Our movie guy, James Finnegan, on some of the films on TV on Saturday…
Our movie guy, James Finnegan, on some of the films on TV on Saturday…AS I write these reviews on Friday afternoon, sad news is coming in that Brenda Fricker has passed away ending a week when that other great character actor Sam Neill also died.
Ms Fricker was the first Irish Actress to win an Academy Award for “My Left Foot” and also appeared in “The Field”, “Omagh”,” A Man of No Importance” and “Home Alone 2” as well as television and theatre productions.
However, back to today’s reviews which include two very different Christopher Lloyd performances.
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Back To The Future (Saturday 3.35 RTE One) is still a blast from the past – fast, funny, and full of heart.
Marty McFly, played by Michael J. Fox, accidentally travels from 1985 to 1955 in Doc Brown’s DeLorean and must make sure his parents fall in love, or he’ll vanish.
Christopher Lloyd is wonderfully wild as Doc, with Lea Thompson, Crispin Glover, and Thomas F. Wilson rounding out the main cast.
Robert Zemeckis directs with sparkling comic timing, while Alan Silvestri’s soundtrack gives the adventure real lift. Honestly, it still feels timeless.
If you’re in the mood for a whimsical, old-school musical, Doctor Dolittle (Saturday 6.30pm RTE One) is a charming ride.
Directed by Richard Fleischer, it stars Rex Harrison as the eccentric vet who can talk to animals, with Samantha Eggar and Anthony Newley adding warmth and humour.
The story follows Dolittle’s globe-trotting quest to find the legendary Great Pink Sea Snail, meeting quirky creatures along the way.
Leslie Bricusse’s playful soundtrack is full of singable tunes, perfectly matching the film’s colourful energy.
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Wicked Little Letters (Saturday 9pm Channel Four) is a sharp, darkly funny drama based on a true 1920s scandal in a small English town.
When foul-mouthed anonymous letters spark outrage, suspicion falls on outspoken neighbour Edith (Olivia Colman) while her friend Rose (Jessie Buckley) fights to uncover the truth.
Directed with wit and bite by Thea Sharrock, the film balances mystery with social commentary. The lively, period-perfect score by Isobel Waller-Bridge adds charm and tension in equal measure.
With its clever script, powerhouse performances, and richly detailed setting, it’s a delight from start to finish.
Steel Magnolias (Saturday 10.30 TG4) is a heartfelt 1989 dramedy set in a small Louisiana town, following a tight-knit group of women who share laughter, love, and heartbreak at Truvy’s beauty salon.
Directed by Herbert Ross, it stars Sally Field, Dolly Parton, Shirley MacLaine, Daryl Hannah, Olympia Dukakis, and Julia Roberts. The warm, folksy soundtrack by Georges Delerue perfectly complements the film’s emotional beats.
Nobody (Saturday RTE One 10.05pm), directed by Ilya Naishuller, is a gritty yet darkly funny action-thriller starring Bob Odenkirk as Hutch Mansell, yet another unassuming suburban dad whose quiet life unravels after a home invasion.
What starts as a petty burglary spirals into a brutal showdown with a dangerous crime boss, played by Aleksei Serebryakov. Connie Nielsen and Christopher Lloyd shine in supporting roles, adding heart and humour.
It’s a slick, cathartic ride that blends bone-crunching action with surprising emotional depth. Enjoy!
