Our movie guy, James Finnegan, on some of the films on TV tonight…
Our movie guy, James Finnegan, on some of the films on TV tonight…A breezy, family‑friendly adventure, Mummies (Saturday 7.05pm RTE One) charms with its lively cast and colourful animation.
Directed by Juan Jesús García Galocha, the film features voice performances from Joe Thomas, Eleanor Tomlinson, Celia Imrie, Hugh Bonneville, and Sean Bean. The energetic score by Fernando Velázquez keeps things playful.
The plot follows three ancient mummies who accidentally land in modern‑day London while chasing a stolen royal ring, leading to culture‑clash comedy and sweet character moments.
It’s light, silly, and fun, and perfect for younger viewers, even if adults may find it predictable.
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A gentle, quietly affecting drama, That They May Face the Rising Sun (Saturday 9.15pm RTE One) follows Joe and Kate (played by Barry Ward and Anna Bederke) as they settle into rural Irish life in the 1980s.
Directed by Pat Collins and scored by Irene Buckley and Linda Buckley, the film captures a year of small rituals, neighbourly bonds, and the rhythms of lakeside living.
It is beautifully shot and deeply atmospheric, unfolding with a calm, conversational ease. The film earned Best Film at the 2024 Irish Film & Television Awards, a well‑deserved nod to its subtle power.
A warm, witty road‑trip dramedy, Sideways (Saturday 9.25pm TG4) follows Miles (Paul Giamatti) and Jack (Thomas Haden Church) as they wander through California wine country, stumbling through midlife crises and questionable decisions.
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Directed by Alexander Payne with a breezy, bittersweet score by Rolfe Kent, the film shines thanks to Virginia Madsen and Sandra Oh’s grounded performances.
The story blends humor and melancholy as the guys chase wine, romance, and a little self‑respect.
It’s no surprise the film won the Oscar for Best Adapted Screenplay for its sharp, human writing. A charming, relatable ride—perfect with a glass of Pinot.
Finding Graceland (Saturday 9.25pm TG4) is a quirky little road‑movie gem that follows a grieving young man who picks up a drifter claiming to be Elvis Presley, sending them on an offbeat trip to Memphis filled with odd encounters and unexpected heart.
Harvey Keitel, Johnathon Schaech, Bridget Fonda, and Gretchen Mol make the cast feel warm and lived‑in, while director David Winkler keeps the tone gently whimsical. Stephen Endelman’s score adds a mellow, nostalgic vibe that suits the Elvis‑tinged mystery.
It’s a modest, charming film—part character study, part mythic detour—that leans into its strange premise with sincerity.
A moody, beautifully crafted crime drama, Road to Perdition (Saturday 11.50pm TG4) pairs Tom Hanks, Paul Newman, Jude Law, and Daniel Craig under the steady direction of Sam Mendes.
With Thomas Newman’s atmospheric score and Conrad L. Hall’s Oscar‑winning cinematography anchoring the film’s tone, it’s a visually rich experience.
The story follows mob enforcer Michael Sullivan and his son as they flee after a violent betrayal, turning their journey into a mix of revenge, survival, and reluctant bonding.
It’s a sombre but gripping tale about fathers, sons, and the cost of violence, told with elegance and emotional weight. Enjoy!
