Our movie guy, James Finnegan, has the pick of the movies on TV today and tonight…
Our movie guy, James Finnegan, has the pick of the movies on TV today and tonight…JUST like last week, the reviews begin and end with a Sean Connery film.
The Longest Day (Saturday 2.20pm RTE One), directed by Ken Annakin, Andrew Marton, and Bernhard Wicki, is an epic war drama depicting the D-Day landings of June 6, 1944.
The film features an all-star cast including John Wayne, Richard Burton, Robert Mitchum, and the aforementioned Connery.
The stirring soundtrack, composed by Maurice Jarre, perfectly complements the sweeping scale of the story.
Although it did not win Best Picture, it earned two Academy Awards for Best Cinematography (Black-and-White) and Best Special Effects.
Told from both Allied and German perspectives, it blends intense battle sequences with human moments, making it a gripping and respectful portrayal of history.
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Now one of my personal favourites. Directed by John Sturges, The Magnificent Seven (Saturday 3.15pm BBC2) is a gripping Western with a stellar cast including Yul Brynner, Steve McQueen, Charles Bronson, James Coburn, Robert Vaughan and Eli Wallach.
Elmer Bernstein’s rousing score is unforgettable and perfectly matches the film’s sweeping landscapes.
The story follows seven gunmen hired to protect a poor Mexican village from ruthless bandits.
The film blends action, camaraderie, and moral courage, making it both thrilling and heartfelt. It remains a timeless classic that redefined the Western genre for generations.
Directed by Pierre Coffin and Chris Renaud, Despicable Me (Saturday 6.35pm RTE One) is a vibrant animated comedy featuring the voices of Steve Carell, Jason Segel, Russell Brand, and Julie Andrews. The playful soundtrack by Pharrell Williams adds infectious energy to the film.
The story follows Gru, a supervillain with a plan to steal the moon, whose life changes when he adopts three spirited orphan girls. What begins as a selfish scheme turns into a heartwarming journey of love, laughter, and redemption.
It is colourful, witty, and surprisingly touching. Best of all, it introduces us to the wonderful Minions!
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Rain Man (Saturday 9.45pm TG4) directed by Barry Levinson, is a heartfelt drama starring Dustin Hoffman and Tom Cruise, with a moving score by Hans Zimmer.
The film won four Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Original Screenplay, and Best Actor for Hoffman.
It follows Charlie Babbitt, a self-absorbed car dealer, who discovers his estranged brother Raymond, an autistic savant, after their father’s death. As they embark on a cross-country journey, Charlie’s initial greed gives way to genuine care.
The performances are powerful, the pacing is gentle yet gripping, and Zimmer’s music adds emotional depth. It is a timeless, deeply human story.
The Russia House (Saturday 11.55pm RTE One) directed by Fred Schepisi, is a thoughtful Cold War drama starring Sean Connery, Michelle Pfeiffer, and Roy Scheider.
The haunting and elegant soundtrack by Jerry Goldsmith perfectly complements the film’s atmosphere.
The story follows British publisher Barley Blair, who becomes entangled in espionage after receiving a manuscript from a Soviet scientist seeking peace.
Connery and Pfeiffer deliver nuanced performances, and the film’s slow-burn tension feels authentic.
It is a mature, intelligent spy tale that values character over spectacle. Enjoy!
Excellent choice, James
Well done