Films on TV - recommendations and those to avoid

[IwantToRetire]

Some of us cant get to cinemas, and dont have access to streaming services.

So when a film turns up as part of the schedules it can seem like a bit of a treat.

And means being able to watch films from the past.

So if you see a film you really enjoyed is schedule please do share to alert us.

I dont normally follow film reviews etc., but 9 times out of 10 it wont be on tv for years.

And relying on well known names isn't a goog indication.

eg A Haunting in Venice - rubbish but Belfast - really quite moving in an arty sort of way (and had the benefit of Brannagh not being on screen!).

Or re watching oldies.

I really loved West Side Story when quite young, and know it in now on BBC, but if I re-watched it would I find it old fashioned and corny!

Thanks

Woman in Black is on tonight. Haunted house horror, BBC2.

Woman in Black is on tonight.

Sorry missed your post. Might check out iPlayer. Thanks

Have just seen they are screening Respect (Aretha Franklin bio) tonight on BBC2 with Jennifer Hudson.

I admired her so much, and loved her music.

Worried this might be a disappointment rather than enjoyable.

Have watched the Courier on BBC and now available on iPlayer.

Really interesting film based on real life events prior to the Cuban Missile Crisis.

Parts were quite grim but I suspect in real life it was even worse.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/m001ty41/the-courier

Am I the only one who watches films on tv?

Anyhow tonight on C4 they are showing Nomadland with Frances McDormand 10pm

I think there was some contraversy about whether it was sympathetic or exploitative, but sounds really interesting.

And can be streamemd https://www.channel4.com/programmes/nomadland

I went to see Respect when it was on at the cinema and was really glad I did. It was very, very sad in parts, but definitely worth watching.

Thanks will keep an eye out for that.

I found this quite moving, but at times really sad.

But thought the main character was really great, and whether her new nomad life was an actual choice or just having to make do with the cards life had dealt her, she made the best of it and more so.

oops! my memory. I did watch Respect and thought it was really good.

They obviously chose not to dwell on the more difficult events in her life, unlike say the Tina Turner film, but in terms of her music was brilliant and good to learn about.

Slightly off topic, the BBC(?) showed an old programme of Aretha Franklin sings duets. It was from some time ago and it was hard not to be distracted by the clothes, and Rod Stewart trying to do gravel voice soul.

But what was unexpected was to find that Bonnie Raitt was about the only one who came anywhere near matching Aretha's vocal range. Although of course a very different voice.

Thanks for the heads up about Nomadland @IwantToRetire - I read the book recently (which is very good) and wanted to see the film.

And I love films on TV too!

Watched Game Night on iPlayer last night. Light humour

Thanks I'll keep an eye out for that. Dont remember hearing about it, but could do with some humour.

I assume this is it. 21 days left to watch it!

https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/m0010jwj/game-night

Land is another film which has a theme similar to Nomadland, ie a woman going off grid but for slightly different reasons.

Not many laughs, but amazing scenery and intriguing personal story. Although I found the lead character a tiny bit irritating, but that's because I suspect I dont feel things deeply or try to analyse them.

https://www.channel4.com/programmes/land