It’s a real hidden gem.
Our TV movie pick for tonight is Johnny Handsome, a 1989 neo-noir crime thriller from director Walter Hill (48 Hrs, The Driver, The Warriors).
It centres on a criminal named Johnny (Mickey Rourke) in New Orleans who is double-crossed by two of his accomplices (Ellen Barkin and Lance Henriksen) and sent to jail.
While in prison, Johnny meets a surgeon (Forest Whitaker) who is looking for a guinea pig so he can attempt an experimental procedure in reconstructive cosmetic surgery.
Figuring he has nothing to lose, Johnny is given a new face – making him unrecognisable to the people who knew him – before being released back into society.
He then seeks revenge, while trying to dodge the dour cop (Morgan Freeman) on his tail.
Johnny Handsome was a box office disappointment upon release and earned mixed reviews from critics.
However, it has gained a bit of a cult following in the decades since, thanks to its unique premise, stylish direction and great cast.
The movie is airing on TV at 12.55 am on Friday night/Saturday morning on the channel Legend. It is also available to rent on Apple TV.
Check out Johnny Handsome’s trailer right here:
Here are the other movies airing on TV tonight
Skyfall – ITV4 – 9pm
“Let the sky fall.” 🎵
John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum – Film4 – 9pm
Another ace action sequel.
Renegades – Legend – 9pm
Oscar-winner J.K. Simmons is amongst the cast of this 2017 action film with a low 11% on Rotten Tomatoes.
Charlie’s Angels – E4 – 9 pm
The 2019 version with Kristen Stewart.
Guns for San Sebastian – TG4 – 9pm
A ’60s Spaghetti Western starring Anthony Quinn and Charles Bronson.
Judy – RTÉ2 – 10pm
The Judy Garland biopic that earned Renee Zellweger her second Oscar.
Read more:
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- Jake Gyllenhaal gives honest take on Conor McGregor’s acting in Road House
- Netflix has added several seasons of one of the best modern detective shows
- Netflix has just added a very tense and gritty crime thriller movie
- Oscars 2024: Live updates as Cillian Murphy competes at this year’s Academy Awards
- One of 2024’s best movies so far is now available to stream at home
- ‘Comedy isn’t trivial’ – Armando Iannucci on his hugely ambitious reimagining of Dr. Strangelove
Wedding Crashers – Virgin Media One – 10.30pm
The Owen Wilson/Vince Vaughn comedy about two friends and womanisers who go to weddings specifically to seek out women to have flings with.
Eye of the Tiger – Legend – 11.05pm
In this ’80s action flick, a Vietnam War veteran (Gary Busey) returns home from prison and sets out to clean up his hometown which has come under the control of a violent motorcycle gang.
Planes, Trains and Automobiles – Film4 – 11.35pm
The beloved comedy odyssey starring John Candy and Steve Martin.
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