Our movie guy, James Finnegan, has the pick of the movies on the box on Saturday…
Our movie guy, James Finnegan, has the pick of the movies on the box on Saturday…Michael Crichton’s The First Great Train Robbery (Saturday 2.10pm RTE One) is a witty, stylish caper starring Sean Connery, Donald Sutherland, and Lesley-Anne Down.
Set in Victorian England, it follows a daring plot to steal a fortune in gold from a moving train with charm, clever disguises, and plenty of twists.
Crichton not only directed but adapted his own novel, while Jerry Goldsmith’s jaunty score perfectly matches the film’s playful tone.
This is an underrated gem of period heist cinema with equal parts suspense and sly humour. If you like clever cons with a dash of elegance, it’s a treat.
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Mousehunt (Saturday 4.10pm RTE One), directed by Gore Verbinski, is a quirky slapstick comedy starring Nathan Lane and Lee Evans as hapless brothers trying to restore and sell a crumbling mansion—only to be outwitted by a single, mischievous mouse.
Christopher Walken makes a hilarious cameo as an eccentric exterminator, and Alan Silvestri’s playful score perfectly matches the film’s chaotic energy.
The story is a mix of old-school physical comedy and cartoonish mayhem, with a surprising amount of heart. Its inventive set pieces and charming absurdity make it a nostalgic gem for fans of light hearted, family-friendly fun, and is one of my all time favourite comedies.
Sonic the Hedgehog 2 (Saturday 6.35pm RTE One) directed by Jeff Fowler, is a fast, funny, and surprisingly heartfelt sequel.
Ben Schwartz returns as the voice of Sonic, joined by James Marsden, Tika Sumpter, and Jim Carrey in a gloriously over-the-top turn as Dr. Robotnik. Idris Elba’s cool, gravelly voice brings Knuckles to life, while Colleen O’Shaughnessey reprises Tails.
The story sees Sonic teaming up with Tails to stop Robotnik and Knuckles from finding the Master Emerald.
Tom Holkenborg’s energetic soundtrack keeps the pace electric. It is a pure popcorn fun being bright, silly, and perfect for fans of all ages.
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Evan Almighty (Saturday 9.45pm RTE One), directed by Tom Shadyac, stars Steve Carell as Evan Baxter, a newly elected congressman whose life takes a wild turn when God (Morgan Freeman – Typecast again) tasks him with building a modern-day ark.
Lauren Graham plays his supportive but bewildered wife, and John Goodman adds political mischief. John Debney’s uplifting score keeps the tone light and whimsical.
The story is a gentle comedy of moral lessons about faith, responsibility, and caring for the planet.
L.A. Confidential (Saturday 10.20pm TG4), directed by Curtis Hanson, is a slick, gripping neo-noir that pulls you deep into 1950s Los Angeles.
Starring Kevin Spacey, Russell Crowe, and Guy Pearce, it follows three very different cops as they untangle a web of corruption, murder, and Hollywood scandal.
The moody, jazz-infused score by Jerry Goldsmith perfectly matches the smoky, dangerous atmosphere. The film’s sharp script and layered performances keep you hooked until the last twist.
It deservedly won two Oscars — Best Supporting Actress for Kim Basinger and Best Adapted Screenplay — and honestly, it’s one of the smartest crime dramas you’ll ever watch.
