The tough-as-nails neo-noir is from the director of Dirty Harry and is based on an Ernest Hemingway story.
Christmas is right around the corner and to make the time until December 25 fly faster, why not enjoy one of these movies on TV tonight (21 December).
National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation – Sky Showcase – 8pm
The classic Christmas comedy starring Chevy Chase.
Last Christmas – RTÉ2 – 9pm
A cute, and also kind of weird, Christmas rom-com starring a very charming Emilia Clarke.
The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel/The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel – BBC Four – 9pm/10.55pm
A double bill!
Van Helsing – ITV4 – 9pm
Famed monster hunter Van Helsing (Hugh Jackman) is sent to Transylvania to stop Count Dracula, who is using Dr. Frankenstein’s research and a werewolf for nefarious purposes.
While not well received upon its release in 2004, Van Helsing has gone on to be a bit of a cult favourite in some quarters.
12 Strong – Film4 – 9pm
Chris Hemsworth leads the cast of this 2018 Afghanistan-set war film.
R.I.P.D. – Comedy Central – 9pm
Jeff Bridges as an Old West lawman working for an “afterlife law enforcement department” is the best part of this action-comedy comic book adaptation that was a flop with critics and at the box office.
Black Death – Legend – 9pm
Eddie Redmayne and Sean Bean are among the cast of this medieval action horror about a group of men tasked with uncovering the truth surrounding reports of people being brought back to life in a small village.
Big Mommas: Like Father, Like Son – Virgin Media Two – 9pm
The third one.
Angie Dickinson and John Cassavetes in The Killers, our movies on TV pick for tonight
Arthur – TG4 – 10.30pm
The beloved ’80s comedy with Dudley Moore and Liza Minelli.
The Killers – Legend – 11pm
Our pick for tonight is this ’60s neo-noir crime thriller based on the short story of the same name by Ernest Hemingway (which was also previously adapted to great effect in 1946).
It follows two hitmen named Charlie (Lee Marvin) and Lee (Clu Gulager) who are hired to kill ex-race car driver Johnny North (John Cassavetes).
Completing the job, Charlie is bothered that Johnny refused to flee when facing death and by the fact that he and Lee were anonymously paid an unusually high fee for the killing.
As such, Charlie begins to investigate why someone would want Johnny dead – thinking he and Lee could earn even more money.
Co-starring Angie Dickinson and Ronald Reagan as a mob boss in his final film role before entering politics, The Killers’ tough-as-nails performances, sharp screenplay and gritty direction from the legendary Don Siegel (Dirty Harry, Escape from Alcatraz, Charley Varrick) combine to make it a slick mix of crime thriller and existential mystery.
Check out the trailer for The Killers right here:
American Pie 2 – Comedy Central – 11pm
The raunchy comedy sequel.
Scarface – ITV4 – 11.35pm
“Say hello to my little friend!”
Commando – Film4 – 11.35pm
One of Arnie’s funnest action flicks.
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