TV FILMS of the week

1

BRAVE

Today, BBC1, 3.10pm

This computer-animated fable of female empowerment maintains the high standards expected of a Disney Pixar film. Brave strikes a perfect balance between laughter and tears, conjuring excitement and heart-warming sentiment out of the ether as plucky clansman’s daughter Merida (Kelly Macdonald) defies her parents’ wishes to plough her own path. Merida’s fiery flowing locks deserve an Academy Award on their own, such is the exquisite detail of every animated fibre. That’s before your eyes are wooed by sweeping landscapes, action-packed chases and colourful supporting characters.

2

THE UNTOUCHABLES Tomorrow, ITV4, 10.15pm

A young Kevin Costner made the jump from B-movie wannabe to A-list star with this thriller. He plays Elliot Ness, the FBI agent fighting crime and police corruption in an effort to throw gangster Al Capone (Robert De Niro) in the clink. A magnificent supporting cast includes Sean Connery and Andy Garcia, left with Costner.

3

THE GREATEST SHOWMAN Tuesday, Film4, 7pm

The ultimate singalong musical movie, Hugh Jackman shines as he steps into the shoes of PT Barnum, a natural-born performer who brings a group of marvellous misfits together to form a show-stopping circus troupe. Michelle Williams, Zac Efron and Zendaya complete the A-list line-up bringing this spectacle and all its anthems to life.

4

WILD ROSE

Wednesday, Film4, 9pm

Jessie Buckley, left, shines in this enthralling British music-drama as a troubled 23-year-old Glaswegian single mum fresh out of jail, who is driven by her dream of becoming a country music star in Nashville. Julie Walters plays her purselipped mother who fears her daughter will abandon the kids again to chase her dreams.

5

JACK REACHER: NEVER GO BACK Thursday, Film 4, 9pm

In this high-octane action sequel, Tom Cruise, left. reprises his role as the one-man army made famous in Lee Child’s best-selling books. This time, the former military ace goes on the run with an army major (Cobie Smulders) framed for espionage. The film simmers pleasantly thanks to the on-screen chemistry between the leads.

6

THE GRADUATE Friday, BBC1, 11.35pm

Benjamin Braddock (Dustin Hoffman) has graduated from college and is back at his parents’ home for the summer. He wants to get into bed with sexy neighbour Mrs Robinson (Anne Bancroft, pictured with Hoffman), but it soon becomes clear that her daughter Elaine (Katharine Ross) holds the key to his heart.

7

DETROIT

Saturday, BBC2, 11.15pm

Kathryn Bigelow’s slow-burning fact-based drama relives one tragic night during Detroit’s summer of civil unrest in 1967 that resulted in the deaths of three black teenagers at the Algiers Motel. Detroit builds to a protracted sequence of gut-wrenching terror. The ensemble cast includes John Boyega (left), Will Poulter and Algee Smith.