DAVID COPPERFIELD (1935)
Monday, 10 p.m., TCM
A fantastic golden oldie version of the Charles Dickens classic about a boy’s (Freddie Bartholomew) harsh life and his ability to overcome all the adversity thrown his way. The all-star cast includes W.C. Fields, who replaced Charles Laughton when he was canned after two days’ work. One of four movies made from Dickens’ tales that year.
X-2: X-Men United (2003)
Monday, 8 p.m., FX
There’s a mutant in the White House (oh stop it!), and he’s trying to assassinate the president. The attempt causes the government to reinstate discriminatory laws against mutants – so they must band together to fight for survival. The cast includes Hugh Jackman, Ian McKellen, Halle Berry, Anna Paquin and Rebecca Romjin. With mutants like this, who needs humans?
BECKET (1964)
Tuesday, 10:15 p.m., TCM
When the Bishop of Canterbury dies, King Henry II (Peter O’Toole) has the great idea of naming his pal in wine, wenching and song, Thomas Becket (Richard Burton), as successor. Problem is, Becket takes the appointment seriously, causing the king even more problems with the church than he had before! This is a big screen spectacle that’s nonetheless intellectually thrilling.
CINDERELLA MAN (2005)
Friday, 8 p.m., TNT
More than a few notches above the regular sports bio, this is the story of heavyweight boxer Jim Braddock (Russell Crowe), who became a champion of the people during the Depression. The harshness of the era is the real star here, but Crowe and Renee Zellweger as the struggling couple for whom family was all come in a very close second.
THELMA & LOUISE (1991)
Friday, 10 p.m., TV Land
Gal pals Susan Sarandon and Geena Davis hit the road for a little fishing trip to escape their abusive and boring hubbies. All goes well until Louise shoots a would-be rapist and the road trip goes from fun to furious. Along the way they are chased by cops but still manage a sleepover for Thelma with drifter Brad Pitt. Oh mama!