This is a new section of Movie News where I shall pick forth a couple of choices for your viewing pleasure on your very own television box this weekend
Zodiac
Sky Movies Drama: Saturday 8.00pm
This is a genuine masterpiece from one of the best directors currently working today, David Fincher. It’s based on the real life case of the Zodiac killings, which tormented Californian law enforcers in the late 60’s, all the way to the 80’s. He was hardly the most prolific of killers, but he became increasingly enigmatic with every taunting letter he sent the fuzz. Jake Gyllenhaal, Robert Downey Jnr. and Mark Ruffalo all star in a beautifully assembled piece of modern filmmaking. Anyone one expecting a film akin to the directors other serial killer inspired classic Seven, will be disappointed though. This is a slow, almost ponderous look at one of the most fascinating characters in American sub-culture. If you don’t have Sky, then rent it and amerce yourself in a stunning and utterly engrossing production.
Old School
BBC One: Saturday 11.40pm
If you’re in the mood for something lighter after Zodiac, then this hilarious comedy will do just the trick. This is the film that reminded the world that Vince Vaughn existed, despite the actor giving stellar turns in numerous other more serious outings. Here he teams up with Will Ferrell and Luke Wilson, as a trio of thirty something lads, who relive their misspent youth by starting up a fraternity for folk who love to party. The resulting film is soil yourself funny, with some absolute classic lines. Very much a film to have a beer to; anytime I’ve watched this before hitting the town with friends, the night has generally been a debaucherous blur. So it encourages drinking excessively, basically. Good times. Seeing Ferrell’s crack of dawn might be a tad disconcerting for some, but there are so many laughs here that any amount of hairy crackholes would be worth it (okay, maybe not any amount)
Crimson Tide
BBC One: Sunday 10.20pm
Cracking thriller that sees two of Hollywood’s finest square off in a submarine, as Denzel Washington plays the second-in-command of a nuclear sub ran by Gene Hackman’s traditionalist head honcho. When they hear of an impending attack on US Soil, they then lose contact with the base and a battle of wills ensues between the two men. Directed by eye candy king Tony Scott, this is actually up there with True Romance as one of his best films. Excellent acting, and genuine nail-biting tension throughout.