The Christmas TV Strategy Guide 2020
Day One! Let’s ease ourselves in gently…
0600 - Sony Movies Christmas
Right, no messing around here; this channel is on all the time over Christmas so if you ever fancy a generic Christmas film then this will be the place. Honestly, looking at those film names, not a clue about any of them but they're all bound to be at least watchable in that 'Afternoon Film on The Hallmark Channel' kind of way. Maybe. Probably best to say buyer beware on most of them to be honest
1305 - BBC2
This is a great example of those films just on the edge of the end of the studio system that were big and bloated and a bit daft. Can't argue with a bit of David Niven, either
1445 - Sony Movies
Cracking late 80s/early 90s double bill here, although an early afternoon time slot for Arachnophobia might be pushing it a bit. Even if that does scare you, you'll be cheered up by Bill and Ted in their still really good first film
1620 - Channel 5
Well, it's Christmas isn't it! There's no better time to watch one of the truly great versions of A Christmas Carol and then follow that up with a film that has Gerard Butler trying to punch the weather. Truly, the most festive of afternoons
1800 - ITV2
Whoever had the idea of doing King Kong but a Vietnam film is a borderline genius. Had a cracking time with this film, mainly because I'm a massive mark for giant monsters battering each other. But then mix in some combat helicopters? Oh ambassador, you are spoiling us!
1810 - BBC2
One for the Micheal Caine fans, that documentary about the Swinging Sixties could be really good based on the talent working on it. The films aren’t top drawer Caine but an interesting pair; one from the tail end of his 60s/70s heyday just before his massive 80s slump and then one of the only highlights of that massive 80s slump.
1855 - 5star
If Ace Ventura was proof that audiences enjoyed the comedic talents of Jim Carrey then this film showed that they could be harnessed; he succeeds as both the repressed bank clerk and then the over the top cartoon character once he puts on the mask. Not a bad first couple of films really
1900 - BBC4
Here you go, basically a whole evening of nostalgic BBC Christmas, starting with The Two Ronnies, through Top of The Pops, a whistle stop tour of 1995 TV and then One Foot in The Grave. Goodness me.
2100 Sony Movies
If you can't be bothered with Christmas, have a good couple of hours of pure tension in this cracker from David Fincher
2100 Talking Pictures TV
I think I've seen this, I think I've seen people say some good things about it but all I can really think of when I think of the film is a shot with the camera tracking back down a corridor as some guy is running down it with a sub machine gun. Worth it for that?
2310 - Horror Channel
Here's a Christmas palate cleanser, or The Ultimate Experience in Grueling Terror as the cover of the VHS box would have it.
Santa Phil Doyle