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| Don't Look Back |
If anything, DA Pennebaker's fly-on-the-wall documentary of Bob Dylan’s 1965 tour of Britain has only gained in stature in the decades since, now offering not just a consideration of Dylan but a time capsule of the Swinging Sixties and all they brought with them. Fans of Dylan will love this close-proximity snapshot of the musician, who is captured in everything from backroom chat and music to press conferences, while students of history in general will love the way it illuminates the spirit of the times. The documentary style was groundbreaking at the time and Pennebaker has also said his style was evolving at the time as he began to avoid the urge to tie things up neatly, saying he was "careful about taking anything to its inevitable end". Read our full review.
Pokemon Detective Pikachu, Amazon Prime
They once had the slogan: "You gotta catch them all!" - and you certainly shouldn't miss this one. Enjoyably reminiscent of the likes of Who Framed Roger Rabbit? and Zootropolis, it sees the estranged son of a detective forced to team up with his dead dad's Pikachu to find out the truth of what has happened. Cue fun with the usual detective tropes and some added laughs courtesy of the humans' various Pokemon partners, not least a Psyduck, whose head threatens to explode every time it gets stressed - we've all been there. The film hits that sweet spot of having plenty of parent appeal - Ryan Reynolds riffing as cuddly Pikachu, like a PG-rated Deadpool, nicely worked gags playing on the detective stuff, plus lots for kids and nostalgia fans who will know before it is 'revealed' in the film what each of the Pokemon's special powers are. The story is occasionally a bit on the scrappy side but there's plenty of humour and action to keep it on the rails. Read our full review
Blade Runner 2049, 9pm, Thursday May 27, 9pm
It's not easy taking on a sequel to any film - let alone one that has since become a cult classic but Denis Villeneuve knows no fear when it comes to a project, as evidenced by the fact that his next film is Dune. His confidence certainly pays of here, as he brings back Harrison Ford's crumpled cop Rick Deckard and pairs him with younger replicant K (Ryan Gosling), who is hunting renegade "skin jobs". Hinging on these two performances, the film unfolds cryptically and with an emphasis on the philosophical questions of what makes us human even as the action scenes deliver a punch. While Roger Deakins' incredible cinematography is best appreciated on the big screen, this is still an intelligent telly treat. Read what co-writer Hampton Fancher told us about the film and our full review.
Jaws, 9pm, Wednesday, May 27, ITV4
Sometimes stories built on simple ideas - in this case a deadly shark terrorising a seaside town - are the best. Forget sharks that arrive on tornados, tunnel through sand or ski over mountains - what you really want to know is, is it safe to go back in the water? Yes, the animatronic shark here may show signs of age, but Steven Spielberg's film is still a masterclass of tension underpinned by John Williams' iconic score and given its staying power by its well drawn trio of central characters, played with intensity by Richard Dreyfuss, Roy Scheider and Matt Hooper. Completists can catch the nowhere near as good but watchable sequel at the same time, same channel the following night. Read our full review.
Airplane!, 9pm, Saturday, May 29, ITV4
There's something infinitely rewatchable about Jim Abrahams and David Zucker's joke-packed parody of a disaster movie and even if you've seen it multiple times before the gags only gather momentum on rewatching, with anticipation of the silliness adding to the fun. Leslie Nielsen always knew how to pitch a sight gag perfectly and Lloyd Bridges, though better known for his more serious roles, deadpans along with aplomb. I know you're thinking, it's 40 years old and I've seen it 40 times, surely you can't be serious? Yes, yes I am... and don't call me Shirley. Read our full review.
Frozen, BBC iPlayer until Sunday, May 23
This thoroughly modern princess movie might lead to your youngsters subjecting you to renditions of Let It Go for weeks but it's hard to beat as a family film. All the classic elements are here, including a sisterly bond that refused to be broken by exile, some beautifully animated action sequences and the inevitable quirky sidekick - in this case a snowman who dreams of summer. It's been made with a love of the Disney back catalogue but with an eye to more modern ideas about relationships. Read our full review.
Cold In July, BBC iPlayer until June 7
Jim Mickle's psychological thriller keeps you guessing as a family man's life starts to unravel after he kills a home intruder in the night. Michael C Hall - gamely taking on both the role and an Eighties mullet - is perfectly cast as a dad who suddenly finds himself in deep, with acting grace notes provided by Sam Shepard and Don Johnson as the two men he has to team up with after they stumble on a horrific conspiracy. Read our full review.
Our short selection has appeared in our Stay-At-Home Seven before but we can't recommend Don't Look Back without giving DA Pennebaker's infinitely rewatchable and atmospheric Daybreak Express another mention. This, his first film, turns a New York subway commute into a jazz-inflected oddysey.
