Thursday's TV Tips
Under The Dome returns to RTÉ Two for a second series with a double bill this evening.
The massive US drama is based on Stephen King’s bestselling novel about a small town that is suddenly and inexplicably sealed off from the rest of the world by a massive transparent dome.
The premiere episode of the second series was written by the bestselling author and executive producer Stephen King, who also makes a cameo appearance, and was filmed on location in Wilmington, N.C. Eddie Cahill and Karla Crome join the cast as series regulars.
If a top-class cast is a way of judging a programme’s quality, then this should be the best show to have been broadcast all year.
Whether in reality it works out that way is still open for discussion, but if the first episode is anything to go by, it does seem as if we’re onto a winner.
As the second episode begins, the hunt for Meshal’s killer takes centre stage, with Hugh Hayden-Hoyle becoming particularly concerned with the motives behind the murder.
Unfortunately, being the head of MI6’s Middle East desk doesn’t make his task any easier – the CIA are quick to nip his investigation in the bud. But what are they trying to hide?
However, not all is lost. Hayden-Hoyle’s boss, Julia Walsh, suggests another line of inquiry – and that brings him into contact with Nessa.
A flashback reveals something shocking from her past, but it a mysterious phone call that really sends shivers down her spine.
London solicitor Arthur Kipps (Daniel Radcliffe) is haunted by the death of his wife Stella (Sophie Stuckey) during child birth, and he seeks refuge in his love for their three-year-old boy, Joseph (Misha Handley).
His work suffers as a consequence. To prove himself, Arthur is despatched to the remote village of Crythin Gifford where he must attend to the papers of Alice Drablow, the recently deceased owner of Eel Marsh House. Arthur glimpses a mysterious woman (Liz White) dressed all in black, who is blamed for the deaths of children in the village.
The jury was out on whether or not Radcliffe would suit a more mature role after his years as Harry Potter – but he is fantastic in this eerie film.
This most affecting thriller is let down by a weak finale, but is well worth a look, and it’ll be sure to keep you hooked until long after the end credits have rolled.
66%
This harrowing drama is based on the true story of Ron Kovic who, as a gung-ho raw recruit joins the Marines and is sent to Vietnam, where he receives horrific injuries which leave him paralysed from the chest down.
Director Oliver Stone’s double-Oscar-winning movie, the middle part of his Vietnam-based trilogy which also comprises Platoon and Heaven and Earth, is fantastic.
Tom Cruise gives a powerful performance in the lead role, charting the fighter’s early patriotism, through his eventual disillusionment to his long physical and mental recovery.
It’s not always the easiest film to watch, and some may argue Stone can be a bit heavy-handed in making the point about the futility and waste of war.
However, this is perhaps one of Cruise’s best and subtlest turns, and watching it again will make you realise why he became such a big star in the first place.
The real Ron Kovic was so impressed by Cruise’s performance that he gave him his Bronze Star.
90%
For many people, their first experience of living away from mum and dad comes when they enrol at university.
Suddenly they have to stand on their own two feet and make their own decisions. While some find that daunting, others go a little bit crazy as freedom goes to their heads – especially when it comes to the opposite sex.
It’s courtship that takes centre stage in the latest edition of the series, and even though they haven’t been settled into their halls of residence for long, gossip is already starting to fly – though none of it is about Gemma, who still goes home every weekend to see her boyfriend because she’s finding being separated difficult.
Jack, meanwhile, can’t help hunting for female companionship during nights on the town, while Helen is determined to get a good degree – if she can keep her eyes off hunky Michael who lives just down the corridor...
A getaway driver is unfortunate enough to crash his car in Mexico, leading to the police seizing his ill-gotten gains and condemning him to a violent, lawless prison overrun with gangs.
He finds friendship with a boy who has also been locked up there and provides an unlikely ally in helping him survive. Soon enough, he hatches a plan to escape and recover his money.
Upon its release, this went by with barely a murmur. Mel Gibson is perfectly cast in the lead role and puts in a sterling performance.
This is a hugely entertaining effort with a decent mix of laughs and action sequences, so there’s plenty to keep all audiences entertained. Top marks all round.
81%
Multi-award-winning Short Term 12 is told through the eyes of Grace (Brie Larson, Scott Pilgrim vs. the World, 21 Jump Street), a twenty-something supervisor at a group home for troubled teens.
She is passionate, tough and in love with her long-term boyfriend and co-worker, Mason (John Gallagher Jr., The Newsroom).
But Grace s difficult past, her fierce independence and the arrival of a distraught new girl at the facility create complications that push Grace and Mason to the brink.
In this unique love story the couple comes to embrace a surprising future together, discovering truth and humour in unexpected places.
99%
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