Let’s face it, it’s a day for the couch.
We’re two days out from Christmas and after word arrived that we’re going back into Level 5 from tomorrow, surely the best course of action is just to forget about the world for a while and indulge in a little bit of escapism.
And what better way to do that than by spending the day watching movies?
Agreed? Here’s what’s on offer on the box today…
Flushed Away – Film4 – 12.45pm
Entertaining animated tale with a great voice cast – Hugh Jackman, Kate Winslet, Ian McKellen – that will appeal to children and adults alike.
Meet Me in St. Louis – TG4 – 1pm
TG4 are knocking it out of the park with classic movies in the run-up to Christmas and they don’t come more classic than this 1944 Judy Garland musical.
The NeverEnding Story – BBC One – 1.45pm
Despite the most blatant case of fraudulent advertising in the title (at least according to Lionel Hutz of The Simpsons), this is perfect escapist fare for a chilly winter’s afternoon.
Casablanca – BBC Two – 2.15pm
One of the greats.
Christmas with the Kranks – Comedy Central – 3pm
Absolutely not one of the greats.
Finding Dory – BBC One – 3.40pm
Its predecessor Finding Nemo set a high bar, but this matches it with ease. Fully deserving of its 94% Rotten Tomatoes rating.
The Polar Express – Sky One – 6pm
If the story itself lacks a bit of substance, it is more than made up for with the beauty of the visuals. Worth a watch at least once every Christmas.
Fast & Furious 7 – ITV2 – 9pm
This particular franchise is not for everyone, but the seventh edition is arguably the best of the lot. The punters obviously thought so, as it remains the ninth highest-grossing movie of all time. Of all time!
The Holiday – RTÉ One – 9.30pm
The fact that Jack Black has forgotten he was one of the central characters in this movie reveals a lot, but it will provide plenty of Christmas feels if that’s what you’re after.
Phantom Thread – BBC Two – 10pm
Daniel Day Lewis and Paul Thomas Anderson renew their partnership from There Will Be Blood in this solid 1950s drama.
Knocked Up – UTV – 10.45pm
A fantastic comedy that manages to be raunchy, charming, hilarious and relatable all at the same time.
Fuelled by some brilliant chemistry between Seth Rogan and Katherine Heigl in the lead roles.
Midnight Run – Film4 – 11.15pm
Robert De Niro shows admirable comedy chops that faded badly in some ill-advised choices later in this career.
LISTEN: You Must Be Jokin’ with Aideen McQueen – Faith healers, Coolock craic and Gigging as Gaeilge
