2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Irish Independent
What to watch on TV and streaming today: 1985 Night, Scent of a Woman and American Thunder
Blood Money: Inside the Soviet Economy RTÉ2, 7.30pm
New two-part documentary arguing that the USSR's economy and industrial achievements were far better than some observers suggest, enabling it to play a major part in defeating Nazi Germany.
1985 Night BBC Two, 8.10pm
An evening of programmes celebrating music from the year begins with archive clips in 40 Hits of 1985 at the BBC. It's followed by songs from the likes of Eurythmics, A-Ha, Dead or Alive, Wham! and Kate Bush in TOTP 1985: The Big Hits (10.30pm) and the documentary TOTP: The Story of 1985 (11.30pm).
Nasa, Nazis & the Space Race Channel 4, 8.35pm
Fascinating documentary focusing on scientists who had worked for the Nazis and the contribution they made in the space race between the US and the Soviet Union. Archive footage of some of them, including leading rocket expert Wernher von Braun, illustrate the story.
Scent of a Woman TG4, 9.15pm
After seven unsuccessful nominations, Al Pacino finally won an Oscar for his performance as a blind ex-soldier in this comedy-drama. Chris O'Donnell also appears as the timid student he pays to accompany him for what turns out to be an unforgettable weekend.
The Courier RTÉ One, 9.25pm
Benedict Cumberbatch stars in a Cold War drama based on a true story. He plays a salesman who risks life and limb to carry intelligence reports from Moscow to the CIA and MI6. Jessie Buckley co-stars.
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American Thunder Prime Video, streaming now
Celebrating its 100th anniversary in June 2023, the legendary 24 Hours of Le Mans — one of motorsports' most prestigious endurance races — introduced an unexpected competitor: stock car aficionados Nascar. As for what they brought to proceedings? A Chevrolet Camaro to compete against cutting-edge Ferrari and Porsche prototypes in this almost fabled, gruelling test of long-distance racing. Competing at Le Mans was the lifelong dream of Nascar chairman and CEO Jim France. As such, he brought in Hendrick Motorsports, the most successful team in Nascar history, to build and race the car (which, again, was a Camaro). On the plus side, he also enlisted the help of elite drivers Jenson Button, Jimmie Johnson and Mike Rockenfeller. Over the course of 18 months, this team transformed a car built for (at most) three-hour oval track races in the US into one capable of surviving the relentless 24-hour challenge.
Deep Cover Prime Video, streaming now
Not to be mistaken for the 1990s movie starring Fishburne and Goldblum, this film is about an improv teacher and her two students posing as criminals to slip into London's underworld. Bryce Dallas Howard, Orlando Bloom, Nick Mohammed and Sean Bean have their work cut out for them to make this fly. Return to the Wild Disney+, streaming now
Famed as 'the greatest living explorer', Sir Ranulph 'Ran' Fiennes joins his cousin, actor Joseph Fiennes (no sign of brother Ralph, unfortunately), on a breathtaking journey through British Columbia. As they navigate its rugged terrain, they reflect on Ran's legendary expeditions, his battle with Parkinson's, and the deepening bond forged through their shared adventure.
Echo Valley AppleTV+, streaming now
Julianne Moore and Domhnall Gleeson are getting all the work of late. Both co-star in this thriller about a mother who will do anything to keep her drug-addled daughter 'safe' (including body disposal). Written by Brad Ingelsby (Mare of Easttown), this moody (if a tad predictable) number stars Sydney Sweeney alongside 'dad' Kyle MacLachlan and Fiona Shaw.
