“From Marvels to Rebel Dykes: Here are the top seven movies to catch on TV this week.”
Pick of the week
The Marvels
We are currently in the middle of Phase Five of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, and Nia DaCosta’s light-hearted addition to the series brings back Brie Larson as Captain Marvel/Carol Danvers. In this installment, the issue of Carol having an abundance of superpowers is resolved when she swaps abilities with Monica Rambeau (played by Teyonah Parris) from WandaVision and Kamala Khan, also known as Ms Marvel (played by Iman Vellani). Zawe Ashton brings sophistication to the role of the villain, Dar-Benn, who can split through space. And as always, Samuel L Jackson’s Nick Fury delivers witty one-liners.
Wednesday 4 February, Disney+
Ant-Man
Returning the humor to the Avengers comic-book series, Paul Rudd’s character as the tiny hero brings a touch of reality to the fantastical world. In the 2015 film directed by Peyton Reed, Rudd’s character, Scott Lang, a former criminal and neglectful father, discovers a suit that can shrink him to the size of an insect, which was created by scientist Dr. Hank Pym (played by Michael Douglas). While Scott’s small size is often used for comedic effect, there is enough fast-paced action to satisfy most viewers as he works with Pym and his daughter Hope (played by Evangeline Lilly) to retrieve another suit that is in danger of falling into the wrong hands of terrorists.
On Sunday, February 4th at 3:45pm, tune into BBC One.
A person from the United States residing in Paris.
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Vincente Minnelli’s 1951 MGM musical is considered one of the greatest films, featuring a 17-minute dance sequence that rivals the iconic one from The Red Shoes in visual and dramatic creativity. Gene Kelly is both the choreographer and the lead, playing a struggling artist who falls for Leslie Caron’s character Lise, despite her existing relationship with famous singer Henri (Georges Guétary). The movie also adds a touch of romantic exoticism, particularly for American viewers, with its setting in Paris. The classical-jazz soundtrack by George Gershwin, featuring popular songs like “I Got Rhythm” and “‘S Wonderful,” remains timeless.
On Sunday, February 4 at 8pm, tune in to Sky Arts.
Rebel Dykes
A groundbreaking film that explores a community of marginalized lesbians in 1980s London who embodied the values of the Greenham Common peace protests by inhabiting the abandoned buildings and hidden areas of the city. The directors, Harri Shanahan and Siân A Williams, shed light on this often overlooked group of activists, many of whom were also involved in the infamous S&M club night, Chain Reaction. Through their stories, we are transported back to a time of homophobia, the Aids epidemic, and discriminatory laws, but also a time of vibrant celebration, camaraderie, and empowering resistance. This documentary serves as an inspiring lesson in history.
On Tuesday, February 6th at 2:20am, tune in to Channel 4.
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Atonement
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Ian McEwan’s brilliant novel of mistakes and consequences has been moulded into an assured, mature drama of devastating emotional impact. Written by Christopher Hampton and directed by Joe Wright, it traces the consequences of a misguided decision in 1935 by 13-year-old upper-class girl Briony (Saoirse Ronan) that destroys the lives of her elder sister Cecilia (Keira Knightley) and the housekeeper’s son Robbie (James McAvoy). Tragic and exhilarating.
On Wednesday 7 February at 10:40pm, BBC One will be airing.
Shame
The release of Steve McQueen’s latest film, Occupied City (a must-see), is a great opportunity to go back and watch two of his previous works. The Irish political prison story Hunger will be shown at 1:55am, preceded by another powerful performance by Michael Fassbender in the raw and intense 2011 drama. Fassbender portrays Brandon, a successful New Yorker with a seemingly flawless but emotionless life, whose addiction to sex threatens to consume him. When his singer sister Sissy (played by Carey Mulligan) arrives, the more passionate and uncontrolled sibling, he struggles to suppress repressed feelings that could be destructive.
On Wednesday, February 7th at 11:50pm, tune in to Film4.
Benjamin
Simon Amstell’s follow-up to his futuristic vegan mockumentary Carnage is a more conventional affair. A witty relationship drama with a self-deprecating but politely direct lead character who could be an avatar for Amstell himself, it follows Benjamin (an engagingly vulnerable Colin Morgan), a film-maker working through the ambivalent response to his latest, semi-autobiographical feature. Then he meets music student Noah (Phénix Brossard), and their stop-start romance provides the meat of an appealing if meandering story of awkward feelings.
On Friday February 9th at 2am, the movie channel Film4 will be airing.
Source: theguardian.com
