THE WEEK’S BEST FILMS

SATURDAY

Ant-Man (2015) (BBC1, 7.50pm)

Cat burglar Scott Lang (Paul Rudd) is released from San Quentin jail and, desperate to pay child support, agrees to a lucrative heist set up by his former cellmate (Michael Pena). Unfortunately the robbery lands Scott in a police cell. Inventor Hank Pym (Michael Douglas) offers Scott a way out if he agrees to don a superhero outfit, which shrinks the wearer at the touch of a button. Aided by Hank’s feisty daughter (Evangeline Lilly), Scott masters the suit and learns to mind-control four species of ants. Ant-Man is a boisterous action adventure, anchored by a winning performance of charm and chutzpah from Rudd.

Philomena (2013) (BBC2, 9pm)

Jane Lee (Anna Maxwell Martin) discovers her mother Philomena (Dame Judi Dench) fell pregnant as a teenager in 1952 Ireland and was forced to give up the baby to the nuns at Roscrea Abbey. Jane pitches the story to former Labour adviser turned journalist Martin Sixsmith (Steve Coogan), who initially scoffs at the suggestion he should write an article about the matriarch and her heartbreaking ordeal. After a reality check from his wife Kate, Martin agrees to help Philomena track down her boy. The tender and unexpectedly touching relationship that forms between these two characters from different generations and backgrounds provides Stephen Frears’ uplifting film with its emotional thrust, as the search for answers moves between continents.

SUNDAY Cinderella (2015) (BBC1, 2.25pm)

Slavishly adapted from Disney’s classic 1950 animated musical, Kenneth Branagh’s live-action version of the fairytale romance doesn’t skimp on the magic. Ella (Lily James) is consigned to the kitchen by her vindictive stepmother Lady Tremaine (Cate Blanchett) and brattish stepsisters Anastasia and Drizella. Emboldened by the dying words of her mother – “Have courage and be kind” – Ella tries to rise above the bullying. When the name-calling becomes too much, she escapes and catches the eye of the dashing Prince, who must pick a bride at the behest of the dying King. So the Prince throws a lavish ball where Ella makes her grand entrance then disappears as the clock chimes midnight.

ET: The Extra-Terrestrial (1982) (C5, 2.45pm)

The childhoods of an entire generation were moulded by three simple words: “ET phone home”. The memories (and the tears) come flooding back from the opening frames of Steven Spielberg’s masterpiece. More than 35 years after its release, ET has lost none of its power to entertain and enchant. If cinematic aliens land on Earth now, they tend to be huge, snarling beasties intent on domination, not some sweet creature capable of loving a human child, played to perfection by Henry Thomas. For that reason alone we should keep this timeless classic close to our hearts. But more than that, ET reminds us of the power of cinema to transport us from the monotony of everyday life.

MONDAY Absolutely Fabulous: The Movie (2016) (BBC1, 9pm)

Life is tough for PR doyenne Edina Monsoon