Best of the Bank Holiday Films

Stuck for things to do this bank holiday weekend?
How about checking out these films on telly over the next few days.

Ticket Stub has picked the best of the bunch, so grab the popcorn, sit back and relax with these movies over the weekend...

Friday:

Precious (2009), BBC2, 11.05pm

Image: nytimes.com

Based on the novel Push by Sapphire, this film achieved critical acclaim in 2009. It tells the story of Claireece Precious Jones: an illiterate and obese sixteen year old who is abused by both her mother and father in 1980s Harlem. She is enrolled into an alternative school in the hopes that her harrowing life will turn around. The movie was nominated for six awards at the Oscars and won two - Best Adapted Screenplay and Best Supporting Actress for Mo'Nique's performance as Precious's mother, Mary Lee Johnston.

(500) Days of Summer (2009), Channel 4, 11.40pm 

PICK OF THE DAY

Image: lavitastella.com

The story of Summer and Tom is not a love story - we're told this from the very beginning. Much like Annie Hall (1977), this off beat rom-com looks at Tom's (Joseph Gordon-Levitt) failed relationship with Summer (Zooey Deschanel). The non-linear narrative is creative and clever. I love the quirky elements in the film including this brilliant dance number which was featured in Ticket Stub's Top Ten Dance Sequences. A huge highlight is the soundtrack - Regina Spektor, The Temper Trap, Simon & Garfunkel and The Smiths feature. Have a listen on Spotify, it will not disappoint.

Saturday:

The Wizard of Oz (1939), Channel 5, 3pm

Image: boktowergardens.org

A musical classic. After a tornado hits her home in Kansas, Dorothy is transported to the magical land of Oz. There she must follow the yellow brick road to meet the Wizard after accidentally killing the Wicked Witch of the East. Along the way she meets a brainless scarecrow, a heartless tin-man and a cowardly lion who all have their own reasons to meet the almighty powerful Oz. To find out more quirky facts about the film, check out Ticket Stub's Throwback Thursday Trivia.

Murder on the Orient Express (1974), ITV, 3.55pm

Image: moviemail.com

Based on Agatha Christie's novel, this is considered one of, if not, the best book-to-movie adaptations of Christie's work. After the train is stalled by a snow landslide, Poirot is summoned to solve a murder that has occurred the night before. The film stars Albert Finney, Ingrid Bergman, and the late, Lauren Bacall. Bergman won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her portrayal of Greta.



Jumanji (1995), GOLD, 6.50pm

Image: drafthouse.com

After the tragic death of Robin Williams last week, many TV networks have been airing Williams's best work. Jumanji is a great family adventure which had me on tenterhooks as a kid. The movie centres on Alan, a 12 year old boy who finds the dangerous board game Jumanji and gets trapped playing the game with his friend, Sarah. When siblings, Judy and Peter, play twenty six years later, they unintentionally release Alan and attempt to save Sarah and finally finish the unpredictable game. To see Ticket Stub's tribute to Robin Williams click here.

Star Wars: Episode VI - The Return of the Jedi (1983), ITV, 9.45pm

Image: thefancarpet.com

For sci-fi fans, here is your pick of the day. The third installment of the Star Wars saga follows straight after the previous episode. After rescuing Han Solo from the palace of Jabba the Hutt, the rebels must attempt to destroy the second Death Star. At the same time, Luke Skywalker struggles to bring Darth Vader, his father and fallen Jedi, back from the dark side of the Force. Many will be looking forward to the new Star Wars: Episode VII, scheduled for 2015. Unfortunately, Harrison Ford recently broke his ankle whilst on set but is reportedly to be recovering well!



The Full Monty (1997), Sky1, 9pm
PICK OF THE DAY

Image: theguardian.com

The Full Monty is a much loved British comedy. Not only is it hilarious, it is also set in one the best cities - Sheffield. The movie sees six unemployed steel workers form their own Chippendales-style striptease act, with the promise of going the full monty. The ensemble cast, which includes Robert Carlyle, Mark Addy and Tom Wilkinson, are highly entertaining. The film scored critical acclaim internationally. It was the highest grossing film in the UK until the big blockbuster Titanic came along. The film was also nominated for four Oscars and won Best Original Music Score. 

Insomnia (2002), BBC2, 11pm

Image: seetimaar.wordpress.com

Another Robin Williams film, this time in one of his more serious roles. Insomnia follows the story of two LA homicide detectives investigating a murder of a local teen in an Alaskan town. Directed by Christopher Nolan, this remake also stars Hilary Swank and Al Pacino. A tense thriller for a Saturday night.

Sunday:

Edward Scissorhands (1990), Film4, 4.40pm
PICK OF THE DAY

Image: deppimpact.com

This is Tim Burton and Johnny Depp's first collaboration. The story follows an inventor's unfinished creation - Edward - who has scissors for hands (clue's in the title!). When he is taken in by a suburban family, he falls in love with the daughter, Kim. Although many of the town folk fear Edward, he has a gentle soul which Kim immediately connects to and the pair fall in love. 

Danny Elfman's music is enchanting and it is an excellent film to introduce new audiences of Burton's work to. Find out more about the famous Edward Scissorhands costume, by clicking here.

Who Framed Roger Rabbit (1988), GOLD, 6.50pm 

Image: tempi.it

Certainly the best film to combine live action and animation together. Bob Hoskins stars as Eddie Valiant - a private detective investigating a murder involving Roger Rabbit. Directed by the legendary Robert Zemeckis (Back to the Future, Forrest Gump, Cast Away), the movie is a popular favourite for all the family. The film won four Academy Awards: Best Sound Editing, Best Visual Effects, Best Film Editing along with a Special Achievement Award for Richard Williams. This was for 'animation direction and creation of the cartoon characters'.

Miss Congeniality (2000), Watch, 6.55pm

Image: derekwinnert.com

A girly film starring Sandra Bullock as an undercover FBI agent who has to take part in Miss United States beauty pageant competition to find out who is to sabotage and bomb the show. Bullock is charming and hysterical as the tomboy agent. She is also joined by a wonderfully camp Michael Caine. Full of gags and entertaining performances.







Monday:

Rio (2011), Film4, 12.50pm

Image: cartoonsimages.com

After its recent sequel hitting cinemas earlier in the year, the first movie Rio flies onto our small screens. Animated by Dreamworks, it tells the tale of Blu - a rare domesticated macaw - who is taken from his comfy life in Minnesota to Rio de Janeiro to mate with the female macaw, Jewel. The cast looks splendid with voices from Jesse Eisenberg, Anne Hathaway, Jane Lynch, Jamie Foxx and, rather randomly, will.i.am.




The King and I (1956), Film4, 2.40pm

Imag: screenmom.com

It wouldn't be a bank holiday without a Rodgers and Hammerstein musical. Deborah Kerr plays Anna Leonowens, an English widow who comes to Siam in 1862 to tutor the children of the King. Despite their culture clash, the two fall in love. The musical was nominated for nine Oscars and won four, including Best Actor for Yul Brynner.

Airplane! (1980), Film4, 7.15pm

PICK OF THE DAY

One of the most ridiculously silly comedies ever. Airplane! is a satirical disaster spoof which sees Ted, an ex-pilot afraid of flying, attempt to win back the heart of flight attendant, Elaine, on a long haul flight. However, when a virus hits the passengers and crew, Ted must save everyone on board. Starring Leslie Nielsen, the gags come thick and fast with slapstick, sight gags, plenty of puns and dead pan acting. If you don't like one joke, you're bound to like the next.   

I hope you have a wonderful bank holiday weekend!

What films will you be seeing at the cinema or at home this weekend?

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