Films On Freeview Today
Beyond the Curtain- (1960)
08:30 - 10:15 - Talking Pictures
This shoddy propaganda piece is the kind of bargain-basement nonsense that gives low-budget features a bad name. Based on a pulp novel called Thunder Above, it stars Richard Greene as a pilot who drops behind the Iron Curtain to prise air hostess Eva Bartok out of the clutches of the communists, who seem to think her kidnapping will give them match point in the Cold War. Faced with a dismal script and locations that would shame poverty row, the unfortunate cast doesn't even try to convince. Quite a comedown for The Seventh Veil director, Compton Bennett.
The Devil-Ship Pirates- (0)
10:15 - 12:00 - Talking Pictures
1964. Drama. Directed by Don Sharp. Stars Christopher Lee, Andrew Keir, Suzan Farmer & John Cairney. A deserter of the Spanish Armada arrives on the British coast and terrorizes the local inhabitants.
Edward Scissorhands- (1990)
11:00 - 13:10 - Film 4
This bewitchingly oddball "Beauty and the Beast" fairy tale from director Tim Burton is a superlative masterpiece and one of the best fantasy films ever made. Its haunting power, exquisite charm and dark romance are a match for the spellbinding work of Hans Christian Andersen, while Johnny Depp's sensitive performance as scientist Vincent Price's "Punkenstein" creation is a revelation. Humanoid Edward's inability to touch the things he loves because of his razor-sharp fingers makes for potent symbolism of the highest mythic order. The finale packs an unforgettable emotional wallop, assisted by Danny Elfman's gloriously magical score.
The Philadelphia Experiment- (2012)
11:00 - 12:50 - Horror Channel
An experiment to turn a ship invisible during the Second World War leads to it disappearing without trace. Decades later, an attempt to repeat the procedure brings the vessel back. A surviving crew member is found on board who has not aged a day and is convinced the process will lead to disaster if not stopped. Sci-fi thriller remake, starring Nicholas Lea and Malcolm McDowell.
Battle of the V1- (0)
12:00 - 14:00 - Talking Pictures
1958. War. Director: Vernon Sewell. Stars Michael Rennie, Patricia Medina & Christopher Lee. Polish Resistance discover a mysterious pilot-less plane.
Forgetting Sarah Marshall- (2008)
12:35 - 13:40 - 5*
The team responsible for The 40 Year Old Virgin and Knocked Up is behind this sometimes riotous anti-romantic comedy. After musician Peter (Jason Segel) is dumped by his TV-star girlfriend Sarah (Kristen Bell), he decides to take a trip to Hawaii to get over her. But when Peter arrives, he discovers that Sarah and her new British rock star boyfriend (Russell Brand) are not only staying at the same resort, but in the very same hotel. All three leads are likeable and well cast, while the Hawaiian scenery looks great. But like producer Judd Apatow's previous films, it is somewhat overlong, with several scenes apparently included because they could be, not because they should be. As compensation, it is often laugh-out-loud funny, with Apatow's broad humour delivering belly laughs by the barrel-load.
The Messengers- (2007)
13:00 - 14:50 - Horror Channel
Ghost stories don't get much more formulaic than this disappointing Hollywood debut from Hong Kong film-makers Danny and Oxide Pang. Far removed from their innovative 2002 chiller The Eye, it's an uninspired tale that seems stitched together from other horror movies. There are references to everything from The Birds to The Grudge, as suburban couple Dylan McDermott and Penelope Ann Miller uproot their two children and move to a secluded North Dakota farm. But the family's new beginning is threatened when their troubled teenage daughter (Panic Room's Kristen Stewart) and her three-year-old brother start seeing ominous apparitions that are invisible to everyone else. The picture opens promisingly with a genuinely scary black-and-white pre-credit sequence that stylishly demonstrates the Pang brothers' talents. Yet while the creepy atmospherics and quick-hit jolts continue throughout, they seem like cheap and empty trickery the more the déjá vu narrative unfolds.
Megamind- (2010)
13:10 - 15:05 - Film 4
This fast-paced animated adventure will delight kids of all ages, while also appealing to grown-ups - and superhero comic-book fans. Blue bulbous-headed extraterrestrial villain Megamind (voiced by Will Ferrell) finally defeats his longtime nemesis Metro Man (Brad Pitt), but grows tired of having no one to fight and creates a new adversary, Tighten (Jonah Hill). But when Tighten crosses over to the dark side, Megamind has to come to the rescue of Metro City - especially its spunky TV reporter Roxanne Ritchi (Tina Fey). Director Tom McGrath packs in countless sight gags and whip-smart one-liners, poking specific fun at the Christopher Reeve Superman movies along the way (watch out for Ferrell's hilarious Marlon Brando impression). It's terrific fun from start to finish, even if it doesn't quite match the good-versus-evil japes of The Incredibles or Despicable Me.
The Long Duel- (1967)
13:15 - 15:25 - Talking Pictures
An idealistic English policeman is commissioned to find and capture a rebel leader whose actions threaten to destabilise the British Raj in 1920s India. However, the officer soon develops a grudging respect for his quarry's intelligence and courage - and is determined to bring the wily insurgent back alive. Period adventure, starring Trevor Howard, Yul Brynner, Charlotte Rampling, Harry Andrews and Virginia North.
Bite the Bullet- (1975)
13:35 - 14:35 - 5Spike
A newspaper organises a gruelling 700-mile horse race across the wilderness, with a substantial cash prize at stake. Two former cavalry soldiers must put their friendship to one side to compete for first place, but face stiff competition in a cunning prostitute, an English sportsman and a cocky would-be gunslinger. Western, starring Gene Hackman, Candice Bergen, James Coburn and Ian Bannen.
The Art of Murder: Garage Sale Mystery- (2016)
14:15 - 16:00 - Channel 5
Detective drama starring Steve Bacic and Lori Loughlin. While busy preparing for a charity garage sale event, Jennifer discovers a body in an attic. (2016)
Nowhere To Go- (0)
14:30 - 16:30 - Talking Pictures
1958. Crime. Directors: Seth Holt, Basil Dearden. Stars George Nader, Maggie Smith, Bernard Lee. Paul Gregory is released from jail following a stretch for robbing a woman who falls for his charms.
Bite the Bullet- (1975)
14:40 - 16:05 - 5Spike
A newspaper organises a gruelling 700-mile horse race across the wilderness, with a substantial cash prize at stake. Two former cavalry soldiers must put their friendship to one side to compete for first place, but face stiff competition in a cunning prostitute, an English sportsman and a cocky would-be gunslinger. Western, starring Gene Hackman, Candice Bergen, James Coburn and Ian Bannen.
How to Train Your Dragon- (2010)
15:10 - 17:00 - Film 4
Cressida Cowell's successful children's book gets an exciting animated adaptation here from co-writers/directors Chris Sanders and Dean DeBlois (Lilo & Stitch). Teenager Hiccup (Jay Baruchel) belongs to a belligerent Viking tribe that sees dragons as their mortal enemy. But Hiccup is a secret dragon-whisperer and when he helps, rather than kills, a wounded Night Fury dragon nicknamed Toothless, he sets a new course for his family and friends. The film's constantly amusing script boasts plenty of strong characters (including Hiccup's father, Stoick, voiced by Gerard Butler), is poignant where it counts - Hiccup and Toothless getting to know each other - and is consistently cute, clever and touching. But where this highly appealing comedy adventure really excels is with awesome visuals that rival Avatar's. The flying sequences, such as a dazzling trip through the Northern Lights, are stunning and the battles are equally spectacular - although some younger viewers might find them rather too scary.
Sherlock Holmes- (2009)
16:00 - 17:50 - Horror Channel
Stuffy period mystery this is not, as director Guy Ritchie approaches his take on Baker Street's finest in the manner of Lethal Weapon. Though this may rankle with fans of the original Conan Doyle stories, Robert Downey Jr at least brings his undisputed charisma to bear in his portrayal of the legendary detective, even ditching his shirt to show he has brawn as well as brains in a signature Ritchie slow-mo bareknuckle fight. As Watson, Jude Law stands firm in the pair's ongoing verbal sparring match, and the two leads share a mischievous chemistry. A typically sinister Mark Strong impresses, too, as back-from-the-dead villain Lord Blackwood, a killer reputed to be in league with the devil. The views of Victorian London are just as seductive as Downey Jr, who exudes an aura of troubled genius, though that's all the information you're likely to retain, as there's rarely a moment to think between all the fights and explosions.
Ramrod- (1947)
16:30 - 18:20 - Talking Pictures
The daughter of a cattle rancher defies her father by marrying a sheep farmer, and takes over running her husband's land when he dies. However, a powerful landowner is determined to seize her territory for himself. An alcoholic cowhand working for the widow strives to bring about a legal settlement, but a violent range war seems inevitable. Western, with Joel McCrea and Veronica Lake.
Monster Trucks- (2016)
17:00 - 19:05 - Film 4
Family adventure about a gas-guzzling monster that takes up residence in the truck of downtrodden high-schooler Lucas Till. With Jane Levy (Don't Breathe) and Rob Lowe. (2016)(101 mins) Also in HD
Portrait of Alison- (0)
18:20 - 20:00 - Talking Pictures
1955. Crime. Director: Guy Green. Stars Robert Beatty, Terry Moore, William Sylvester. A Francis Durbridge story. A painter is commissioned to paint a portrait of a girl killed in Italy.
Max Steel- (2016)
19:05 - 20:55 - Film 4
(2016) Family sci-fi adventure starring Ben Winchell. A 16-year-old is shocked to discover that he can emit increasingly powerful energy from his fingers. What is going on? Violence.
Wanted For Murder- (0)
20:00 - 22:00 - Talking Pictures
1946. Drama. Directed by Lawrence Huntington Starring Eric Portman, Dulcie Gray, Derek Farr & Roland Culver. The son of a Victorian hangman is driven insane by thoughts of his father's profession...
GoldenEye- (1995)
21:00 - 22:05 - ITV 4
When "M" says to James Bond, "I think you're a sexist, misogynist dinosaur, a relic of the Cold War", who can disagree? To ram home the point, "M" is played by a woman (Judi Dench) and a key scene is set in a Russian park that is now a dumping ground for statues of redundant communist heroes. However, Pierce Brosnan, on his first mission as 007, quickly established himself as the best Bond since Sean Connery and makes a fetish out of the old-fashioned values of loyalty and patriotism. The villain is not immediately evident - the mysterious Janus - but director Martin Campbell does provide a stunning chase between car and tank through the streets of St Petersburg. There are also splendid Bond girls, including Izabella Scorupco and feisty Famke Janssen, who kills by crushing her victims between her thighs.
San Andreas- (2015)
21:00 - 22:05 - 5*
In the aftermath of a massive earthquake in California, a Los Angeles rescue-chopper pilot makes a dangerous journey with his ex-wife across the state to try and rescue his daughter. Disaster movie, starring Dwayne Johnson and Carla Gugino.
Stratton- (2017)
21:00 - 22:50 - Film 4
(2017) Action-thriller. Dominic Cooper stars as a Special Boat Service officer who is tasked with tracking down stolen WMDs and preventing a terrorist attack. Violence/strong language.
The Innkeepers- (2011)
21:00 - 23:00 - Horror Channel
Two hotel employees are left to run the business alone in the last few days before closure, but they have other things on their mind. The building has a reputation for being haunted, and they want to discover if this is true before it shuts down. The arrival of an eccentric guest who shares their interest sparks a series of disturbing events. Horror, starring Sara Paxton and Pat Healy.
The World's End- (2013)
21:00 - 22:05 - ITV 2
A 40-year-old man who refuses to grow up drags four reluctant childhood friends back to their home town to recreate a pub crawl they attempted in their teens. As they work their way round the 12 local bars, they stumble on a threat to the entire human race. Fantasy comedy, starring Simon Pegg, Nick Frost and Martin Freeman.
Rise of the Footsoldier: Part 2- (2016)
22:00 - 23:00 - 5Spike
British crime thriller starring Luke Mably and Steven Berkoff. A football hooligan turned gangland hard man attempts to regain a foothold in the Essex underworld. (2016)
GoldenEye- (1995)
22:10 - 23:40 - ITV 4
When "M" says to James Bond, "I think you're a sexist, misogynist dinosaur, a relic of the Cold War", who can disagree? To ram home the point, "M" is played by a woman (Judi Dench) and a key scene is set in a Russian park that is now a dumping ground for statues of redundant communist heroes. However, Pierce Brosnan, on his first mission as 007, quickly established himself as the best Bond since Sean Connery and makes a fetish out of the old-fashioned values of loyalty and patriotism. The villain is not immediately evident - the mysterious Janus - but director Martin Campbell does provide a stunning chase between car and tank through the streets of St Petersburg. There are also splendid Bond girls, including Izabella Scorupco and feisty Famke Janssen, who kills by crushing her victims between her thighs.
San Andreas- (2015)
22:10 - 23:20 - 5*
In the aftermath of a massive earthquake in California, a Los Angeles rescue-chopper pilot makes a dangerous journey with his ex-wife across the state to try and rescue his daughter. Disaster movie, starring Dwayne Johnson and Carla Gugino.
The World's End- (2013)
22:10 - 23:15 - ITV 2
A 40-year-old man who refuses to grow up drags four reluctant childhood friends back to their home town to recreate a pub crawl they attempted in their teens. As they work their way round the 12 local bars, they stumble on a threat to the entire human race. Fantasy comedy, starring Simon Pegg, Nick Frost and Martin Freeman.
Crank 2: High Voltage- (2009)
22:50 - 00:45 - Film 4
(2009) Violent thriller sequel starring Jason Statham as a hitman whose heart has been stolen and replaced with an artificial one that requires regular electrical kick-starts. Language/sex.
The Innocents- (1961)
23:00 - 01:00 - Talking Pictures
As this terrifying and undeservedly neglected picture proves, there was much more to British cinema in the early 1960s than angry young men prowling round the grim north. Truman Capote and John Mortimer both had a hand in the script for this adaptation of Henry James's The Turn of the Screw, in which a governess fears her young charges may be possessed by the spirits of dead lovers. Deborah Kerr is excellent as the haunted Miss Giddens, Pamela Franklin and Martin Stephens send shivers down the spine as the sinister orphans in her care and Peter Wyngarde is evil personified as the brutal Quint. Never has horror looked so beautiful, with Freddie Francis reinforcing the eerie atmosphere with his unforgettable photography. The film bristles with menace as it draws you inexorably towards its chilling conclusion.
Ibiza Undead- (2016)
23:00 - 00:55 - Horror Channel
All hell breaks loose when a shady Ibiza club owner decides to spice up his shows by smuggling in undead performers. British horror-comedy with Emily Atack and Matt King. (2016)(95 mins) Also in HD
Rise of the Footsoldier: Part 2- (2016)
23:05 - 00:10 - 5Spike
British crime thriller starring Luke Mably and Steven Berkoff. A football hooligan turned gangland hard man attempts to regain a foothold in the Essex underworld. (2016)
Bully- (2001)
00:45 - 03:00 - Film 4
A violent and sadistic bully makes life a misery for other teenagers, pushes around his so-called best friend and rapes a local girl. Eventually, his victims all band together and hatch a plan to have him killed, hiring an incompetent hitman to do the job. But things do not go entirely as they planned. Fact-based drama from Kids director Larry Clark. Starring Brad Renfro, Rachel Miner, Bijou Phillips and Nick Stahl.
Phantasm- (1979)
00:55 - 02:45 - Horror Channel
Classic cult horror. When a teenage boy and his friends are forced to do battle against a mysterious grave robber called the 'Tall Man', death stalks more than the graveyards... (1979)
The Black Rose- (0)
01:00 - 03:20 - Talking Pictures
1950. Adventure. Director: Henry Hathaway. Stars: Tyrone Power, Orson Welles & Cecile Aubry. An exiled English nobleman travels to Asia in search of riches and stumbles into romance and adventure.
Queen and Country- (2014)
01:20 - 03:15 - Channel 4
(2014) Callum Turner stars in John Boorman's sequel to his semi-autobiographical film Hope and Glory. It's the early 1950s and time for Bill to do his National Service. Strong language.
The Remaining- (2014)
02:45 - 04:30 - Horror Channel
Apocalyptic horror with Alexa PenaVega. After their wedding celebrations are cut short by cataclysmic events, the new couple and their friends must choose between redemption and survival. (2014)
Vicious Circle- (0)
03:20 - 05:00 - Talking Pictures
1957. Thriller. Director: Gerald Thomas. Stars John Mills, Wilfrid Hyde-White, Lionel Jeffries & Noelle Middleton. Howard finds himself in a predicament after he finds an actress murdered in his flat.