The Weekly Retro Movie Rundown – 409
With the pitter-patter of rain against the window and the rush of wind through the trees, we're settling in for the day with some of our favourite chacacters thanks to our latest top movie picks hitting the small screen!
SATURDAY 19th December
Wild Wild West (1999) 5STAR 10:05am-12:10pm
A government agent teams up with a gadget-mad master of disguise to investigate the disappearance of several scientists. Their search leads them to an evil genius who is plotting to kill the US president with some bizarre inventions of his own. Sci-fi Western comedy, starring Will Smith, Kevin Kline, Kenneth Branagh, Salma Hayek and Ted Levine.
Ice Age (2002) Film4 11:00am-12:35pm
Three mismatched prehistoric animals join forces to return a human infant to its tribe - but as their journey unfolds, the creatures fail to anticipate the many perils and pitfalls that lay in store for them. Animated adventure, featuring the voices of John Leguizamo, Ray Romano, Denis Leary, Goran Visnjic and Jack Black.
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Pearl Harbor (2001) Channel 5 12:50pm-4:25pm
The reported death of a pilot during the Second World War leaves his girlfriend seeking solace in the arms of his one-time best friend - until the supposedly dead airman turns up. However, when the Japanese launch a bombing raid on a US base in Hawaii, the three of them have to put aside their personal problems. Romantic drama, starring Ben Affleck, Josh Hartnett, Kate Beckinsale and Cuba Gooding Jr.
Arachnophobia (1990) Sony Movies 2:45pm-4:55pm
A mild-mannered doctor sets up practice in a small town, but a cloud gathers over his career due to a series of unexplained deaths. Before long, he has to convince the locals that a horde of venomous spiders is responsible and confront his intense fear of arachnids into the bargain. Comedy horror, starring Jeff Daniels, John Goodman, Julian Sands and Brian McNamara.
The Simpsons Movie (2007) Film4 4:40pm-6:25pm
Homer unwittingly pollutes Lake Springfield, so the US government decides to isolate the city underneath a giant dome. The Simpsons manage to escape and plan to start a new life in Alaska - but learn Springfield is about to be destroyed, and return to save their friends. With the voices of Dan Castellaneta, Julie Kavner, Nancy Cartwright and Yeardley Smith.
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Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure (1989) Sony Movies 4:55pm-6:45pm
Two dim-witted teenagers with dreams of rock stardom seem doomed to fail a school history project, unaware the future of the human race depends on their success. A time traveller is given the job of making sure they pass the test by sending them on a series of adventures in the past. Comedy, starring Keanu Reeves, Alex Winter and George Carlin.
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The Terminal (2004) Film4 6:25pm-9:00pm
An Eastern European en route to America is stranded at JFK Airport when a coup in his native country leaves him in a diplomatic no-man's land. His nation ceases to exist, meaning he can neither return home nor set foot on the streets of New York. Stuck indefinitely inside the terminal, he sets out to make some sort of a life for himself. Steven Spielberg's comedy, with Tom Hanks, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Stanley Tucci and Chi McBride.
The Net (1995) Sony Movies 6:45pm-9:00pm
A shy computer analyst discovers evidence of a criminal conspiracy, so the villains decide to retaliate. Erasing her personal details from the national database, they replace them with a false police record, hurling her into a desperate race against time to prove her real identity before corrupt officials silence her for good. Thriller, starring Sandra Bullock, Jeremy Northam and Dennis Miller.
Liar Liar (1997) ITV2 8:20pm-10:00pm
A lawyer whose underhand ploys to win cases leave him little time to see his son discovers he is incapable of lying after the boy's birthday wish makes his dad tell only the truth. However, this causes a host of problems as the attorney tries to muddle his way through a high-profile divorce settlement. Comedy, with Jim Carrey, Maura Tierney, Justin Cooper, Jennifer Tilly and Cary Elwes.
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Forrest Gump (1994) Channel 4 9:20pm-12:10am
A slow-witted man has a series of bizarre adventures, including becoming an American football star, Vietnam veteran, table tennis champion and millionaire businessman - but the love of his life from childhood continues to elude him. Robert Zemeckis's Oscar-winning comedy drama, starring Tom Hanks, Sally Field, Robin Wright and Gary Sinise.
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The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies (2014) ITV 10:40pm-1:00am
Dwarf king Thorin reclaims control of his homeland, but his descent into madness places him on the brink of war with his human and elven allies. As Thorin's Hobbit friend Bilbo tries to save the tormented ruler from himself, a vast horde of orcs gathers to destroy them all. Conclusion of the fantasy adventure trilogy, starring Martin Freeman, Richard Armitage, Ian McKellen, Luke Evans and Orlando Bloom.
SUNDAY 20th December
Snoopy and Charlie Brown: The Peanuts Movie (2015) Film4 12:55pm-2:35pm
The long-suffering youngster hopes his lifelong run of bad luck will come to an end when he develops a crush on a new schoolfriend. His beloved dog has more important things to worry about, as he dreams of taking to the skies in his airborne kennel. Animated comedy, with the voices of Noah Schnapp and Bill Melendez.
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The Karate Kid (1984) Channel 5 2:15pm-4:50pm
A teenager at a new school befriends a pretty girl, but her ex-boyfriend is jealous and attacks him. During one particularly bad fight, a wise old caretaker intervenes and defeats the youngster's assailants using his martial art skills. He goes on to mentor the boy and teach him karate so he can face his enemies in a tournament. Drama, with Ralph Macchio, Pat Morita and Elisabeth Shue.
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Shrek 2 (2004) ITV 2:30pm-4:15pm
The grouchy ogre and his new wife Princess Fiona set out on a journey to meet her parents. However, the king and queen are less than impressed with their daughter's choice of husband, while a conniving fairy godmother is determined to make sure her own son gets to marry the princess. Animated adventure sequel, with the voices of Mike Myers, Cameron Diaz, Eddie Murphy, Antonio Banderas, John Cleese, Julie Andrews, Jennifer Saunders and Rupert Everett.
Jack Frost (1998) ITV2 3:15pm-5:20pm
A rock musician who realises he is spending too much time away from his family is killed in a car accident while travelling home for the festive season. The following year his spirit takes on the form of a snowman, made by his son, allowing them to spend one last Christmas together. Fantasy drama, starring Michael Keaton, Kelly Preston, Joseph Cross and Mark Addy.
Diamonds Are Forever (1971) ITV 4:40pm-7:00pm
James Bond investigates a diamond-smuggling operation, and discovers that behind the scheme is his insidious arch-enemy Blofeld, who is planning to construct a devastating orbital doomsday weapon powered by the precious stones, which will force world powers to disarm and give him global domination. Spy adventure, starring Sean Connery, Jill St John, Charles Gray, Bernard Lee and Lois Maxwell.
Star Trek Into Darkness (2013) Film4 6:25pm-9:00pm
Captain Kirk and the crew of the starship Enterprise are sent on a clandestine mission into enemy territory to track down the rogue Starfleet agent behind a terrorist attack on Earth. However, the assignment brings to light a hidden threat from within their own organisation. Sci-fi adventure sequel, starring Chris Pine, Zachary Quinto and Benedict Cumberbatch.
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Uncle Buck (1989) ITV2 7:00pm-9:00pm
An unreliable but good-natured slob is called upon to look after his trouble-making nephew and nieces while their parents are away - and what starts as a disaster soon changes for the better as the unlikely babysitter gets to grips with the finer points of being a responsible adult. Family comedy, starring John Candy, Macaulay Culkin, Jean Kelly, Gaby Hoffman, Amy Madigan and Laurie Metcalf.
Braveheart (1995) Sony Movies 9:00pm-12:35am
Account of the life of medieval Scottish hero William Wallace. After the slaughter of his father and brother, young Wallace is taken in by his uncle, who teaches him how to use not only his brawn but his brain - which he employs to great effect years later when he resolves to drive the English out of Scotland. Oscar-winning historical epic, directed by and starring Mel Gibson. With Patrick McGoohan, Sophie Marceau and Catherine McCormack.
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National Lampoon's European Vacation (1985) ITV4 11:15pm-1:20am
The disaster-prone Griswolds appear on a TV game show, and through a happy accident, end up winning a holiday touring Europe. The trip takes them to Britain, France and Germany, causing mayhem wherever they go, while the final destination in Rome leads to a run-in with a gang of thieves. Comedy sequel, starring Chevy Chase and Beverly D'Angelo.
Whatever you're up to this weekend, always have a pair of thick socks handy.