.
Our movie guy, James Finnegan, picks some movies for your viewing pleasure today…
Some might consider it a little early, but since the Easter Eggs have been in the shops since Christmas, perhaps it is not such a surprise to see Easter Parade (Saturday 1.30pm TG4) on the schedule.
When Don Hewes’ (Fred Astaire) dancing partner goes solo, he declares that he can make a star performer out of the next dancer he sees. Fortunately, this turns out to be the inexperienced, but talented, chorus girl Hannah (Judy Garland).
While trying to make Hannah into a duplicate of his former partner, Don realises he is falling for her, but knows he must let her grow into her own style.
Continued below…
.
With Irving Berlin compositions such as “Steppin’ Out with My Baby”, “We’re a Couple of Swells” and, of course “Easter Parade” this is a very popular evergreen musical classic.
The Kid Who Would Be King (Saturday 6.35pm RTE1) is a modern update of the Arthurian legend with an emphasis on telling the truth, honouring loved ones and perseverance.
Alex (Louis Ashbourne Serkis) is a twelve year old, starting a new school and trying to fit in. While hiding from bullies on a construction site, he finds a mysterious sword which turns out to be the famed Excalibur.
He must use the weapon to stop ancient enchantress Morgana (Rebecca Ferguson) from enslaving the world, with the help and support of his classmates, including his former tormentors, and the great wizard Merlin (Patrick Stewart).
The Parole Officer (Saturday 9.15pm TG4) stars Steve Coogan as a kindly probation officer, Simon Garden.
When Simon is framed for murder after finding evidence of high level police corruption, he must seek the help of his former clients to help him clear his name.
Directed by John Duigan and also starring Om Puri, Steven Waddington, Ben Miller, Emma Williams, Stephen Dillane and Lena Headey, this is a gentle comedy in the style of the old Ealing comedies.
Saoirse Ronan takes the title role in Mary Queen of Scots (Saturday 9.30pm RTE2) in which Mary Stuart returns to Scotland to reclaim her throne.
Continued below…
.
She attempts to overthrow her cousin, Queen Elizabeth 1 of England (Margot Robbie), which does not end well for Mary, as she finds herself condemned to years of imprisonment.
Despite the historical inaccuracies (the pair of Queens never actually met), for once put away the history books, and just enjoy two stellar performances, under the very able direction of Josie Rourke.
In Michael Inside (Saturday 11.40pm RTE2) Dafhyd Flynn made a memorable debut as Michael, an eighteen year old living with his grandfather in a Dublin housing estate. His mother has died of an overdose, his father is in prison and he is trying to get his life in order.
However, he is caught with a bag of drugs belonging to a friend of his older brother, and finds himself in jail for three months. Enjoy!
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
