When you have had your fill of Christmas food and drinks, there is nothing I look forward to more than sitting back on the couch and watching the Christmas Day movie.
As always there is a great selection of movies on the box guaranteed to keep everyone, young and old entertained throughout the holidays. The following is a brief selection of just some of the movies old and new worth tuning into this Christmas.
Tuesday December 23, BBC Two 4.35pm, Seabiscuit
The true-life story of the one-eyed jockey Red Pollard who partnered the small Seabiscuit to victory and gave hope to every American during the depression era will certainly warm your heart. Top notch performances from Tobey Maguire as the resilient jockey and Jeff Bridges as the faithful owner make this movie a true gem.
Christmas Eve, RTE One, 8.50pm, Walk the Line
Without doubt Walk the line is one of my favourite films of all time and I am delighted to see it grace the television screen this year. Joaquin Phoenix and oscar winner Reese Witherspoon light up the screen as they bring to life the wonderful love story and the unique music and eventful life of Johnny Cash and June Carter.
Christmas Day, RTE Two, 5.20pm, Singin’ in the Rain
This classic oldie should bring back childhood memories for many who danced around their kitchen with an umbrella in hand. Gene Kelly earned iconic status for his impressive dance moves in one of the most memorable movie scenes of all time.
St Stephen’s Day, TG4, 9.30pm, Kings
Based on the Irish play ‘Kings of the Kilburn High Road’ Kings tells the story of a group of men who have left Connemara in the 1970s to find work in London. And it was a deserving tribute for the Irish language film to receive a nomination in the Best Foreign Film category at this year’s Oscars.
Saturday December 27, 9.35pm, RTE two, Garage
This award winning tragicomedy tells the story of a slow witted petrol station in rural Ireland, who is equally preoccupied by the search for love and the ideal placement of his motor oil. Well known comedian Pat Shortt shows that he doesn’t spend all of his time in Ballykissangel, he is in fact one of the country’s finest actors and he received great recognition for his heart rending performance.
Sunday December 28, RTE two, The Deer Hunter
Unless you have experienced a war for yourself it is difficult to fathom what it is like to go through. And the harrowing story told by the central characters of the 1978 oscar winning movie gives us all a poignant glimpse of how a war can affect the lives of people and their families. Featuring a vintage cast, a quality script and some amazing cinematography The Deer Hunter will leave you numb long after you have watched it.
