The Christmas TV Strategy Guide 2024 #14
2nd January 2025
1500 - Legend
Yes, yes it’s pants but this slice of pure 80s sci fi hokum is fine for the background whilst you finally get the last of the Christmas decorations away in the loft
1510 - BBC2
Time for another big old World War II film, how big did you say? Just check that cast list! It doesn’t even mention Robert Redford is in it as well. Its a big bloated mess of a film, one that doesn’t really say much other than “war is a bit rubbish, amirite?” but sometimes thats all you need in an afternoon
2000 - ITV3
More Poirot! We had the Ustinov version of this not too long ago, now you have the David Suchet version to compare and contrast. Tough to say which is the winner, Suchet is pretty much the definitive Poirot but the Ustinov film has the superior overall cast
2200 - BBC2
A big proper adventure film on the high seas with Russell Crowe as a Captain of a big boat that gets done over by another boat and ends up in a big boat shoot out. Its a real cracker, the only problem being that it was totally overshadowed by the first Pirates of the Caribbean film which is a shame as, really, this is a far superior film. What it can’t compete with is the more action orientated pace and tone of Pirates, its a much more measured film and one worth revisiting
0130 - Legend
Late night horror double bill! First we have a proper Hammer Horror film, the second with Christopher Lee as the Fang Man himself. Its not as iconic as the original Dracula but its still a property good film. The second is another treat of the era; previously we had Witchfinder General which was directed by the same man as this film, Michael Reeves. This was his second film, and gets a great turn from Karloff as an old dude controlling other folks during the sixties. A great watch!
0200 - Film4
Another great McDonagh film, only from the brother of the other one. Luckily, this one makes good films as well; a great central pair of Gleeson and Cheedle carry this crime drama through on the back of their spiky relationship. Its on a bit late, but thats probably due to the potty mouth Gleeson has on him