TV FILMS OF THE WEEK

THE BEST EXOTIC MARIGOLD HOTEL

Sunday, 5 Star, 9pm

In difficult times, we need films that lift the spirits. A fabulous cast led by Judi Dench and Bill Nighy play the seven senior Brits who travel to India not just in search of cheap retirement accommodation but love and friendship too.

INCEPTION

Monday, ITV4, 9pm

For those who found Christopher Nolan’s Tenet too brain-scrambling, this earlier offering might be the answer. Leonardo DiCaprio plays a thief, but Cobb is no ordinary thief – he steals secrets from the minds of dreaming business executives. Ah, but what if instead of stealing something he planted an idea…

WHAT LIES BENEATH

Tuesday, 5 Star, 10.35pm

A year after a bad accident, concert cellist Claire appears to be losing her grip on reality, hearing noises in her lakeside home and seeing visions of a young woman’s face. What’s going on? Michelle Pfeiffer and Harrison Ford as her husband keep us guessing.

THE ADVENTURES OF TINTIN: THE SECRET OF THE UNICORN

Wednesday, Film 4,6.50pm

Steven Spielberg’s take on Hergé’s much-loved young adventurer.

The motion-capture animation is stunning, with Jamie Bell lending both voice and movement to Tintin (above), while Andy Serkis does the same for whisky-swigging

Captain Haddock.

ON THE TOWN

Thursday, BBC 4,8pm

Three sailors begin 24 hours’ shore leave in New York, hoping for the sights, the nightlife and, of course, women. One of the great all-singing, all-dancing, all-American musicals, with Gene Kelly and Frank Sinatra (left) sharing top billing with the city, ‘a wonderful town’ indeed.

CASINO ROYALE

Friday, ITV4, 9pm

Daniel Craig’s first outing as James Bond and one that takes us back to the very beginnings of 007’s story. With his double-O status freshly acquired, Bond is dispatched on his first mission – a game of poker in Montenegro with the ruthless terrorist financier Le Chiffre.

Mads Mikkelsen and a fabulous Eva Green co-star.