The Christmas TV Strategy Guide 2020
Busy day today, well not that busy if you’re just watching TV but you get my point
1030 - BBC2
There's just something to effortless about musicals from the 50s, they gleam like chrome on the Cadillacs driving through Hollywood. This isn't one of the best but its still really good with at least one classic number in it
1100 - Film Four
I mean, yes, Coco is the big animated film that used the look of the Mexican Day of the Dead but this film got there first and is almost as good
1135 - ITV
There was something not quite right about the partnership between Aardman and Dreamworks, the nadir of that being Flushed Away. This film follows along that path, it being a 3D animated film rather than stop-motion, but it has a much better emotional centre to the film that raises it up a bit higher than you'd expect
1335 - Channel 5
Cracking film this, one that nicely works the line between the over the top fantasy elements and the grounded reality of a kid growing up with crappy parents
1345 - BBC1
It's not that one, not Liam Neeson covered in lens flare bellowing about a kraken, but it's arguably the better film with a charm that can only be delivered through the medium of practical special effects
1640 - BBC1
Still probably the high water mark of Aardman's work, especially if you're talking non-feature films. A cracking couple of set pieces, a great villain with probably the greatest reveal in all media. The only issue with it these days is a couple of songs have been re-dubbed I assume due to licensing issues. It's not an issue if you're coming to it fresh but is a bit jarring if you remember watching it back in the day
1645 - Film Four
Very possible the best of the films with Clouseau in them, it's a proper farce of a film without the ridiculousness that would follow in the later films. Cracking theme tune as well
1850 - ITV2
You want some easy going rom-coms? Well, here's two of the best; Bridesmaids is a hoot that launched several careers, and Miss Congeniality is a great vehicle for Sandra Bullock's easy gong charm. Although, I do remember at the time it being quite good but not as good as the trailer
1930 - BBC4
Here's a strange little double bill; the relaxed charms of Bob Ross doing some painting followed up by the relaxed charms of Yes Minister. Honestly, the central trio are so relaxed in their delivery that the fact it's supposed to be a satire is almost missed
1955 - BBC1
A nice double bill of films with great villains; Keaton shows up in Spider-Man with a great turn as The Vulture that pretty much steals the film, much in the same way that Tom Cruise does to Collateral
2000 - Sky Arts
An hour looking into the careers of Julie Andrews? Why the devil now
2050 - PBS America
This looks like it'll be a real treat, Sammy Davis Jr was probably the best of the Rat Pack era but gets overshadowed a fair bit so anything that shines a light on him is much appreciated
2100 - Sony Movies Action
Finally! Whenever I see this in the schedules it's always the crappy modern remake, rather than this classic crime film. And it is a classic, with great pared down performances set in a grimy rough looking New York from when it was just about dead on its feet. Love it!
0235 - Horror Channel
Not seen this one but remember it getting good reviews when it came out, probably not the Arnie vs Zombies film that us children of the 80s would have really wanted but sounds great nonethless