Today's most substantial also-ran (at time of picking films, when full programming was unavailable) is the Ang Lee/Eric Bana Hulk which makes up, with storytelling, for any special effects edge the Louis Leterrier/Ed Norton version might have. The self-employed or unemployed who like that kind of thing can look forward to an Abbot & Costello extended run on Movie City Classics on Thursday, starting with A & C in the Foreign Legion (3.35 pm) and featuring Bud & Lou meeting the Invisible Man, the Keystone Cops and Jekyll & Hyde while going to Venus.
Today's best film:Drive (Nicolas Winding Refn/ 2011/USA/Crime-Thriller-Drama/ 100 mins/Rated R for strong, brutal bloody violence, language and some nudity) 2.15 pm Movie City Action. Watch this if you liked No Country for Old Men, Non-Educated Delinquents or Fight Club. The action film that reminds the discerning viewer that there is a great deal of room for drama within the genre, Drive was nominated for Best Film, Best Director and Best Supporting Actress Baftas, the Palme D'Or and actually won Best Director at Cannes–and it shows why in every frame. Cinefiles already knew Ryan Gosling was a very strong actor from Blue Valentine and Lars and the Real Girl but this could well be the best role he might ever have. Playing to all of his strengths, and with a bad-ass score, too besides, Drive is a car flick that has reveals more awareness of human frailty than car stunts; a film that fans of Arnie Schwarznegger and Woody Allen might enjoy together over a bag of popcorn.
Also today:Rise of the Planet of the Apes (Rupert Wyatt/2011/ USA/Sci-fi-Action-Drama-Thriller/105 mins/ Rated PG-13 for intense and frightening sequences of action and violence) 11.25 am and 2.55 pm today Movie City Premieres. Watch this if you liked District 9, The Dark Knight or the original 1967 Planet of the Apes. Perhaps the best "Apes" film made so far, and certainly the best since the provocative Charlton Heston original, Rupert Wyatt's modern interpretation of the franchise combines the imagination and futuristic foreboding Franklin J Schaffner gave the first film with the spectacular CGI special effects that were the only saving grace of Tim Burton's misguided 2001 Marky Mark version. The combination of top-notch effects, immaculate performances–particularly from Andy Serkis as the conflicted primate–and a very strong script that could play to the Occupy crowd, Rise of the Planet of the Apes is a great escapist film that also manages to be genuinely thought-provoking. Not remake, but reinvention. A real treat.
Rest of the week:12 Angry Men (Sidney Lumet/ 1957/USA/Drama/96 mins/R), BEST FILM OF THE WEEK 9 pm Tuesday Movie City Classics. Watch this if you liked In the Heat of the Night, The Verdict or The Hours. Half-a-century on, this film has lost nothing of its strengths, surpassing the recent remake in every way. The story of the one man with an open mind on a jury who sticks to his guns is remarkable. Should be required viewing for anyone who enters Parliament anywhere in the world. For people with five O-levels lucky enough never to have seen it, this will be an unforgettable film.
Best of the rest: Mon: Hugo 6.50 pm MCP; Tues: Meet the Parents 3 6.20 pm MCF: Wed: The Talented Mr Ripley 4.10 pm MCP; Thurs: Shall We Dance 5.15 pm MCH; Fri: The Hustler 3.10 pm MCC; Sat: The Italian Job 7.15 pm MCC.
*Starred films have been chosen before. Scheduled Internet times often vary on the day.