7 TV FILMS OF THE WEEK
1
STAR TREK INTO DARKNESS
Tonight, Film4, 9pm
JJ ABRAMS’ follow-up to his 2009 Star Trek reboot boasts more action and some genuinely heartfelt scenes. Following a terrorist attack on London by a desperate father, whose sick child is cured by a stranger, Kirk (Chris Pine) and Spock (Zachary Quinto) head off to find the lethal John Harrison (Benedict Cumberbatch). They are assisted by Carol Marcus (Alice Eve), daughter of a Starfleet officer who wants Harrison dead. Scotty (Simon Pegg) resigns over the fact the Enterprise has been turned into a warship, but as things take a dark turn, his help proves invaluable.
2
THE HUNGER GAMES
Tomorrow, 5 STAR, 9pm
POST-APOCALYPTIC drama. Every year, a boy and girl are selected by lottery from each of the autocratic nation of Panem’s 12 districts, to take part in a televised fight to the death. Katniss Everdeen (Jennifer Lawrence, pictured) and Peeta Mellark (Josh Hutcherson) represent District 12 and their alcohol-sodden mentor (Woody Harrelson) prepares the youngsters for competition.
3
SPACE COWBOYS
Tuesday, ITV4, 10.30pm
DR FRANK CORVIN (Clint Eastwood, pictured) harbours a grudge against Nasa head honcho Bob Gerson (James Cromwell) who, during the 1950s, replaced him in the first space flights with a chimp. Four decades later, Gerson needs Frank’s help to retrieve a Russian satellite containing a computer system that he designed. Frank agrees to help – but only if he and his original crew can man the shuttle.
4
WARCRAFT
Wednesday, Film4, 6.40pm
THE film version of online video game World of Warcraft sees defenders of a kingdom face off against an invading horde from a dying world. Travis Fimmel, Paula Patton and Toby Kebbell lend a much-needed depth to their roles, while the producers were hoping this would be the first in a series of blockbusters. Sadly the beginning was also the end for this saga.
5
THE FISHER KING
Thursday, Sony Movies Classic, 11.05pm HEARTWARMING tale of redemption centring on Jack Lucas (Jeff Bridges), a superstar talk radio DJ. After advising an unhinged fan to wipe out a yuppie watering hole, Jack is shocked when the madman obliges. Following months of regret, the suicidal Lucas is saved from a gang of thugs by tramp Parry (Robin Williams, pictured). The two men’s fates are intertwined, leading Jack to try and make amends.
6
POLTERGEIST
Friday, BBC1, 10.45pm
A YOUNG family are initially bemused by the antics of unseen spirits in their new home, but when the spectral invaders turn evil, they face a battle to save themselves from a grisly end. Solid performances – most notably from tragic young star Heather O’Rourke (pictured) – make this one of the most influential horror movies ever made. JoBeth Williams and Craig T Nelson also star.
7
MURDER ON THE ORIENT EXPRESS
Saturday, Channel4, 9pm
REIMAGINING of the Agatha Christie novel. Hercule Poirot (Sir Kenneth Branagh, right) travels to London on the Orient Express. The Belgian takes a cabin next to gangster Samuel Ratchett (Johnny Depp), but as the train chugs along, a killer strikes. Suspects include governess Mary Debenham (Daisy Ridley), widow Caroline Hubbard (Michelle Pfeiffer), and missionary Pilar Estravados (Penelope Cruz).