Is there anything better than curling up in front of the telly and escaping from your awful day at work with a fantastic film? Movies on the small screen are a perfect way to discover a hidden gem you missed at a cinema, watch a classic that you have lied about seeing or show your friends you can quote your favourite movie word for word. So set a Sky reminder and cancel those date plans (ok, what I really mean is stop playing FIFA 2013.) Here is a round-up of the films that are worth staying in for this week:
Monday
Speed (1994, Channel 5 – 9pm, Channel 5+1 – 10pm)
Classic 90s action movie that lives up to its title, Speed is a fast paced and action packed thriller that will keep you entertained from start to finish. Keanu Reeves is at his best as the LAPD cop trying to prevent a bomb exploding on a busy bus by maintaining its speed above 50 mph and keeping all passengers on board. Reeves and a young Sandra Bullock have perfect celluloid chemistry (you will be shocked if you have only seen them together in the lousy Lake House) and bad guy Dennis Hopper shows once again that he was born to play psychopathic maniacs.
Tuesday
The Green Mile (1999, Sky Movies Crime & Thriller - 9pm)
Set in the 1930s, a death row officer (Tom Hanks) starts to believe a prisoner is innocent when he discovers the convicted murderer has a secret gift. Can Forrest Gump prevent him from being sizzled on the electric chair? Make sure you have tissues at the ready for this powerful and heart-warming drama with moving performances from Hollywood favourite Hanks and the late Michael Clarke Duncan.
Wednesday
Goodfellas (1990, ITV 4 - 10pm)
There is a high possibility that you have had a late night debate about what is Martin Scorsese’s greatest movie. If you didn’t say Goodfellas you were wrong. Based on the true story of New York gangster Henry Hill, the film follows his rise and fall in the mafia. Everything about this movie is perfect. Watch it and be angry that Dances with Wolves stopped Goodfellas from winning the Oscar for Best Picture in 1991.
Thursday
Carlito’s Way (1993, ITV 4 – 10:35pm)
Director Brian De Palma really knows how to make a gangster movie (probably why Bonfire of the Vanities was so terrible – no gangsters!) and Carlito’s Way does not disappoint. Al Pacino stars as a former drug lord who vows to go straight after coming out of prison. But of course it isn’t that easy to stay out of the world of organised crime. Powerful drama with an unforgettable performance by Sean Penn.
Friday
Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid (1969, Sky Movies Classic – 6:30pm)
An iconic movie that set the benchmark for all future buddy action comedies. Robert Redford and Paul “wow those blue eyes” Newman are as charming as ever as train robbers who go on the run to Bolivia, but it isn’t long before the law begins to catch up on them. Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid is a film that you will never get bored with watching, especially as it has one of the most memorable endings in cinematic history.
Saturday
Back to the Future (1985, ITV2 – 9pm, ITV2 +1 – 10pm)
If you do not like this movie there must be something wrong with you. Seriously go and see a doctor immediately! Michael J. Fox stars as time travelling teen Marty McFly, who accidentally gets sent back to the 1950s leading to disastrous but hilarious consequences on his family. With the help of mad scientist Doc Brown, Marty has to get his parents to fall in love so he can get back to the future. Undeniably one of the greatest movies of the 1980s.
Sunday
Dumb and Dumber (1994, Channel 5 – 7:40pm)
Outrageous Farrelly brothers comedy starring Jim Carrey and Jeff Bridges. Moronic best friends Harry and Lloyd travel across country to return a suitcase to a beautiful woman they both want to win the heart of. Even if gross out comedy isn’t your thing it would be difficult not to laugh at this ridiculous but lovable movie. Let your brain have a few hours off and enjoy.
Are there any movies that we have missed this week? Let us know what you will be tuning into your TV for!
