TV FILMS of the week
1 ALI
Tonight, BBC2, 10pm
Will Smith is currently being tipped for an Oscar for his performance as the father of Venus and Serena Williams in King Richard, but some fans think he should have a statuette in his trophy cabinet already for this sporting biopic. Directed by Michael Mann, it follows 10 years in the life of iconic boxer Muhammad Ali, from his 1964 bout with Sonny Liston (when he was still known as Cassius Clay to his 1974 ‘Rumble in the Jungle’ against George Foreman. Along the way, it takes in his conversion to Islam, friendship with Malcolm X and refusal to fight in the Vietnam War.
2 SHAKESPEARE IN LOVE
Tomorrow, BBC2, 11.15pm
This glorious romantic comedy collected seven Academy Awards. Gwyneth Paltrow, left, who was one of the winners, is on sparkling form as Viola, a woman who yearns to be an actor, but the conventions of the day dictate only men are allowed on stage. She meets Will Shakespeare (Joseph Fiennes) and they begin an affair, which he uses as the inspiration for his latest play.
3 COLETTE
Tuesday, BBC2, 11.15pm
In 20th century Paris, Sidonie-Gabrielle Colette (Keira Knightley, left) marries author Henry Gauthier-Villars (Dominic West), who operates under the pen name Willy. When he discovers Colette’s gift with words, he encourages his wife to document her formative years on the page – and takes credit for her first book. Colette becomes frustrated that only Willy profits from her toil.
4 FOUR WEDDINGS AND A FUNERAL
Wednesday, Film4, 11.35pm
A clumsy English fop (Hugh Grant) seems destined to always be the best man at weddings and never get married himself. However, he finally finds the stirrings of true romance after a one-night stand with a beautiful American (Andie MacDowell pictured with Grant). After going their separate ways, he realises he wants to be with her – but fate seems to intervene at every turn.
5 BLACK AND BLUE
Thursday, Film4, 9pm
After serving in Afghanistan, Alicia (Naomie Harris, left) returns to New Orleans to take a job as a police officer. She witnesses three fellow officers killing a trio of unarmed drug dealers. When the corrupt cops realise she recorded the crime on her bodycam, they give chase... The mix of action thriller and social commentary is occasionally uneasy, but Harris holds it all together.
6 LADY BIRD
Friday, BBC3, 9.15pm
Although Lady Bird isn’t strictly autobiographical, Greta Gerwig draws on fond memories of her Californian hometown for a beautifully observed study of mother-daughter relationships and youthful exuberance in turn of the 21st century Sacramento. Oscar nominees Saoirse Ronan, left, and Laurie Metcalf are delightful as the spunky title character and her hard-working mother.
7 PITCH PERFECT
Saturday, ITV2, 9pm
Glee meets Bring It On in this comedy. Beca (Anna Kendrick, left) arrives at Barden College convinced that getting an education will only delay her dreams of becoming a music producer. She signs up with female a cappella group, The Bellas, and thinks the group needs to update its repertoire. However, while she finds an ally in fellow new girl Fat Amy (Rebel Wilson), tensions soon emerge.