Saturday (4/6) 15:15 BBC1 Toy Story 2 (1999) (also BBC3 Friday 19:00)
Pixar are now roghtly world renowned as the Peak of their field, yet at this time they were still a relatively new name to most of the industry. They had the daunting task of following up the near perfect original Toy Story from 1995, and building toward what some call the strongest trilogy in film. The world building and character base are significantly expanded without losing the affection for Woody, Buzz and the whole gang, as they embark on a quest to rescue one of their own and of course learn important life lessons in the process. This is not just a kid's film, it is universally appealing to people of all ages, races, shapes, sizes etc. That in itself is quite an achievement.
Sunday (5/6) 21:00 Great Movies The Grand Budapest Hotel (2014)
Wes Anderson's unique skills all come together with admirable harmony to create his most acclaimed and endearing work to date. This is many tales within a tale of Zero, played by Tony Revolori, a lobby boy and his adventures in the titular establishment, under the wing of the inimitable concierge, played by Ralph Fiennes in fine form. The colour palette, cinematography and framing are all hugely to the benefit of the film's overall lasting effect, and the accomplished performances from established stars don't hurt.
Friday (10/6) 22:45 ITV The Silence of the Lambs (1991)
Alongside some quite remarkable company (It happened one night (1934) and One flew over the Cuckoo's nest (1975)) Silence of the Lambs is one of only 3 films in history that have won all of the 'big 5' oscars, taking home statues for Director, Picture, Actor, Actress and Screenplay.
This is a famously chilling adaptation of the Thomas Harris novel centering around FBI agent Clarice Statling on the case of a series of grotesque killings. She uses Hannibal Lecter's (an iconic performance by Sir Anthony Hopkins - who famously was only on screen for 16 minutes) first hand knowledge to help solve the case, but ends up getting way too close for comfort.
Saturday (4/6) 21:00 Great Movies The Life Aquatic With Steve Zissou (2004)
Another quirky, eccentric tale from the unique mind of Wes Anderson. This time Bill Murray takes centre stage as a marine researcher who becomes obsessed with hunting down a beautiful, fabled shark who may have eaten his friend. This Jacques Cousteau/Moby Dick inspired work may lack some of the infectious charm of some of his other films but still has some respectable humour and manages to build to some quite wonderful moments and of course there is an excellent array of smaller roles from big names.
Sunday (5/6) 17:00 ITV Back to the Future Part III (1990)
Robert Zemeckis takes his now legendary time travelling antics back to the Wild West for their third outing. Classics of the Western genre are referenced with pleasing affection from series regulars Michael J Fox, Christopher Lloyd, Thomas F Wilson and a certain DeLorean time machine who all return, plus a lovely performance by Mary Steenburgen as Doc's love interest. The cleverness, especially of the writing, may have slightly dipped here, but it is still extremely likeable and deserves its place in the trilogy.
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