Movies

Need a weekend watch? Here’s 5 great movies on TV – including a “pulsating” thriller

BBG News

The weekend is here, which means it’s time to sit back and enjoy what TV has to offer.

It’s fortunate that we have a variety of excellent films airing on BBC, ITV, and Channel 4 right now, ranging from a heart-racing Tom Hanks thriller to one of Daniel Craig’s top James Bond performances.

Here, Digital Spy has rounded-up five of the best.

What to Read Next

Skyfall

As a devoted fan, I found Daniel Craig’s third James Bond adventure, “Skyfall,” to be a refreshing return to the traditional Bond style following “Quantum of Solace.” The storyline follows 007 as he squares off against the formidable villain Raoul Silva, portrayed brilliantly by Javier Bardem, who has vowed to take down M, played by the incomparable Judi Dench.

Under the guidance of Sam Mendes, the action-packed movie Skyfall traverses various places, ranging from Shanghai to Scotland. It uniquely explores the background of the secret agent, culminating in a grand conclusion.

As a devoted Bond fan, I’m thrilled to share that the movie in question ranks second among Craig’s Bond outings on Rotten Tomatoes and fifth overall. It’s a remarkable milestone, marking not only Daniel Craig’s return but also introducing us to Ben Whishaw as Q, Naomie Harris as Moneypenny, and Ralph Fiennes as Gareth Mallory for the first time in the Bond franchise.

Airing Saturday on ITV1 at 9pm. Available on ITVX afterwards.

Captain Phillips

In 2013, this film recounts a real-life event involving the ship’s captain, our protagonist, and his fellow sailors, who were seized by a gang of Somali pirates.

In this rephrased version, Tom Hanks plays the character of Richard Phillips, while Barkhad Abdi earned a BAFTA award and was nominated for an Oscar in the category of best actor for his portrayal of the main pirate Abduwali Muse.

The Hollywood Reporter characterized the film as a “throbbing narrative” of the storyline, while The Observer highlighted its “striking action elements and nail-bitingly tense, heart-wrenching atmosphere.” Notably, the movie has an impressive 93% fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes.

Airing Saturday on BBC One at 10.35pm. Available on BBC iPlayer afterwards.

Pan’s Labyrinth

Guillermo del Toro’s 2006 work, a remarkable blend of fantasy and reality, follows 10-year-old Ofelia as she adjusts to life under her cruel stepfather during the rule of the Francoist regime in Spain.

In that location, Ofelia encounters several mystical beings – among them a faun who leads her on various missions, convinced that she is the reborn version of a legendary queen from folklore.

As a devoted cinema enthusiast, I can’t help but express my excitement over this film that’s been captivating audiences everywhere. With an outstanding 95% fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes, it’s hard to ignore the buzz surrounding it. The Associated Press has even dubbed it a “terrifying yet visually mesmerizing fairy tale for mature viewers,” skillfully blending fantasy and somber drama into a cinematic experience that feels like magic – one I believe is among the most enchanting films to emerge in recent years.

Airing Sunday morning on BBC Two at 1.10am. Available on BBC iPlayer afterwards.

Copshop

In the action-packed film titled “Copshop,” we find ourselves following a cunning trickster who is being pursued by an assassin. Desperate for safety, this trickster hatches a plan to be detained within the local precinct of a quiet town.

Things start to spin out of control for me when the hitman somehow sneaks his way into the detention center, adding another layer of complexity to the situation. To make matters worse, a rival assassin shows up, causing even more chaos.

In our review, Digital Spy notes that the 2021 Joe Carnahan movie effectively captures the desired tone most fans would expect, and even when it falls short, it still manages to satisfy them. Notably, the film has received a high approval rating of 83% on Rotten Tomatoes.

Airing Saturday on Channel 4 at 11.20pm. Available on Channel 4 afterwards.

Thirteen Lives

Introduced in 2022, this movie based on real events is a dramatic portrayal of the thrilling 2018 Thai cave rescue that made international news when twelve boys and their coach became stranded in a cave for an extended period of sixteen days.

The film starring Viggo Mortensen, Colin Farrell, and Joel Edgerton garnered praise upon its release, with the Austin Chronicle describing it as a moving portrayal of unity leading to hope.

According to Entertainment Weekly, the movie-making process appears more systematic than inspiring, yet it’s uniquely free from overly sweet or emotional elements. This is an extraordinary tale based on real events, presented in a straightforward and truthful manner.

Airing Sunday on BBC Two at 10pm. Available on BBC iPlayer afterwards.

The latest print edition of Digital Spy is out now! Grab your copy of “Oasis – Live in ’25” at your local newsstands or online, available for only £8.99.

Read More

2025-07-26 09:19

Previous post AFL star Jacob Weitering surprises teammates with shock baby announcement with wife Isabel
Next post Lawmakers vs Bank Bosses: The Great Tesla Supplier Saga 😂