Saturday Movie Night Guide: 4 Must-Watch Films on TV This Weekend

Hey there! Our movie expert James Finnegan has picked out four fantastic films airing this Saturday. Whether you love romance, superheroes, fashion, or gangster stories — there’s something for everyone. Grab your popcorn and get comfy!

At a Glance: What’s On & When

Pro Tip: Goodfellas and The Devil Wears Prada air at almost the same time — you might want to record one!

1. Out of Africa (2:50 PM, RTÉ One)

The Basics

• Director: Sydney Pollack
• Based on: The real-life memoir of Karen Blixen
• Stars: Meryl Streep & Robert Redford

The Story (Simple Version)

Imagine moving from Denmark to Kenya, Africa to run a coffee farm. That’s exactly what Karen Blixen (Meryl Streep) does. There, she meets Denys Finch Hatton (Robert Redford) — a charming, free-spirited hunter who loves adventure. Their love story plays out against stunning African landscapes — wide-open plains, golden sunsets, and endless skies.

Why It’s Special

• Gorgeous cinematography — like a moving painting of Africa
• Beautiful music by John Barry that tugs at your heart
• Meryl Streep gives a subtle, powerful performance
• Robert Redford brings quiet charm and depth

Big Wins

Won 3 Academy Awards (Oscars):

1. Best Picture
2. Best Director
3. Best Original Score

Heads up: This is a slow-burn movie — it takes its time. But the beauty and emotion stay with you long after it ends.

2. The Amazing Spider-Man (6:35 PM, RTÉ One)

The Basics

• Director: Marc Webb
• Stars: Andrew Garfield, Emma Stone, Rhys Ifans

The Story (Simple Version)

Peter Parker (Andrew Garfield) is a smart but awkward teenager. One day, a genetically modified spider bites him — and boom! He gets superpowers: wall-crawling, super strength, and a "spidey-sense."

But being a hero isn’t easy. Peter:

• Tries to uncover the mystery of his missing parents
• Falls for Gwen Stacy (Emma Stone) — smart, kind, and totally his equal
• Battles The Lizard (Rhys Ifans) — a scientist turned giant reptile villain
• Struggles to balance normal life with being Spider-Man

Why It’s Special

• Fresh take on the classic origin story
• Andrew Garfield brings heart and humor to Peter
• Emma Stone shines as Gwen — not just a "girlfriend," but a partner
• James Horner’s music blends heroic energy with tender moments

Fun Fact: This is the first movie in Andrew Garfield’s Spider-Man series (there’s a sequel too!).

3. The Devil Wears Prada (9:15 PM, TG4)

The Basics

• Director: David Frankel
• Stars: Anne Hathaway, Meryl Streep, Emily Blunt

The Story (Simple Version)

Andy Sachs (Anne Hathaway) is a young journalist who lands a dream job — assistant to Miranda Priestly (Meryl Streep), the ice-cold editor-in-chief of a top fashion magazine. Think Vogue, but scarier.

At first, it’s glamorous: fancy clothes, parties, travel. But soon, Andy realizes:

• Miranda demands perfection 24/7
• Her co-assistant Emily (Emily Blunt) is sharp, competitive, and hilarious
• The job starts changing who she is — her values, friendships, and relationship

Why It’s Special

• Meryl Streep is terrifyingly good as Miranda — calm, cutting, and magnetic
• Anne Hathaway makes Andy relatable and real
• Emily Blunt steals scenes with wit and sass
• Theodore Shapiro’s soundtrack mixes pop hits with elegant scores

Think About It: The movie asks: How much of yourself would you give up for success? It’s funny, stylish, and makes you think.

4. Goodfellas (9:00 PM, RTÉ2)

The Basics

• Director: Martin Scorsese (legendary filmmaker)
• Based on: The true story of Henry Hill
• Stars: Ray Liotta, Robert De Niro, Joe Pesci

The Story (Simple Version)

Henry Hill (Ray Liotta) grows up in New York wanting one thing: to be a gangster. He starts young — running errands for the local mob. As he gets older, he climbs the ranks, living a life of money, power, and excitement.

But the mob world runs on loyalty, greed, and betrayal. Henry’s crew includes:

• Jimmy Conway (Robert De Niro) — smart, calculating, dangerous
• Tommy DeVito (Joe Pesci) — explosive, unpredictable, terrifying

Eventually, the high life crashes down — drugs, paranoia, FBI, and friends turning on each other.

Why It’s Special

• Scorsese’s direction is fast, stylish, and unforgettable
• Joe Pesci won the Oscar for Best Supporting Actor — his Tommy is iconic
• The soundtrack — handpicked by Scorsese — perfectly matches each era (50s, 60s, 70s, 80s)
• Real stakes, real people — no glamour, just grit

Content Warning: This movie has strong violence, language, and drug use. It’s rated 18+ for a reason. Not for kids or sensitive viewers.

Summary: Your Saturday Movie Menu

James’ Top Pick: "If you’ve never seen Goodfellas, tonight’s the night. It’s cinema at its finest. But if you want heart and beauty — Out of Africa is pure magic."

FAQ: Your Questions Answered

1. Do I need to watch these in order?

Nope! Each movie stands completely on its own. Pick whatever matches your mood.

2. Are these movies suitable for kids?

• Out of Africa — PG (mild themes, fine for teens+)
• The Amazing Spider-Man — 12A (action violence, fine for 12+)
• The Devil Wears Prada — 12A (some language, themes, fine for teens)
• Goodfellas — 18+ (strong violence, language, drugs) — NOT for kids

3. What if two movies overlap?

Goodfellas (9:00 PM, RTÉ2) and The Devil Wears Prada (9:15 PM, TG4) start close together. Record one or use your TV’s catch-up/player service later.

4. Are these the original versions?

Yes — these are the theatrical cuts as shown in cinemas. No edits mentioned.

5. Who is James Finnegan?

He’s Tralee Today’s resident movie critic — our "movie guy" who picks the best films on TV each week. You can spot his photo at the top of the original article!

Final Thought

Saturday’s lineup is movie night gold. Whether you cry over Africa, cheer for Spidey, laugh at Miranda’s withering stares, or grip your seat during a mob hit — you’re in for a treat.

Which one will you watch first?

Originally curated by James Finnegan for Tralee Today. Happy viewing!