A great night of telly for the dads.
Our pick of the movies on TV tonight will go down very well with those with a penchant for 90’s sci-fi blockbusters.
Yes, we’re talking about Independence Day, one of the biggest and most influential sci-fi flicks of all time, and once the second-highest-grossing film ever (although it’s not even in the top ten these days).
The 1996 movie stars an ensemble cast including Will Smith, Bill Pullman, Jeff Goldblum, Mary McDonnell and Judd Hirsch.
It focuses on a group of people who converge in the Nevada desert to fight back after an extra-terrestrial force attacks Earth.
Despite it’s middling reviews, Independence Day marked a new level for large-scale blockbusters and retains its importance almost thirty years after its release – definitely not one to miss tonight, where it plays on Film Four at 6.15pm.
If you miss it, you can also find Independence Day to stream on Disney+.
For all the other movies on TV tonight, have a look below:
London Has Fallen – Film Four – 9pm
Political action thriller and second instalment in the Has Fallen franchise, where Gerard Butler plays a secret service agent trying to save the US president (Aaron Ekhart) from terrorists.
Is is full of clichés? Yes. Does it have rampant xenophobia throughout? absolutely. But is it a great flick nonetheless? No, it is not, and 27% on Rotten Tomatoes says all you need to know.
Patriots Day – TG4 – 9.30pm
Based on the tragic events of the Boston Marathon bombings in 2013, this crime drama starring Mark Wahlberg is a decent choice tonight if Independence Day isn’t your thing.
Released in 2017, Patriots Day is a gripping thriller that remains solid throughout its runtime. Make it your choice of movies on TV tonight if you haven’t caught it before.
The Gunman – Legend – 10.50pm
Based on the cast alone, you would think there would be no way this film could be bad. I mean, we’re talking Sean Penn, Javier Bardem, Idris Elba, Mark Rylance and Ray Winstone – what could go wrong?
Apparently, everything. The 2015 film starring Penn as a mercenary being tracked down by a hit squad has been labelled “dull” and “uninspiring” and holds a dreadful 15% on Rotten Tomatoes. Miss.
Minority Report – Film Four – 10.55pm
A classic early-noughties sci-fi starring Tom Cruise and Colin Farrell in a futuristic world where the police force apprehend criminals for pre-crime (crime before it has even happened).
Based on Philip K Dick’s 1956 novel, the Spielberg thriller is one of the most beloved sci-fi flicks in recent decades.
Hellraiser III: Hell on Earth – Horror Xtra – 10.55pm
In the third instalment of the beloved horror film series, a journalist goes after a newly-released Pinhead intent on wreaking twisted havoc.
Silly and fun, it’s by no means considered the worst in the long-running franchise, but don’t expect it to be as much of a classic as the films that preceded it.
Apostasy – BBC Two – 11.15pm
2017 British drama about a Jehovah’s Witness forced to shun her own sister because of a religious transgression.
Starring Molly Wright, Sacha Parkinson and Siobhan Finneran, the flick received great reviews upon its release and has been praised for its exploration of themes like religion, community and family.
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