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Paul Howlett's TV film picks: Lions for Lambs | Breaking Away | The Phantom of the Opera

Lions for Lambs (Robert Redford, 2007) 5.55pm, Sky Movies Premiere A bungled mission against the Taliban is the focal point of Redford's drama about the ill-advised US incursions into Iraq and Afghanistan. But the film becomes essentially an extended, rather dull debate - led by ambitious senator Tom Cruise, veteran journo Meryl Streep, and activist prof Redford. A well-meaning, but flawed drama. Breaking Away (Peter Yates, 1979) 6pm, Sky Movies Drama Heartwarming coming-of-age comedy about Bloomington, Indiana youth Dave (Dennis Christopher), who worships the Cinzano cycling team and by extension, all things Italian - as Dad Paul Dooley says, "Stop calling me Papa!" Dave and fellow blue-collar pals Dennis Quaid, Daniel Stern and Jackie Earle Haley, are out to beat the town toffs in the upcoming cycle race: but there are hazards ahead. The Phantom of the Opera (Joel Schumacher, 2004) 6.25pm, Film4 A screen version of the Andrew Lloyd Webber stage musical? Yes, it is a bit of a horror show - gruesomely overproduced, with weird additions such as a confusing flashback structure and a little backstory for the Phantom (Gerard Butler). Gothic vaults abound, and Emmy Rossum is a weedy lead; but at least Minnie Driver's imperious diva is fun, and LW fans will love those lavish numbers. TV pick of the week Television (read more)