The Weekly Retro Movie Rundown – 421
It's another Easter weekend and we know you're in for a cracking time! Searching high and low, we've hopped around and sniffed out a whole heap of amazing movies heading your way over the next few days. Plenty of feast on! Enjoy.
FRIDAY 2nd April
The Karate Kid (1984) Sony Movies 9:10am-11:40am
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 teaches him karate so he can face his enemies in a tournament. Drama, with Ralph Macchio, Pat Morita and Elisabeth Shue.
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Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (2005) ITV2 9:55am-12:15pm
Penniless Charlie Bucket is one of five lucky children who find a golden ticket in a chocolate bar, winning a once-in-a-lifetime tour of eccentric recluse Willy Wonka's magical sweet company. Unfortunately, the other winners each face a grim fate when they start to misbehave. Tim Burton's children's fantasy, based on Roald Dahl's novel, starring Johnny Depp, Freddie Highmore, Helena Bonham Carter, and Deep Roy playing all the Oompa Loompas.
The Karate Kid Part II (1986) Sony Movies 11:50am-2:05pm
High-kicking teenager Daniel accompanies his venerable mentor, Mr Miyagi when he returns to the Japanese province of Okinawa to visit his dying father. However, an old rival of Miyagi's is waiting for them, while Daniel is drawn into a vicious conflict with their enemy's own karate protege. Martial arts sequel, starring Ralph Macchio, Pat Morita and Yuji Okumoto.
The Karate Kid Part III (1989) Sony Movies 2:15pm-4:30pm
The teenage martial arts expert becomes obsessed with defending his championship title, but wise mentor Mr Miyagi is not prepared to help him fight for such a shallow goal. Seeking someone else to help guide his career, he falls under the influence of a crooked trainer - who is secretly plotting his downfall with the help of an old adversary. Adventure sequel, starring Ralph Macchio and Pat Morita.
Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone (2001) ITV2 2:55pm-5:55pm
An orphaned boy endures a miserable childhood until he discovers he has magical powers and enrols at a special school for young wizards. However, his suspicions are aroused by a sinister teacher who seems to be up to no good. Fantasy adventure, adapted from the first of JK Rowling's books, starring Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, Emma Watson, Robbie Coltrane, Alan Rickman and Richard Harris.
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The Net (1995) Sony Movies 4:40pm-6:55pm
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.
The Sound of Music (1965) BBC One 5:45pm-8:35pm
A cheerful novice nun is employed as governess to the seven children of an austere widower. As she brings light, laughter and a love of all things harmonious to a family previously beset by grief and strict discipline she also falls in love with her employer. But before long, the looming threat of the Second World War jeopardises their happy household. Oscar-winning Rodgers and Hammerstein musical, starring Julie Andrews, Christopher Plummer and Eleanor Parker.
Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (2002) ITV2 5:55pm-9:00pm
The young wizard and his friends return for their second term at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry to discover a strange serpentine power is petrifying the other students. Meanwhile, Harry is haunted by a sinister voice in his head urging him to uncover the dark force that is stalking the corridors of the school. Fantasy adventure sequel, starring Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, Emma Watson and Kenneth Branagh.
Transformers: The Last Knight (2017) Film4 5:55pm-9:00pm
The shape-changing robots and their human allies face a confrontation with their original creator, who has brainwashed their leader and intends to save her own home planet by destroying Earth. To save the human race they must recover an ancient artefact from Arthurian legend - but their mission is threatened by old enemies as they uncover a terrible secret about the history of the world. Sci-fi adventure sequel, starring Mark Wahlberg, Anthony Hopkins, Gemma Chan, Stanley Tucci and John Turturro.
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Signs (2002) Sony Movies 6:55pm-9:00pm
A former clergyman who has lost his faith since his wife's death discovers a number of crop circles on his land. Initially believing them to be a prank, he gradually begins to suspect an alien invasion is at hand. As a series of strange and terrifying events take place, he and his family are forced into hiding in their farmhouse and must work together to survive. M Night Shyamalan's sci-fi thriller, starring Mel Gibson and Joaquin Phoenix.
The A-Team (2010) ITV4 8:05pm-10:20pm
Four soldiers are sent on a top-secret mission in Iraq that results in them being imprisoned for a crime they did not commit. When they learn the culprit is trying to sell equipment for producing fake currency, they break out of prison to find both him and evidence of their innocence. Action-adventure based on the 1980s TV series, with Liam Neeson, Bradley Cooper, Sharlto Copley and Quinton 'Rampage' Jackson.
X-Men: Days of Future Past (2014) E4 9:00pm-11:35pm
In a future ravaged by war, the superhero team makes a desperate last stand against a force of deadly robots. Their only hope is to send Wolverine back in time to the 1970s, to join forces with an earlier version of the X-Men and change the events that started the conflict. Superhero adventure sequel uniting the casts of the original movie and prequel First Class, starring Hugh Jackman, Jennifer Lawrence, James McAvoy and Michael Fassbender.
The Craft (1996) 5STAR 11:45pm-1:50am
A new girl who finds it difficult to fit in at school befriends three goth misfits, who discover they can perform magic and form a secret coven. They initially use their powers for self-improvement, but eventually start to turn against their classmates, driving the ringleader insane as her lust for power takes over. Horror, starring Robin Tunney, Fairuza Balk, Neve Campbell, Rachel True and Skeet Ulrich.
SATURDAY 3rd April
Bugsy Malone (1976) ITV3 9:30am-11:20am
Alan Parker's slapstick musical comedy, featuring a cast composed entirely of children and following a war between rival gangsters in 1920s New York - fought with custard pies and cream-firing Tommy guns. When a slick mobster acquires devastating new weapons, his arch-rival enlists the aid of a small-time chancer to steal them. Starring Scott Baio, Florrie Dugger and John Cassisi, with Jodie Foster in an early appearance.
Shrek the Third (2007) Film4 12:50pm-2:35pm
The bad-tempered ogre finds himself in the unwelcome position of being next in line for the throne. Preferring to stay at home in the swamps, he sets out on a quest to find the rightful heir - a rebellious teenager named Artie - and persuade him to face up to his responsibilities as the future king. Meanwhile, the ambitious Prince Charming sees his chance to take the throne. Animated comedy, with the voices of Mike Myers, Cameron Diaz, Justin Timberlake, Eddie Murphy, Antonio Banderas and Rupert Everett.
The Man in the Iron Mask (1998) 5STAR 2:45pm-5:25pm
The Three Musketeers set out to depose the villainous King of France and reinstate his long-imprisoned twin brother. However, they face an unexpected threat in the form of old friend D'Artagnan, who has remained loyal to the evil monarch. Swashbuckling adventure, starring Leonardo DiCaprio in a dual role, alongside John Malkovich, Jeremy Irons, Gerard Depardieu, Gabriel Byrne, Anne Parillaud and Hugh Laurie.
Despicable Me (2010) ITV2 3:15pm-5:20pm
A criminal mastermind hopes to seal his reputation as the greatest villain of them all by stealing the Moon. First, he needs to get his hands on a shrinking ray owned by a rival evil genius, and adopts three orphan girls to help him - but finds that fatherhood brings out his long-buried caring side. Animated comedy, with the voices of Steve Carell, Jason Segel, Russell Brand and Julie Andrews.
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On Her Majesty's Secret Service (1969) ITV4 4:00pm-6:55pm
While on leave, James Bond prevents a young woman - Teresa 'Tracy' Draco - from committing suicide. Her father is Marc-Ange Draco, the head of a powerful crime syndicate who is impressed by Bond and wants him to protect his daughter by marrying her. In exchange, he offers Bond information that will lead him to master criminal and arch-enemy Ernst Stavro Blofeld, who is intent on destroying world peace by means of a lethal virus unless he receives an international amnesty for his crimes. Spy adventure, starring George Lazenby in his only outing as 007, alongside Telly Savalas, Diana Rigg, Gabrielle Ferzetti and Bernard Lee.
Home Alone 2: Lost in New York (1992) Film4 4:20pm-6:40pm
Hapless youngster Kevin somehow manages to catch the wrong plane and finds himself heading for New York, while his family jets off to Florida. Having got his hands on his father's credit card, he is enjoying the good life staying in a luxury hotel - until he bumps into two familiar burglars with an axe to grind. Comedy sequel, starring Macaulay Culkin, Joe Pesci, Daniel Stern, Brenda Fricker and Tim Curry.
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (2004) ITV2 5:20pm-8:00pm
The teenage wizard is alarmed to learn a dangerous fugitive sorcerer is searching for him. Meanwhile, a new teacher at Hogwarts helps the bespectacled youngster to protect himself from the school's soul-sucking security guards. The third in the fantasy adventure series, starring Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, Rupert Grint, Gary Oldman, David Thewlis, Michael Gambon, Robbie Coltrane and Alan Rickman.
Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (2009) E4 6:00pm-9:00pm
The war between the shape-shifting robots erupts once again, as the first of the evil Decepticons leads an attack on Earth to locate an ancient planet-destroying machine. Hapless teenager Sam Witwicky is caught in the middle of the ensuing conflict as he holds the key to discovering the location of the device. Sci-fi adventure sequel, starring Shia LaBeouf and Megan Fox.
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Mrs Doubtfire (1993) Film4 6:40pm-9:00pm
A struggling actor's ambitious, no-nonsense wife throws him out and demands a divorce. Desperate to spend time with his children, he puts his talents to good use by donning drag and posing as a British housekeeper to get a job looking after them. Comedy, starring Robin Williams, Sally Field, Pierce Brosnan, Harvey Fierstein and Mara Wilson.
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Wonder Woman (2017) ITV2 8:00pm-10:45pm
An Amazon princess has her first encounter with the outside world during the First World War when an American airman crash lands on her isolated island home. Determined to bring the chaos sweeping the world to an end, she ventures onto the front line in the war to end all wars to bring down an ancient and powerful evil force that is driving the human race towards destruction. Superhero fantasy adventure, starring Gal Gadot, Chris Pine and David Thewlis.
Basic Instinct (1992) 5STAR 10:00pm-12:35am
A hard-drinking San Francisco cop investigates the case of a man murdered with an ice-pick, but his normally well-honed intuition starts letting him down as he falls for the sultry and manipulative chief suspect, the victim's former girlfriend. Thriller from director Paul Verhoeven, starring Sharon Stone, Michael Douglas, George Dzundza and Jeanne Tripplehorn.
SUNDAY 4th April
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (2005) ITV2 3:15pm-6:20pm
Adolescent wizard Harry is unexpectedly chosen to represent Hogwarts School in a prestigious magical tournament, despite being legally too young to enter. Along with charming sixth-year student Cedric Diggory, Harry takes on the champions of two other magical academies visiting the school, facing deadly monsters in a series of death-defying challenges. Meanwhile, the followers of the dreaded Lord Voldemort plot to restore their master to the land of the living. The fourth instalment of the fantasy saga, starring Daniel Radcliffe, Robbie Coltrane, Ralph Fiennes, Michael Gambon, Rupert Grint, Emma Watson, Brendan Gleeson and Robert Pattinson.
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (2005) ITV 3:20pm-5:30pm
Penniless Charlie Bucket is one of five lucky children who find a golden ticket in a chocolate bar, winning a once-in-a-lifetime tour of eccentric recluse Willy Wonka's magical sweet company. Unfortunately, the other winners each face a grim fate when they start to misbehave. Tim Burton's children's fantasy, based on Roald Dahl's novel, starring Johnny Depp, Freddie Highmore, Helena Bonham Carter, and Deep Roy playing all the Oompa Loompas.
The Simpsons Movie (2007) Channel 4 3:40pm-5:25pm
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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Chitty Chitty Bang Bang (1968) Channel 5 4:10pm-7:00pm
Eccentric inventor Caractacus Potts rescues an old car from the scrapheap, only to discover it has magical, gravity-defying powers. Meanwhile, Baron Bomburst, the blundering ruler of Vulgaria, will do anything to get his greedy hands on it. Children's musical adventure, based on the book by Ian Fleming, starring Dick Van Dyke, Lionel Jeffries, Sally Ann Howes, Gert Frobe, Benny Hill and James Robertson Justice.
Grease (1978) Channel 4 5:55pm-8:00pm
Rebellious American teenager Danny falls for innocent Australian girl Sandy during the summer holidays, but when he later finds out she is a new student at his school, he risks losing her love by trying to act cool in front of his friends. A romantic musical set in the 1950s, starring John Travolta, Olivia Newton-John, Stockard Channing, Jeff Conaway, Didi Conn and Sid Caesar.
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Transformers: Dark of the Moon (2011) E4 6:00pm-9:00pm
The heroic autobots discover that a spaceship from their own planet crashed into the moon decades ago, carrying their former leader and an incredibly powerful device. They must fight to defend the human race as their enemies the decepticons plot to use this machine to rebuild their own world and destroy the Earth. Sci-fi adventure sequel, with Shia LaBeouf, Josh Duhamel and Rosie Huntington-Whiteley.
Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (2007) ITV2 6:20pm-9:00pm
The young wizard struggles to convince his fellow sorcerers that the evil Lord Voldemort has returned to life. When Hogwarts headmaster Dumbledore is ousted in favour of a sadistic replacement, Harry realises he must take matters into his own hands, uniting his fellow pupils to form a secret army and training them for the inevitable confrontation to come. Fantasy adventure sequel, starring Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, Rupert Grint, Gary Oldman, Michael Gambon and Alan Rickman.
Casino Royale (2006) ITV4 9:10pm-10:55pm
James Bond achieves his '00' status and is dispatched on the trail of Le Chiffre, an international criminal financing terrorist organisations around the world. Bond's investigation leads to a casino in Montenegro, where he takes part in a high-stakes poker game in a bid to bankrupt Le Chiffre and put an end to his plans. Spy thriller, directed by Martin Campbell and starring Daniel Craig in his first outing as 007, with Eva Green, Mads Mikkelsen, Judi Dench and Giancarlo Giannini.
X-Men: Apocalypse (2016) E4 9:00pm-11:50pm
The mutant heroes face the oldest and most powerful of their kind, an ancient Egyptian tyrant who is restored to life in the 1980s and plans to destroy civilisation and rebuild it in his own image. Superhero adventure sequel, starring James McAvoy, Michael Fassbender, Jennifer Lawrence and Oscar Isaac.
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Police Academy (1984) ITV4 10:55pm-1:00am
An American police college lowers its entrance requirements in the hope of attracting new recruits, and in response, assorted dubious candidates turn up for enrolment. A short-tempered instructor is determined to weed out the bad apples, but a riot provides the clueless cops with a chance to prove their worth. Comedy, starring Steve Guttenberg, Kim Cattrall, Bubba Smith and GW Bailey.
The Talented Mr Ripley (1999) 5STAR 11:20pm-2:05am
A man agrees to travel to Italy and persuade a businessman's spoiled son to return home. Before long he develops a taste for the high life, and decides to get in on the action - first by befriending the rich and beautiful people, and then by taking the drastic measure of assuming his new-found friend's identity. Anthony Minghella's thriller, starring Matt Damon, Jude Law, Gwyneth Paltrow and Cate Blanchett.
MONDAY 5th April
The Karate Kid (1984) Sony Movies 11:15am-1:45pm
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 teaches him karate so he can face his enemies in a tournament. Drama, with Ralph Macchio, Pat Morita and Elisabeth Shue.
The Karate Kid Part II (1986) Sony Movies 1:45pm-4:00pm
High-kicking teenager Daniel accompanies his venerable mentor Mr Miyagi when he returns to the Japanese province of Okinawa to visit his dying father. However, an old rival of Miyagi's is waiting for them, while Daniel is drawn into a vicious conflict with their enemy's own karate protege. Martial arts sequel, starring Ralph Macchio, Pat Morita and Yuji Okumoto.
The Karate Kid Part III (1989) Sony Movies 4:00pm-6:15pm
The teenage martial arts expert becomes obsessed with defending his championship title, but wise mentor Mr Miyagi is not prepared to help him fight for such a shallow goal. Seeking someone else to help guide his career, he falls under the influence of a crooked trainer - who is secretly plotting his downfall with the help of an old adversary. Adventure sequel, starring Ralph Macchio and Pat Morita.
Despicable Me (2010) ITV2 4:00pm-6:05pm
A criminal mastermind hopes to seal his reputation as the greatest villain of them all by stealing the Moon. First, he needs to get his hands on a shrinking ray owned by a rival evil genius, and adopts three orphan girls to help him - but finds that fatherhood brings out his long-buried caring side. Animated comedy, with the voices of Steve Carell, Jason Segel, Russell Brand and Julie Andrews.
Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone (2001) ITV2 6:05pm-9:00pm
An orphaned boy endures a miserable childhood until he discovers he has magical powers and enrols at a special school for young wizards. However, his suspicions are aroused by a sinister teacher who seems to be up to no good. Fantasy adventure, adapted from the first of JK Rowling's books, starring Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, Emma Watson, Robbie Coltrane, Alan Rickman and Richard Harris.
Phenomenon (1996) Sony Movies 6:25pm-9:00pm
An unassuming car mechanic observes a peculiar bright light one evening on the way home from a bar and finds himself transformed into a genius with telekinetic powers. However, he is unprepared for the problems that lie ahead, as he struggles to woo a divorced single mother while coping with his new-found gift. Fantasy drama, starring John Travolta, Kyra Sedgwick, Forest Whitaker and Robert Duvall.
Signs (2002) Sony Movies 9:00pm-11:10pm
A former clergyman who has lost his faith since his wife's death discovers a number of crop circles on his land. Initially believing them to be a prank, he gradually begins to suspect an alien invasion is at hand. As a series of strange and terrifying events take place, he and his family are forced into hiding in their farmhouse and must work together to survive. M Night Shyamalan's sci-fi thriller, starring Mel Gibson and Joaquin Phoenix.
Highlander (1986) BBC Two 10:30pm-12:20am
A 16th-century Scottish clansman discovers he is one of a race of immortal warriors who can only be killed by beheading, and who are destined to fight to the death until just one survives. Centuries later in modern-day New York, he prepares for a final showdown with his deadliest enemy. Fantasy action-adventure, starring Christopher Lambert, Sean Connery, Clancy Brown and Roxanne Hart. Featuring a soundtrack by Queen.
Whatever you're up to this bank holiday weekend, get weird!