TV FILMS of the week
1
AD ASTRA Tonight, Channel 4, 9pm
Astronaut Major Roy McBride (Brad
Pitt) hopes to further mankind’s knowledge of the universe as part of a team on the International Space Antenna, in this sci-fi thriller. When a series of devastating electrical storms, christened The Surge, results in more than 43,000 deaths, scientists at SpaceCom trace the source of The Surge to Neptune, close to the last known location of Roy’s father Clifford McBride (Tommy Lee Jones), who disappeared almost 30 years ago. Roy travels to Neptune to deduce if Clifford is alive and releasing anti-matter to create the electrical storms.
2
THE RAILWAY CHILDREN, Tomorrow, BBC2, 1.50pm
With a sequel hitting cinemas this weekend, relive the original adventure as Gary Warren, Sally Thomsett and Jenny Agutter (left) star as three youngsters forced to leave their home in London when their father is accused of being a spy. Initially horrified by their bleak new life in Yorkshire, the move opens up an exciting new world for them.
3
FAST GIRLS Monday, BBC2, 11.15pm
Likeable tale of sporting ambition against the odds. Shania (Lenora Crichlow, left) lives on a London council estate and trains for the 200m. Shania beats fast-rising Lisa (Lily James) to book a spot at the World Championships, then develops a crush on physio Carl (Bradley James), who is also the object of Lisa’s affections.
4
MAGIC MIKE Tuesday, BBC1, 11.25pm
Adam (Alex Pettyfer) lives in Tampa Bay and lands a construction job with nice guy Mike (Channing Tatum, left). When Adam is sacked on his first day on the job, Mike introduces him to the local male nude revue bar where he is the star turn. Adam performs and becomes a firm favourite of the female clientele. But adulation comes at a price
5
THE CONJURING 2 Wednesday, BBC3, 10pm
In 1976, Ed and Lorraine Warren (Patrick Wilson, Vera Farmiga, left) travel to Enfield, England, to interview terrified single mother Peggy Hodgson (Frances O’Connor) and her four children. They soon learn youngest daughter Janet (Madison Wolfe) exhibits signs of demonic possession in this stylish supernatural horror sequel.
6
NOW, VOYAGER Thursday, BBC4, 8.45pm
Settle in for a classic weepie. Dowdy Charlotte (Bette Davis) is helped by kindly psychiatrist Dr Jaquith (Claude Rains), to regain her confidence. With a new, more stylish look, she embarks on a cruise where she finds herself falling for fellow passenger Jerry (Paul Henreid, pictured with Davis), who has a wife back on dry land.
7
ROBOCOP Friday, ITV4, 9pm
Cult sci-fi thriller set in the near future. The Omni Consumer Products corporation takes over the Detroit PD, with a plan to unleash robot officers. A prototype isn’t up to the job, but when human officer Alex Murphy (Peter Weller) is killed in the line of duty, he’s rebuilt as a cyborg. Memories remain, so he tries to track down his killers.