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Movies & TV

09th Nov 2021

A fun ’80s action flick is among the movies on TV tonight

Stephen Porzio

Starring Sylvester Stallone, the movie was an influence on 2011’s Drive.

Looking to kick back and relax after a long day? Why not check out one of the fine films on the box this evening.

Here’s what’s on.

Cobra – ITV 4 – 9pm

Sylvester Stallone writes and stars in our pick for tonight. He plays Lieutenant Marion “Cobra” Cobretti, a tough-on-crime cop who must protect the only surviving witness to a strange murderous cult with far-reaching plans.

While panned by critics upon release, the movie has gone on to be a cult favourite thanks to its sleek style, over-the-top action and pulpy dialogue, the latter best exemplified by Cobra’s catchphrase: “You’re a disease and I’m the cure.”

One notable fan of Cobra is filmmaker Nicolas Winding Refn of Drive fame. In the latter, Ryan Gosling’s Driver often holds a toothpick in his mouth, a homage to the opening scene of Cobra where Stallone has a matchstick in his mouth.

The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers  – Sky Showcase – 9pm

The second in Peter Jackson’s iconic fantasy trilogy.

The Predator – Film Four – 9pm

This reboot of the action-horror franchise from director Shane Black (Iron Man 3, The Nice Guys) is flawed but contains some old school pleasures.

American Pie – Comedy Central – 9pm

Four teenage boys enter a pact to lose their virginity by prom night in this raunchy sex comedy.

Last Man Standing – Turner Classic Movies – 9pm

Bruce Willis stars in this cool remake of Akira Kurosawa’s samurai flick Yojimbo from filmmaker Walter Hill (The Warriors) which transplants the action from 19th century Japan to Prohibition-era Texas.

The Missing Children – RTÉ One – 10.15pm

This documentary features the stories of people who survived the Bon Secours Mother and Baby Home in Tuam in Galway.

Role Models – ITV 4 – 10.50pm

In this crude but very funny comedy, wild behavior forces a pair of energy drink reps (Paul Rudd, Seann William Scott) to enroll in a Big Brother program.

Superbad – Comedy Central – 10.55pm

“McLovin? What kind of a stupid name is that, Fogell? What, are you trying to be an Irish R&B singer?”

American Ultra – Film Four – 11.10pm

This underrated action-comedy centres on a young stoner (Jesse Eisenberg) who discovers he was part of a secret government program and is a sleeper agent. Kristen Stewart co-stars.

LISTEN: You Must Be Jokin’ podcast – listen to the latest episode now!