The story of one of the most iconic rap groups of all time, a controversial ’90s crime classic and a Brosnan Bond adventure.
Three good reasons to chill out on the couch this Thursday, and there’s a couple more on top of that.
It’s nearly the weekend, so you’re probably laying low. With that in mind, here’s a fistful of films to choose from on the box today…
Hugo – Film 4 – 3.35pm
If you’re skiving off work or just flaking around the house today, you could do a good deal worse than to check out Martin Scorsese’s highly ambitious Hugo.
Hugo is a one-two punch rarity; a family-friendly Martin Scorsese movie, and a 3D one to boot. Given that the vast majority of us tend to leave that gimmick behind in the cinema, the interactive element likely won’t factor in for you here.
What you’re left with is a thrilling adventure bolstered by a superb supporting cast including the likes of Jude Law, Sacha Baron Cohen, Emily Mortimer and the late, great Christopher Lee.
Tomorrow Never Dies – ITV 4 – 9pm
It’s a fair cop; we’re a tad obsessed with Pierce Brosnan’s tricky second outing as James Bond.
There’s just so much to chew on with Tomorrow Never Dies.
You’ve got a ludicrous villain that essentially invented fake news, a remote controlled car, laughable sound effects, an all-time weird henchman and one of the best songs in Bond history.
Clip via fraktunes
And hey, it’s much better than the wildly ridiculous Die Another Day.
Straight Outta Compton – RTÉ 2 – 9.30pm
One can’t help shake the feeling that there’s a bang of ‘TV movie’ off of F. Gary Gray’s direction in Straight Outta Compton.
But hey, it’s essential viewing thanks to an inspired cast – O’Shea Jackson Jr. doesn’t just look the part, he’s got tremendous presence for a relatively untested actor – and one of the best soundtracks you’re ever likely to encounter.
At times, the story of N.W.A feels more tribute than warts-and-all telling, something you put down to the executive producer presence of Dr. Dre, Ice Cube and Eazy-E’s widow Tomica Woods-Wright, but it is nonetheless a committed overview of one of the most important musical groups in history.
Zombieland – Film 4 – 11.10pm
There’s a sequel on the way, so why not revisit one of the best cameos ever committed to cinema?
The rest of Zombieland is pretty enjoyable, too.
Reservoir Dogs – ITV 4 – 11.25pm
The calling card for Quentin Tarantino still hits with razor-sharp bite some 26 years later.
If you’re somehow uninitiated after all this time, Reservoir Dogs focuses on the bloody aftermath of a diamond heist gone very wrong as professional criminals try to make sense of who’s still alive, and who sold them out.
A terrific showcase for excellent actors and Tarantino’s soon-to-be-signature dialogue heroics, his feature film debut boasts powerful turns from Harvey Keitel and Steve Buscemi alongside career-best work from Tim Roth and Michael Madsen.
And you’ll never listen to ‘Stuck In The Middle With You’ the same way ever again.
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