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Our movie guy, James Finnegan, says Saturday’s films on RTE1, RTE2 and TG4 will take you through the full emotional wringer with laughs, tears and romance, and sometimes all three together…
The story of Marley & Me (Saturday 3.30 pm TG4) is a true one based on a family that lived their life caring and loving the “world’s worst dog” according to author John Grogan.
Newlyweds John (Owen Wilson) and Jenny Grogan (Jennifer Aniston) move to Florida, buy their first home and find jobs at competing newspapers.
Soon afterwards, they adopt Marley, an adorable yellow Labrador pup. However, as all we dog lovers know, adorable pups can grow up to be a mischievous handful.
You will not be surprised to know that even while destroying furniture, he always manages to bring out the best in John, Jenny and their growing family.
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You might want to be aware, however, that there are some sad events as well, but as someone once said, grief is the price we pay for love.
In the extremely unlikely event of someone making a film of my life, I would like to be played by Danny DeVito (or Whoppi Goldberg).
In the meantime we have Deck The Halls (Saturday 6.35pm RTE1) a seasonally themed comedy.
Steve (Matthew Broderick) and Danny (Danny DeVito) are neighbours who feud over who have the best Christmas lights.
They resort to ever increasing measures in an effort to upstage each other, moving further and further away from the Christmas spirit.
Please be warned that there is some occasional suggestive humour and colourful metaphors that might not be to everyone taste.
About Time (Saturday 9.55 RTE2) is a romantic feel good comedy with an interesting premise.
When Tim ( Domhnall Gleeson) reaches twenty one, his father (the ever excellent Bill Nighy) passes on a family secret – the males of their family can travel back in time, to effectively take the “Sliding Doors” option.
So when Tim meets and falls for Mary (Rachel McAdams), this new ability comes in very handy to win her heart.
However, even with his special gift, Tim cannot shield himself and his family from the inevitability of human fragilities.
Written and directed by Richard Curtis, who has a brilliant record in this romantic comedy genre (Four Weddings and a Funeral, Notting Hill, Love Actually etc) this is perhaps an underappreciated addition that is well worth a look.
While we are in this area, The American President (Saturday 10.00pm TG4) brings the Rom-Com into the White House.
US President Andrew Shepherd (Michael Douglas) is a widowed single parent who falls for an environmental lobbyist Sydney Allen Wade (Annette Bening).
He is also seeking a second term of office, so his political opponents use this relationship against him.
Directed by Rob Reiner with a screenplay by Aaron Sorkin, this could be seen as an early precursor of The West Wing with excellent support actors such as Martin Sheen, Richard Dreyfuss and Michael J Fox. Enjoy and stay safe!
