharp and stylish comedy-drama directed by David Frankel.
It follows Andy Sachs, an aspiring journalist who lands a job as assistant to Miranda Priestly, the formidable editor-in-chief of a top fashion magazine. What begins as a dream opportunity quickly becomes a test of endurance, ambition, and personal values.
The film stars Anne Hathaway as Andy, Meryl Streep as the icy yet magnetic Miranda, and Emily Blunt as the witty and competitive co-assistant Emily.
The soundtrack, composed by Theodore Shapiro, blends upbeat pop with elegant instrumentals, perfectly matching the film’s glamorous yet cutthroat world.
This film is both entertaining and thought-provoking, offering a witty look at ambition, sacrifice, and the price of success.
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Goodfellas (Saturday 9pm RTE2) directed by Martin Scorsese, is a gripping crime drama based on the true story of Henry Hill, a young man who becomes deeply involved in the New York Mafia.
The film follows Henry’s rise from a wide-eyed teenager to a seasoned gangster, navigating loyalty, greed, and betrayal.
Ray Liotta delivers a compelling performance as Henry, supported by Robert De Niro as the calculating Jimmy Conway and Joe Pesci as the volatile Tommy DeVito and his performance earned the film its only Academy Award win for Best Supporting Actor
The soundtrack, composed by a variety of artists and curated by Scorsese, perfectly captures the mood of each era depicted.
This film is intense, stylish, and unforgettable, offering a raw look at the seductive and destructive world of organized crime. Enjoy!
