Tom Cruise's most criminally overlooked performance is among the movies on TV tonight
The poor lamb did not even receive an Oscar nomination for his performance.
We have had a scout around for the best movies on TV tonight and there are a few bangers in there. Anyone that wants to stay up late can enjoy the beautiful combo of John Woo and Jean-Claude Van Damme at their peak(s). Among the seven selections is a movie that has one of the most underrated Tom Cruise performances in a motion picture.
The Godfather II - Film Four - 9pm
We had our very own Rory Cashin raving about the original when Film Four aired it, on Wednesday. Many would argue that the mafia sequel, starring Al Pacino, Robert De Niro, Robert Duvall and Diane Keaton, is even better. Michael Corleone (Pacino) is getting on in years and dealing with traitors within his own crew, and family.
Wyatt Earp - TCM - 9pm
An under-appreciated gem starring Kevin Costner as the legendary lawman who confronts a blood-thirsty gang at the OK Corral. This western also stars Dennis Quaid and Gene Hackman.
Diamonds Are Forever - ITV 4 - 9pm
James Bond (Sean Connery) delves into a diamond-smuggling operation and runs into his old enemy Blofeld, who is constructing a doomsday weapon powered by precious stones that he hopes to use to force world powers to succumb to his demands.
Rain Man - BBC Four - 10pm
"Rain Man" Oscar winners backstage (L to R): Mark Johnson, Best Picture, Dustin Hoffman, Best Actor, movie co-star Tom Cruise and Best Director Barry Levinson, at the 61st Annual Academy Awards Show, in 1989. (Photo by Getty Images/Bob Riha, Jr.)
Tom Cruise tour-de-force in Rain Man
Tom Cruise plays a brash, selfish car dealer called Charlie, who discovers that his father has left the family fortune to his autistic elder brother, Raymond (Dustin Hoffman). The brothers go on a cross-country trek and form a bond that never seemed likely.
Rain Man was nominated for eight Academy Awards and ended up with four Oscars, including ones for Best Picture, Director and Actor (for Hoffman). Cruise is at his very best here, holding the entire movie together and giving others ample opportunity to shine around him. He deserved at least a nomination and we would argue that he is better than Hoffman, who won the accolade.
Lone Survivor - ITV 4 - 11:30pm
Mark Wahlberg, Taylor Kitsch, Emile Hirsch and Ben Foster play four American soldiers who are sent to the mountains of Afghanistan to track down, and take out, a high priority terrorist leader.
Hard Target - TCM - 12:55am (Friday)
Jean-Claude Van Damme plays a merchant sailor who is hired by a woman searching for her missing father in New Orleans. A pure popcorn action flick (if that is your thing after midnight) with John Woo directing all the fun and games.
Whiskey Tango Foxtrot - Channel 4 - 2:20am (Friday)
Tina Fey plays a journalist that is sick of covering low-profile events and puts herself forward to report from the front line in Afghanistan. Loosely based on a true story, this comedy drama also stars Margot Robbie, Martin Freeman, Billy Bob Thornton and Alfred Molina.
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