TV FILMS OF THE WEEK

1

THE POST

Tonight, Channel 4, 9.15pm

STEVEN SPIELBERG directs this dramatisation of the 1971 legal showdown between US President Richard Nixon and the free press. In 1966 Vietnam, military analyst Daniel Ellsberg (Matthew Rhys) witnesses the loss of US troops and reports his concerns to Secretary of Defence Robert McNamara (Bruce Greenwood). Ellsberg photocopies classified reports and leaks pages to The New York Times. Ben Bradlee (Tom Hanks), executive editor of The Washington Post, encourages one journalist to chase down the report, leaving publisher Katharine Graham (Meryl Streep) to decide whether or not to pursue the uncomfortable truth.

2

STAR TREK INTO DARKNESS Tomorrow, Film4, 9pm

JJ ABRAMS’ second outing as director for the science fiction franchise sees Captain Kirk (Chris Pine) stripped of command of the Enterprise while Spock (Zachary Quinto, pictured with Pine) is transferred following an incident on a far-off world. The two are reunited when ordered to track and kill a renegade Starfleet operative called John Harrison (Benedict Cumberbatch).

3

THE HUNGER GAMES Monday, 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.

4

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.

5

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 (pictured) 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.

6

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.

7

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.