In The Heights
Saturday, BBC2, 6:55 pm
Set in New York's vibrant Washington Heights neighborhood, In The Heights is a musical masterpiece that brings to life the hopes, dreams, and challenges of a tight-knit community. Directed by Jon M. Chu and based on Lin-Manuel Miranda's Tony-winning stage production, the film is a joyous celebration of Latinx culture and identity, with electrifying choreography and an infectious soundtrack. The story centers around Usnavi, a bodega owner who dreams of a better life, but it’s the collective stories of the neighborhood that make this film a powerful exploration of belonging, love, and the pursuit of dreams.
The soundtrack, composed by Lin-Manuel Miranda, is a vibrant blend of hip-hop, salsa, merengue, and soul, perfectly capturing the essence of the neighborhood and its inhabitants. The music not only drives the narrative but also serves as a character in its own right, reflecting the energy and passion of the community. Songs like "96,000" and "Carnaval del Barrio" are exuberant, while tracks like "Breathe" offer moments of introspective beauty, making the soundtrack an integral part of the film's emotional resonance.
Did You Know? Lin-Manuel Miranda originally wrote the first draft of In The Heights during his sophomore year at Wesleyan University, and it took nearly a decade for the musical to make its way to Broadway.
Other Films by Jon M. Chu: Crazy Rich Asians (2018), Step Up 2: The Streets (2008), Jem and the Holograms (2015).
Other Films Scored by Lin-Manuel Miranda: Moana (2016), Encanto (2021) (songs only), Star Wars: The Force Awakens (2015) (contributed music).
Other Notable Films Released in 2021: Dune, No Time to Die, Spider-Man: No Way Home.
Blade Runner 2049
Sunday, BBC1, 11:30 pm
Denis Villeneuve's Blade Runner 2049 is a visually stunning continuation of Ridley Scott's 1982 sci-fi classic. Set three decades after the original, the film follows Officer K, a new blade runner played by Ryan Gosling, as he uncovers a long-buried secret that could plunge society into chaos. Featuring breathtaking cinematography by Roger Deakins and a haunting score, the film delves deep into questions of identity, humanity, and the consequences of technological advancement. With Harrison Ford reprising his role as Rick Deckard, Blade Runner 2049 is a thoughtful, slow-burn exploration of dystopian futures and what it means to be human.
The score, composed by Hans Zimmer and Benjamin Wallfisch, is a powerful homage to Vangelis’s original work while bringing its own unique depth and atmosphere. It combines the iconic synth sounds that defined the original film with new, expansive elements that heighten the sense of scale and existential dread. Tracks like "2049" and "Mesa" build an intense, immersive soundscape that complements the film's visual splendor, making the music an essential component of the film's storytelling.
Did You Know? Roger Deakins won his first Academy Award for Best Cinematography for Blade Runner 2049 after 13 previous nominations, making this film a significant milestone in his career.
Other Films by Denis Villeneuve: Arrival (2016), Sicario (2015), Prisoners (2013).
Other Films Scored by Hans Zimmer: Inception (2010), The Dark Knight (2008), Dune (2021).
Other Films Scored by Benjamin Wallfisch: It (2017), Shazam! (2019), Hidden Figures (2016).
Other Notable Films Released in 2017: Get Out, Wonder Woman, Dunkirk.
Stormbreaker
Monday, Film4, 2:35 pm
Stormbreaker is a thrilling adaptation of the first book in Anthony Horowitz’s popular Alex Rider series. The film introduces us to Alex, a seemingly ordinary teenager who is recruited by MI6 after the mysterious death of his uncle. Played by Alex Pettyfer, Alex Rider becomes an unlikely secret agent, thrust into a world of espionage, danger, and high-tech gadgets. With its action-packed sequences and a blend of youthful energy, Stormbreaker is a fast-paced adventure that appeals to both younger audiences and fans of the spy genre.
The soundtrack, composed by Alan Parker, complements the film's fast-paced, adventurous tone with a dynamic mix of orchestral and electronic elements. The music adds intensity to the action scenes and underscores the tension of Alex's dangerous missions. The score also features contemporary rock and pop tracks that align with the youthful vibe of the film, making it engaging for a younger audience while enhancing the overall thrill of the narrative.
Did You Know? Alex Pettyfer, who played Alex Rider, was only 15 years old during filming and turned down a role in Eragon to star in Stormbreaker.
Other Films by Geoffrey Sax: White Noise (2005), Frankie & Alice (2010), Tipping the Velvet (2002).
Other Films Scored by Alan Parker: While Alan Parker is more known as a director than a composer, some confusion might arise with his involvement in the music industry, particularly in relation to music-based films such as Fame (1980) and Pink Floyd – The Wall (1982), where his directorial vision greatly influenced the musical aspects of these projects.
Other Notable Films Released in 2006: The Departed, Pan's Labyrinth, Casino Royale.
The Hatton Garden Job
Tuesday, Legend, 9:00 pm
Based on the infamous 2015 Hatton Garden heist, The Hatton Garden Job is a gripping crime drama that chronicles one of the most daring burglaries in British history. Led by a group of elderly criminals, the heist saw millions of pounds worth of cash and jewels stolen from a safe deposit box facility in London's diamond district. Directed by Ronnie Thompson, the film captures the audacity and meticulous planning of the crime, while also exploring the personal dynamics and motivations of the unlikely thieves. With a cast that includes Larry Lamb and Matthew Goode, this film offers a thrilling depiction of an extraordinary real-life event.
The film's score, composed by Alexis Smith and Joe Kraemer, provides a tense and atmospheric backdrop that enhances the drama of the heist. The music is subtle yet effective, using a combination of low-key electronic beats and orchestral swells to build suspense as the plan unfolds. The soundtrack also includes a mix of classic rock tracks that reflect the old-school charm of the characters, adding a layer of nostalgia to the film’s modern crime narrative.
Did You Know? The real-life Hatton Garden burglars, who were all in their 60s and 70s, were dubbed the "Bad Grandpas" by the British media due to their advanced age.
Other Films by Ronnie Thompson: Tower Block (2012), I Am Soldier (2014), Screwed (2011).
Other Films Scored by Joe Kraemer: Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation (2015), Jack Reacher (2012), The Way of the Gun (2000).
Other Notable Films Released in 2017: Logan, Baby Driver, Lady Bird.
Snowpiercer
Wednesday, ITV4, 9:00 pm
Directed by Bong Joon-ho, Snowpiercer is a dystopian sci-fi thriller set aboard a perpetually moving train that houses the last remnants of humanity after a failed climate experiment has turned Earth into a frozen wasteland. The train is divided by a rigid class system, with the oppressed masses at the back and the elite living in luxury at the front. Chris Evans stars as Curtis, a reluctant leader who leads a rebellion to fight for equality and justice. With its blend of intense action, social commentary, and dark humor, Snowpiercer is a visually striking and thought-provoking film that challenges the viewer’s perception of society and survival.
The score for Snowpiercer, composed by Marco Beltrami, is as intense and dynamic as the film itself. Beltrami’s music mirrors the relentless pace and escalating tension of the narrative, using sharp, percussive elements and dissonant strings to evoke the harsh, mechanical environment of the train. The soundtrack also features moments of eerie quiet and melancholy, reflecting the bleakness of the world outside and the desperation of the characters within. It’s a score that drives the film’s emotional and narrative rhythms, enhancing the sense of urgency and danger throughout.
Did You Know? Snowpiercer was Bong Joon-ho's first English-language film and went on to become a major international success, leading to a TV series adaptation.
Other Films by Bong Joon-ho: Parasite (2019), The Host (2006), Memories of Murder (2003).
Other Films Scored by Marco Beltrami: Logan (2017), A Quiet Place (2018), 3:10 to Yuma (2007).
Other Notable Films Released in 2013: Gravity, 12 Years a Slave, Her.
Charlotte Gray
Thursday, Film4, 6:40 pm
Charlotte Gray, starring Cate Blanchett, is a World War II drama based on Sebastian Faulks’ novel of the same name. The film follows the story of Charlotte, a young Scottish woman who becomes a courier for the French Resistance in Nazi-occupied France while searching for her missing lover, an RAF pilot. Directed by Gillian Armstrong, the film is a poignant exploration of love, loss, and the moral complexities of war. Blanchett delivers a powerful performance as a woman torn between duty and personal desire, making Charlotte Gray a moving and introspective wartime drama.
The score, composed by Stephen Warbeck, provides a deeply emotional and evocative backdrop to the film's narrative. Warbeck, known for his work on Shakespeare in Love, uses a mix of orchestral strings and piano to create a sense of both intimacy and grandeur. The music underscores the film's themes of love and sacrifice, adding an additional layer of depth to the emotional journey of the characters. It’s a score that captures the period’s atmosphere and enhances the dramatic impact of the story.
Did You Know? The character of Charlotte Gray was inspired by real-life female spies who worked for the Special Operations Executive (SOE) during World War II, including Nancy Wake and Pearl Witherington.
Other Films by Gillian Armstrong: My Brilliant Career (1979), Little Women (1994), Oscar and Lucinda (1997).
Other Films Scored by Stephen Warbeck: Shakespeare in Love (1998), Billy Elliot (2000), Proof (2005).
Other Notable Films Released in 2001: The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring, A Beautiful Mind, Moulin Rouge!.
Calendar Girls
Friday, BBC1, 10:40 pm
Calendar Girls is a heartwarming British comedy-drama inspired by the true story of a group of Yorkshire women who posed nude for a charity calendar to raise money for leukemia research. Starring Helen Mirren and Julie Walters, the film beautifully balances humor and emotion as it portrays the challenges and triumphs faced by the women as they challenge societal norms and embrace their own empowerment. Directed by Nigel Cole, Calendar Girls is a celebration of friendship, courage, and the power of ordinary people to make an extraordinary difference.
The film's soundtrack, composed by Patrick Doyle, perfectly captures the film's light-hearted yet deeply emotional tone. Doyle's score blends whimsical, playful melodies with more introspective pieces, reflecting the film’s balance of comedy and drama. Additionally, the soundtrack features a selection of classic pop songs that enhance the film’s joyful and celebratory moments. The music plays a key role in supporting the narrative’s shifts between humor and heartache, making it an integral part of the film’s charm.
Did You Know? The real-life Calendar Girls' calendar was so successful that it raised nearly £5 million for leukemia research, far exceeding their initial goal.
Other Films by Nigel Cole: Saving Grace (2000), Made in Dagenham (2010), A Lot Like Love (2005).
Other Films Scored by Patrick Doyle: Sense and Sensibility (1995), Hamlet (1996), Murder on the Orient Express (2017).
Other Notable Films Released in 2003: Finding Nemo, The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King, Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl.