A Ridley Scott double is among our movie guy, James Finnegan’s recommendations for viewing on the box tonight…
A Ridley Scott double is among our movie guy, James Finnegan’s recommendations for viewing on the box tonight…IF you loved the first in the series, Back to the Future Part II (Saturday 3.45pm RTE One) cranks the time-travel chaos up a notch.
Directed by Robert Zemeckis, it follows Marty McFly (Michael J. Fox) and Doc Brown (Christopher Lloyd) as they zip from 2015 to 1955, trying to fix a future gone wrong thanks to Biff Tannen (Thomas F. Wilson).
Alan Silvestri’s energetic score keeps the pace electric, perfectly matching the film’s wild jumps through time. Its inventive visual effects and clever storytelling make it a cult classic.
It’s fun, fast, and still feels surprisingly fresh decades later.
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If you’re in the mood for a light hearted, family friendly superhero romp, DC League of Super-Pets (Saturday 6.35pm RTE One) delivers.
Directed by Jared Stern, this animated adventure follows Krypto the Super-Dog (voiced by Dwayne Johnson) teaming up with shelter pets to rescue Superman (John Krasinski) and the Justice League from a villainous guinea pig.
Kevin Hart, Kate McKinnon, and Vanessa Bayer bring plenty of laughs, while Steve Jablonsky’s upbeat score keeps the energy high.
The animation is vibrant, the humour lands for both kids and adults, and the heartwarming moments hit just right. No gritty, grim introspection here, as per the current trend in superhero films, just pure, feel-good fun.
Ridley Scott’s The Last Duel (Saturday 9pm RTE2) is a gripping medieval drama based on a true story, set in 14th-century France.
It follows knight Jean de Carrouges (Matt Damon) and squire Jacques Le Gris (Adam Driver) as their friendship unravels after Marguerite de Carrouges (Jodie Comer) accuses Le Gris of assault, leading to France’s last legally sanctioned duel.
Scott’s direction is sharp, with Comer delivering a standout performance. Harry Gregson-Williams’ score adds tension and gravitas.
Comer’s performance and the film’s screenplay earned critical acclaim, making it a bold, thought-provoking watch that lingers long after the credits roll.
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Michael Mann’s Heat (Saturday 10pm TG4) is a gripping cat-and-mouse crime drama where master thief Neil McCauley (Robert De Niro) and relentless LAPD detective Vincent Hanna (Al Pacino) face off in a tense game of wits.
The film also features a stellar supporting cast, including Val Kilmer, Ashley Judd, and Jon Voight. Mann’s meticulous direction blends sprawling Los Angeles visuals with razor-sharp storytelling, while Elliot Goldenthal’s moody score perfectly underscores the film’s simmering tension.
It is widely regarded as a modern classic for its iconic diner face-off and breathtaking downtown shootout, making it a must-watch for crime thriller fans.
Gladiator (Saturday 10.20pm BBC One) is one of those epic films that grabs you from the first scene and doesn’t let go.
The second Ridley Scott film of the night, this follows Roman general Maximus (Russell Crowe) who is betrayed by the power-hungry Commodus (Joaquin Phoenix) and forced into slavery, rising as a gladiator to seek justice and revenge
Hans Zimmer’s sweeping, emotional score is unforgettable, perfectly matching the film’s grandeur.
Winner of five Oscars, including Best Picture and Best Actor for Crowe, it is essential viewing for anyone who loves historical drama. Enjoy!
