FILM PICKS

SUNDAY

Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade (1989) (Film4, 6.25pm)

In what was once believed to be the third and final instalment in the franchise, legendary adventurer Indiana Jones (Harrison Ford) goes in search of his father (a perfectly cast Sean Connery), who has been captured by the Nazis. At the same time, he’s asked to help locate what could be the final resting place of the fabled Holy Grail – a subject which has obsessed Dr Jones Snr all his life. It’s not long before Indy realises both his quests are linked. Steven Spielberg had some making up to do after the lacklustre second film and he more than manages it with this cracking yarn.

MONDAY

Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom (2018) (STV, 3pm)

Mount Sibo, the volcano which towers over Isla Nublar, growls with molten fury. Benjamin Lockwood (James Cromwell), former business associate of John Hammond, implores Jurassic World’s manager Claire Dearing (Bryce Dallas Howard) to oversee a daring rescue mission. She persuades old flame Owen Grady (Chris Pratt) to return to paradise to transplant the stricken wildlife to a new home, aided by her Dinosaur Protection Group colleagues Zia (Daniella Pineda) and Franklin (Justice Smith). However, there are dark forces working against the rescuers, including duplicitous Dr Henry Wu (BD Wong).

TUESDAY

Words on Bathroom Walls (2020) (BBC3, 9pm)

Based on the young adult novel by Julia Walton, Words on Bathroom Walls strikes a pleasing balance between honouring and subverting the conventions of a coming-of-age story. Director Thor Freudenthal’s moving drama is a call to arms for compassion and understanding for those who are suffering in isolation. Screenwriter Nick Naveda addresses the lead character’s schizophrenia with sensitivity and wry humour, employing visual cues as a cinematic shorthand for a complex and potentially frightening condition. Charlie Plummer deftly navigates the inner turmoil and mood swings of his alienated 17-year-old who struggles to hide his recent diagnosis when he falls for a classmate.

WEDNESDAY

The Quiet Man (1952) (Film4, 3.45pm)

John Ford’s romantic drama is an emotional and humorous look at an Irish American (John Wayne), who goes back to his native Ireland to live a peaceful life – but it’s turned upside down when he falls in love with a red-haired woman (Maureen O’Hara). It is the most personal film that Ford ever made – and most certainly one of his finest. John Wayne’s performance demonstrates his versatility and gives fans a refreshing glimpse of his work outside of Westerns. Although a low-budget film, the sensational Irish scenery, as well as the magical chemistry between Wayne and O’Hara, make The Quiet Man a classic.