Small screen movies: The Godfather Part II | Marathon Man | Genevieve

Today and Thursday, Film4, 9pm

As every pub bore will tell you, this is one of the few movie sequels to equal, if not surpass, the quality of its predecessor (the others being Aliens and Breakdance 2: Electric Boogaloo). Helmed once again by director Francis Ford Coppola, it continues the saga of the Corleone clan, now led by Michael (Al Pacino) following the death of his father Don Vito. We learn more about Vito's ruthless rise in flashbacks starring an Oscar-winning Robert De Niro.

Also showing

MARATHON MAN * * * * *

Tomorrow, Film4, 10:50pm

"Is it safe?" Ageing Nazi dentist Laurence Olivier tortures innocent New York jogger Dustin Hoffman in this inescapably tense 1970s thriller.

GENEVIEVE * * * *

Film4, Wednesday, 3:10pm

Quintessentially British comedy about two couples at loggerheads during a London to Brighton vintage car race. Kenneth More leads a cast full of familiar faces, while Larry Adler supplies the unforgettable harmonica score.

JARHEAD * * *

Thursday, ITV4, 11pm

Absorbing Gulf war drama based on the memoirs of a US marine. Jake Gyllenhaal impresses as an introspective soldier going through arduous boot camp training.

This article was first published in The Scotsman Magazine on 06 February 2010

Small screen movies: The Godfather Part II | Marathon Man | Genevieve | Jarhead