What's worth watching on the box: something for the weekend

With the Olympics coming to a close this weekend, the Olympic Closing Ceremony (BBC One) is already shaping up to be just as spectacular as the opening ceremony. With rumours of the Spice Girls, a newspaper covered Tower Bridge replica and the Trotter’s three wheel van playing a part in the event; it’s sure to be fantastic television! If you haven’t been invited to Brad and Angelina’s party this weekend and you are not a keen viewer of the Olympics, there is still loads of great stuff on the box to keep you entertained.

With the countdown to the new Bourne film firmly underway and the first instalment airing last week, this weekend it is time to catch up on the Bourne series with the third film The Bourne Ultimatum (ITV1). Matt Damon takes up the role of Jason Bourne once more, coming out of hiding to finally get answers about his past. With oodles of action and adventure, the film is a great taste of what may be to come with the new film starring Jeremy Renner.

If you fancy scaring yourself silly, the weekend is host to a number of films that may just have you hiding behind the sofa. Janet Leigh plays a beautiful woman who, having stolen from her boss, is looking for a place to lie low and thinks she could do worse than the Bates Motel in Alfred Hitchcock’s classic thriller Psycho (ITV3). Sadly, her stay is going to be longer than expected and the astonishing mystery behind Norman Bates (Anthony Perkins) and his mother is revealed. Alfred Hitchcock is in terrifyingly fine form this weekend again with The Birds (ITV3) on Sunday evening and on the same night the locals of a seaside town are being preyed upon by a creature from the deep in Jaws (ITV4). It goes without saying that these films are not for those of a nervous disposition but if you fancy a bit of a fright, these films will be right up your street.

If you’re more up for a bit of hilarious comedy how about a double bill of laughs with Alan and Jimmy Carr. For a Saturday giggle you can see Alan Carr: Tooth Fairy Live (Comedy Central) and Jimmy Carr: In Concert (Comedy Central) with their amazing comedy musings. Leslie Nielsen is clowning around as the bumbling Lt. Frank Drebin in Naked Gun 2 and a half (Sky One) where he is determined to foil a plan to destroy America but as usual there is slapstick comedy and confusion on the way. Keeping up with the comedy, Mount Pleasant (Sky2), the last episode of the first series is airing again in order that you can either catch up or refresh your memory before the new series starts next week on Sky Living – definitely worth a look.  Rich Hall takes to the stage in Rich Hall Live at the Apollo (Comedy Central) on Sunday where there is sure to be some entertaining wisecracks from the curmudgeonly comedian.

For a bit of a weepy, why not watch City of Angels (ITV3) this Saturday. The tale of angels watching over the earth and the curiosity of one angel leading to a story to remember. Have the tissues handy though as it is a bit of a tear jerker. Nicolas Cage is also flexing his acting muscles in Peggy Sue got Married (GOLD) where a housewife (Kathleen Turner) is magically transported back in time to her teenage years where she has the choice to make different decisions that could alter the outcome of her life entirely. For another tale of time twisting, how about The Curious Case of Benjamin Button (Channel 4) where Brad Pitt plays the titular character. Suffering from several aging diseases, Benjamin wasn’t expected to survive but through difficult circumstances he has continued to thrive, getting younger as he ages. A fascinating film.

Sunday is jam packed with great films! With Wedding Crashers (Channel Four),The Goonies (Channel 5), The War of the Worlds (BBC Three) and Fantastic Four (e4) there is bound to be something to settle down with and to ease you into the week. All topped off with the Olympic Closing Ceremony – what more could you ask for?

From all of us here at Bright Shiny News, have a fantastic weekend!