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Our movie guy, James Finnegan, on some great movies on RTE tonight…
Most of the films in today’s selection are as well known for their soundtracks as they are for the actual film themselves, which just goes to show what an important part music plays in motion pictures.
I remember when The Greatest Showman (Saturday RTE1 6.35pm) was released, to surprisingly little fanfare.
Starring the uniquely talented Hugh Jackman as legendary showman PT Barnum, a former bank clerk, who through his wits, ingenuity and bluff, creates and develops a New York Circus in the mid 1800s, the like of which had not been seen before.
His entrepreneurial skills are occasionally challenged by the reality, but this is a dreamer who, with his diverse troupe, travels America and the World.
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Naturally his workaholic manner affects his family life and yes, as appears to be a weekly comment, the darker aspects of his life are not explored too deeply.
However, this is a film that celebrates positivity and following your dreams even when you appear to be the only one who can see them.
The wonderful cast includes Michelle Williams (Charity), Zac Efron (Philip Carlyle – a imaginary persona of the real life James Anthony Bailey), Zendaya as the beautiful African-American trapeze artist, Anne, whom Philip falls for to the horror of his bigoted parents, and Rebecca Ferguson as Jenny Lind, the opera star who will allow Barnum to gain entry to the upper classes who look down on him and his achievements.
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This was, amazingly, Michael Gracey’s directorial debut. In tone and style, this is familiar to Moulin Rouge and Hamilton, but is certainly of a quality to stand on its own merits. Don’t blame me if you end up singing the songs for the rest of the weekend.
Not necessarily renowned for its music, but still has an impressive soundtrack by Michael Giacchino, is War for the Planet of the Apes (Saturday 9.45pm RTE2).
This is the conclusion of the prequel trilogy as primate leader Caesar (Andy Serkis) seeks revenge on the human solders who killed his family during a devastating conflict in a post-apocalyptic future – so, not too much singing and dancing here, but plenty of action instead.
Directed by Matt Reeves, it also stars Woody Harrelson and Steve Zahn.
Back to the epic soundtracks in The Graduate (Saturday 11.50pm RTE1) where the dulcet tones of Simon and Garfunkel are backing to the tale of a naive college graduate Benjamin (Dustin Hoffman), who is seduced by the wife of his father’s business partner, Mrs Robinson (Anne Bancroft), only for him to fall in love with her daughter Elaine (Katherine Ross).
On a personal note, a sincere word of thanks and appreciation to whoever nominated me for the Connect Men of Kerry Awards in the Entertainment/Media Category, hopefully as a result, or in part, of these weekly rambles through the world of film.
I will look for you, I will find you, and I will hug you!
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