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| Nighthawks in Hopper: An American Love Story Photo: Edward Hopper, courtesy of AIC Chicago |
The Lavender Hill Mob, 5.05pm, Film4, Monday, January 22
Some people think of black and white films as boring, artefacts of the past to which they could not possibly relate. There’s nothing like an Ealing comedy to set them right. This one’s a classic, with Alec Guinness’ charming, silver-tongued bank clerk hatching a scheme to embezzle gold by meltimg it down and disguising it in the form of tourist souvenirs. When a party of schoolgirls unwittingly acquire those souvenirs, however, getting them back proves much more of a challenge. Tightly plotted and full of twists and turns, it mingles elements of farce with deliciously dark wit, and there’s no shortage of thrills.
Fallen Leaves, MUBI, Tuesday, January 23
Once upon a time declaring oneself an admirer of the work of Aki Kaurismäki meant no longer getting invited to parties, and that was on the rasre occasions that people knew who he was. Now the Finnish auteur is getting major awards notice – and the curious thinbg about it is that he’s not really doing anything different. Compromise is not a thing he does, though it characterises every aspect of the lives of his protagonist, not least the lonely shelf stacker and alcoholic metalworker who take a shot at happiness together in this, his latest work. Life is bleak and every little bit of hope is hard-earned, but there’s comedy and heart in their failures, and there’s also a very good dog. What more could you want?
Knuckleball, 9pm, Legend Xtra, Wednesday, January 24
A tight little thriller which largely went under the radar on release but is well worth a second look, this is the story of a 12-year-old boy who finds himself dependent on his wits to survive, but it’s a world away from Home Alone. Luca Villacis, who has gone on to build a successful television career, shines in the lead, conveying both the error of the boy’s experience and the very different way of seeing and thinking about the world that he has at his age. After going to stay with his grandfather in a remote house, he attracts the unsavoury attentions of a neighbour, but it’s his own emotional and moral development which forms the core of a film with a masterful approach to suspense.
Hopper: An American Love Story, 2pm, Sky Arts, Thursday, January 25
A deep dive into the work of New York artist Edward Hopper, this beautifully made documentary by master of the form Phil Grabsky has treats in store for the initiated but is also accessible to beginners, and you won’t need to know anything about art to enjoy it. It captures a very distinctive time, place and personality, offering a perspective on the city that you won’t find anywhere else. Biopic elements are interwoven with an exploration of the works themselves, the stories behind individual paintings and the mysteries within them, plus there’s a look at the artist’s relationship with history – Hitchcock fans, in particular, should not miss this.
Cold Skin, 10.45pm, Legend Xtra, Friday, January 26
If you recently enjoyed Xavier Gens’ Mayhem! on the big screen, you won’t want to miss his adaptation of Albert Sánchez Piñol’s novel, itself inspired by HP Lovecraft’s Innsmouth tales. If that doesn’t sound like your think, you might be surprised by a story which, for all its horror trappings, has at its core an interest in gender relations, troubled masculinity and the legacy of colonialism. Ray Stevenson is the alcoholic lighthouse keeper living like an Omega man at the limit of civilisation, David Oakes the nameless weather observer forced to depend on him but desperate to find another way, and Aura Garrido the other who tests their humanity.
Spy Kids, 11.30am, 5*, Saturday, January 27
As a kid, it’s easy to get the impression that one’s parents are boring people who have never done anything interesting in their lives. Sometimes that’s true, but then, if they were really undercover secret agents, wouldn’t they be striving to give you exactly that impression? When Carmen and Juni’s parents are kidnapped and the truth about their past emerges, it’s up to the two youngsters to save them, uncovering a dastardly plot in the process. There are exciting vehicles and gadgets galore, with lots of fights and chases. A great supporting cast includes Antonio Banderas and Alan Cumming, plus the kids get a little help from their uncle Machete – yes, that Machete!
Red Sonja, 10.00pm, Sky Mix, Sunday, January 28
She was supposed to be the female equivalent of Conan, perhaps the star of a franchise in her own right – a muscular heroine to thrill Eighties sword and sorcery fans. Unfortunately, in a film much of which takes place in forest, Brigitte Nielson risks being out-acted by the trees. in its own way, that only adss to the film’s charm. It could do without the annoying kid thrown in there for her to save, and there’s a lesbophobic aspect to the plot which is redeemed only by the film’s camp value, but if you’re watching for the swordplay, there’s plenty to entertain, and Arnold Schwarzenegger turns up in support to add to the fun.
