Kurt Russell stars in the cult classic.
Finally! The weekend is here.
And for those staying in tonight, there are some decent flicks on the telly.
Here’s your options.
The Thing – Horror Channel – 9pm
Our pick for this evening, this ’80s horror centres on a research team in Antarctica that is hunted by a shape-shifting alien that assumes the appearance of its victims.
A remake of the 50’s flick The Thing from Another World from director John Carpenter (Halloween), The Thing actually received negative reviews when it came out.
This was partly on account of its nihilistic tone and incredibly gory and visceral special effects which provided a sharp comparison to its competitor at the box office, the optimistic smash-hit E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial.
However, it’s those qualities – along with its commanding star turn from Kurt Russell, its unrelenting air of paranoia and pitch-perfect ending – that have seen its reputation grow over the years, with it subsequently being reappraised as one of the best science fiction and horror films ever made.
A Vigilante – Film4 – 9pm
In this well-reviewed drama-thriller, Olivia Wilde plays a vigilante who helps victims escape their domestic abusers.
US Marshals – ITV4 – 9pm
Tommy Lee Jones reprises the character he won an Oscar playing in The Fugitive for this mediocre spin-off.
Robin Hood – Turner Classic Movies – 9pm
This is filmmaker Ridley Scott’s epic take on the legend, starring Russell Crowe and Cate Blanchett.
Leap Year – RTÉ2 – 10pm
Amy Adams heads to Ireland in this much mocked romantic comedy.
Big Jake – TG4 – 10pm
It’s Friday, which means TG4 is airing a Western – this time starring John Wayne.
The First Purge – Film4 – 10.50pm
Confusingly, this is actually the fourth installment in The Purge franchise.
Red Joan – RTÉ One – 11.15pm
Judi Dench stars in this 2018 spy drama inspired by true events.
The Boss – Channel 4 – 12.05am
This comedy centres on a wealthy woman (Melissa McCarthy) who, after being arrested and losing her fortune, plots a return to the top.
The Boss’ 22% score on Rotten Tomatoes suggests you may want to avoid this.
Loving – RTÉ2 – 12.15am
Joel Edgerton and Ruth Negga star in this powerful drama about a couple whose arrest for interracial marriage in 1960s Virginia begins a historic legal battle.
Bacurau – Film4 – 12.45am
A small town in Brazil must defend itself from the threat of an unknown enemy in this pleasingly odd and twisty genre mash-up.
LISTEN: You Must Be Jokin’ podcast – listen to the latest episode now!
